Umpires cancel Cardinals `winner'
League leaders Cardinals.
The decision by match umpires to disallow what would have been the winning goal by Cardinals' Laura Bardgett moments from the end caused the furore, although nothing came of the protests.
A period of intense pressure around the Orioles' goalmouth appeared to have paid off as Bardgett put the ball over the line. However, consultation between the two officials resulted in the goal being disallowed due to an infringement by Bardgett.
Still, Cardinals had only themselves to blame as it was their ineptness in attack that allowed the result to land in the hands of the umpires.
Their dominance simply went to waste with no one able to supply the required finish to extinguish obviously overmatched opposition.
Taking advantage of their slip were Canaries, who moved to within three points of the top spot on the strength of a 5-0 mauling of a short-handed Longtails outfit.
Rhonda Rawlins proved unstoppable and generally a nightmare for the Longtails' defence, exploding for four goals, while Sarah Northcott rounded out the scoring.
In B League play, Canaries won their eighth match in 11 outings, stretching their division lead to six points over Swifts with a 3-1 triumph over Police Orioles.
Claire Desmond opened the scoring and was followed by Georgi Barbosa and Samantha Adams. Zina Jones netted a consolation tally for Orioles.
Swifts moved into second place courtesy of a 1-0 win over Cardinals as Anna Anton sealed the two points with an early second half strike.
A friendly match on Saturday witnessed the Under-21 team defeat Bluebirds 1-0 on a goal from Caroline Black.
The BLHA have announced the following training squad to prepare for a July tour of Canada: Sharon Smith, Belthea Pringle, Helen Farrington, Lori Morris (all Longtails); Tracey McPhee, Jobs Verkaaik, Maria Pichery (Cardinals); Sarah Northcott, Michelle Ming, Jacqui White, Edna Joell (Canaries); Linda Russell, Anne-Marie Ivanoff, Sarah Smith, Sarah Moiltby (Bluebirds); Lisa Young, Heidi Lynam, Marcia Ford, Mary-Ellen Jackkson, Nikita Evans, Fiona Doe, Lisa Ray (Orioles); Ivor Bolton (manager); Craig Burt, Steve Moreton (coaches).