During a recent rugby game in the Scottish Borders, a rare own goal was scored in the dying seconds of the match. Hawick Youth were leading by two points before a conversion attempt by the home team led to the ball falling short. As Hawick ran to celebrate their win, their scrum-half accidentally knocked the ball over the crossbar, resulting in the conversion being awarded to Gala and the match ending in a draw.
Match referee Malcolm Changleng commented that in his 30-year career, he had never seen such an incident occur in rugby. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media platform Twitter, with over five million views.
Although the Hawick scrum-half accidentally knocked the ball over the post, a lesser-known rugby law ensured that the conversion still counted. The rule stipulates that if the opposition team touches the ball during a conversion and the kick is successful, the goal stands.
As Mr Changleng blew the final whistle, the maroon of Gala were cheering while the Hawick team was left stunned. Despite leading for the majority of the game, the unforeseen own goal resulted in a draw. The referee stated that Hawick’s scrum-half would learn from the experience.
The match marks a unique moment in rugby history, according to the referee. While it may not have been the outcome both teams were hoping for, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement present in the world of sport
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