Gordon Gekko wrote:It had to be given as a try because as i understand it the VR cannot deem a tackle complete unless there is clear evidence ie ball carrying elbow touching the floor. Silverwood not calling held meant the only decision the VR could give was a try.
There are many instances of momentum seemingly being stopped in the tackle only for the ball carrier to go with a second effort. The completion of the tackle is the refs call only. He did not call held, so the try should have been awarded, imho.
No mention of the Referee having to call held in the Rules.
Perhaps Silverwood was of the opinion Higham was succumbing to the tackle.
SECTION 11
THE TACKLE AND PLAY-THE-BALL
Tackle player 1. A player in possession may be tackled by an
in possession opposing player or players. It is illegal to tackle or
obstruct a player who is not in possession.
When tackled: 2. A player in possession is tackled:
Grounded (a) when he is held by one or more opposing players
and the ball or the hand or arm holding the ball
comes into contact with the ground.
Upright (b) when he is held by one or more opposing players
in such a manner that he can make no further
progress and cannot part with the ball.
Succumbing (c) when, being held by an opponent, the tackled
player makes it evident that he has succumbed to
the tackle and wishes to be released in order to
play the ball.
Hand on player (d) when he is lying on the ground and an opponent
already grounded places a hand on him.
