UMPIRES have abandoned the CHFL senior encounter between Hepburn and Beaufort early in the last quarter after a melee.
The Courier’s correspondent John McGregor, who was at Hepburn covering the match, said the umpires made the call after a “rolling melee” formed 10 minutes into the term.
Hepburn was in full control of the contest at the time, leading 16.13 (109) to Beaufort’s 3.2 (20).
Central Highlands Football League administrator Gerard Ryan said the scores would remain, given the match was called off after half time.
The melee occurred after Hepburn star Andy McKay was yellow carded for wrestling, but he refused to leave the field.
The melee, involving almost every player on the field, then broke out.
McGregor said the umpires tried to break up the fight by throwing up the ball, but were ignored by all the players.
The match was abandoned soon after, with Hepburn holding a 89 point lead, and subsequently winning by that margin.
It is my belief (rule) if the game is abandoned after half time the leading team wins the game.

This rule needs modification, imagine a grand final or a team needing the four points to make the finals and are leading (after half time). At that particular time all you need to do is start a brawl or create some indiscretion so as the game is abandoned and you win the match simply because you are leading after the half time break.

One simple quick fix, the offending player who is red/yellow carded will not leave the ground after being directed by the umpire the game is called off ( after reasonable consultation with the offending player) and the opposition receive the four points.
ONE player cannot and is not above the body of the rules and laws of this great game. This is a very selfish act on the part of the offending player. (is he bigger than the game. I don’t think so!
Swooper