Furious Quins denied by controversial goal decision

CORK Harlequins’ European odyssey came to a controversial end yesterday when they lost to Belgian side Royal Dragons in their play-off game in Vienna.

With the sides deadlocked at 2-2 going into injury time, the Irish side scored what they thought was a last-gasp winner.

However, although the umpire allowed the goal, technical delegates overruled him on the grounds that the final hooter had sounded before the ball crossed the line. Dragons went on to win the tie on penalty strokes, 3-2, which means Ireland remain in Division B for 2006.