PFNL 2018: Pinjarra, Halls Head split points after game called off in first quarter

Mullen went down with a dislocated knee cap just 17 minutes into the game, requiring an ambulance to see to the injury.

A 30-minute wait for the paramedics led to umpires calling the game off, with Peel Football and Netball League bylaws stating if a game is unable recommence within that time frame it is to be forfeited.

As the game was called to a close prior to half time, it counts as a draw with each side splitting the four points with two apiece.

However the score, which stood at 3.1 (19) to 1.1 (7) in Halls Head’s favour, will count towards each team’s percentage.

The result could have huge ramifications on each side’s ladder position down the stretch, with both holding finals aspirations.

Halls Head’s two premiership points keeps them in fourth spot, but only half a game clear of Centrals and South Mandurah opposed to what might have been a full four points.

Pinjarra on the other hand move two points ahead of Rockingham, who took a shock loss to the Blues, missing out on an opportunity to move a game clear into second spot.

To make things even more interesting, Pinjarra will play Rockingham this coming round, and could slump to outright third with a loss or move six points ahead of the Rams with a win.

Tigers coach Troy Vidovich said it was a frustrating situation, but not one his team would be dwelling on with their top-three clash against the Rams just days away.

“I think for both teams you just want the chance to win and the chance to keep playing, but the league bylaws are pretty clear and we’ve had to adhere to them,” he said.

“Really, it is what it is and there’s not much to be done about it, so we’ll move on and get ready for Rockingham, which was already an important game for us.”

Peel Football and Netball League general manager Geoff Hiller backed the umpires decision to cancel the match.

“In the end the process took 60-plus minutes, so the right decision was made to call the game (off),” he said.