First rugby 'own try' in National Rugby Championship after referee's blunder

The National Rugby Championship is claiming the world's first "own try" after a refereeing blunder led to North Harbour Rays forward Mitch Lewis touching down for the Sydney Stars.

The Rays were defending their line at a ruck during the match at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney on Thursday evening when Lewis tore the ball free and placed it back on his own try line.

Referee Ian Smith, who was unsighted, consulted the TV official and prop Lewis was left dumbfounded when a try was awarded to the Stars rather than a five-metre scrum.

The howler did not prove decisive as the Stars turned out 49-40 winners for their first victory in their final match of the inaugural season, the try officially awarded to their hooker James Willan.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-1...in-nrc/5821736

Now with video:

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...16-117e99.html

I see a Twitter from Brett Sheehan asking if the TMO was Angus Gardiner :)

Im surprised it wasnt George Ayub

I heard the ref say "Michael"

I thought his last name was Freddy ;)

And the good news is the standard of reffing is improving!