SPECTATORS at Netherdale on Saturday witnessed one of the most extraordinary climaxes ever seen to a game of rugby.
The bizarre incident – which has amassed millions of views online – came during a match between Gala Wanderers and Hawick Youth.
A hugely entertaining game saw the visitors leading 33-31 after a last-minute Gala try.
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The hosts needed a difficult conversion in the rain from the corner to level the score.
Rory Wilson’s attempt looked to be falling well short of the target when the Hawick Number 9 booted the ball in delight and ran off to celebrate the victory with his team-mates.
Clock is in the red. Gala score to make it 31-33 with the conversion still to take. Conversion it taken and looks to be short. Hawick scrum half volleys the ball clean between the uprights, conversion is given. Full-time score: Gala Wanderers 33-33 Hawick Youth#WeAreMaroon https://t.co/jGYn3HylaH
— Gala Rugby (@Gala_Rugby) September 30, 2023
But unfortunately for him, he sliced his effort and diverted the ball over the crossbar.
After giving the matter some thought, the referee – former Scottish international official Malcolm Changleng – awarded the conversion and the match finished all square.
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Awarding the "crazy" conversion, in the clip he explained that it was effectively the same as a player tapping it over with their hands.
The film of the incident taken by Gala’s Ruaridh Anderson has gone viral on social media.
Popular Test referee Nigel Owens confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that the decision was "spot on".
The clip has been viewed more than five million times on YouTube.
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