A PROBE has been launched into claims a referee was assaulted after disallowing a last-minute try in a title-deciding rugby match.

The under-16s game between Westcliff Rugby Club and Rochford Hundred finished dramatically at Westcliff Rugby Club in Aviation Way, Southend.

The drama unfolded after the official did not award a try, worth five points, to Westcliff in the dying seconds of Sunday’s match.

This left Rochford 12-8 winners of the Essex Junior League division one. However, if the try had counted then the home side would have been crowned champions.

On the Echo’s rugby Facebook page – Echo Rugby Pack – a comment left said: “I would like to thank all those at Westcliff RFC for making things so welcoming today.

“Not only did they provide us with a cracking game (which Rochford won) but a full on boxing match Westcliff v The Ref!!! Great example!! Well done Rochford.”

A Rochford Hundred fan, who wished to stay anonymous, said: “When the try was not awarded and the final whistle went, all hell broke loose. I stood next to the ref to try and help him out, but then a home fan came over and said he would kill him.”

A watching supporter who did not want to be named said: “At the final whistle, players were shoving the ref before he walked off in disgust. I had never seen that before on a rugby pitch.”

A club spokesman said no-one from the club had seen what happened, but they are investigating.

Geoff Sawyer, press officer for Westcliff Rugby Club, said: “If any physical violence comes to light, heavy action will be taken.

“We were told of an incident with one of our players verbally abusing the ref afterwards, which we are looking into. If we do find the player, he will be subject to a ban.”

Essex Referee’s Society chairman, Alan Gold, said: “Referees are supplied by the club, and not the society, for Sunday league games, but I will track down who he was and make sure he fills in a referee abuse form. I imagine Westcliff would then be invited to attend a discipline hearing.”