It’s a tie? What happened at the end of the 2023 grand final that led to extra time being played

It was a case of ecstasy to agony for Railways following a chaotic end to the Great Northern Football League grand final. Railways were on top of the world when the siren sounded on the thrilling grand final, thinking they had pulled out a one-point victory, before the umpires gathered to add one final twist in the tale. After a brief consultation, the umpires confirmed the scores were actually level and the Blues and Rams would have to play an extra 10 minutes, with Northampton storming home for the win. The epic grand final descended into confusion at the final siren, with the scoreboard showing Railways ahead 9.6 (60) to 9.5 (59) and fans rushing on to the field as the Blues celebrated. The goal umpires met in the middle and both confirmed the scoreline of 9.6 (60) apiece on their cards, so the field had to be cleared and an extra 10 minutes played out, with Northampton kicking three goals to win the game and the premiership. The confusion was caused halfway through the fourth quarter as Northampton kicked their ninth goal of the game and brought their score to 9.6 (60), which was shown on the scoreboard, but not long after a point was taken away and the scoreboard showed 9.5 (59). GNFL president Carrissa Bellottie said after the game the goal umpires met in the middle to check if their scores matched the scoreboard. “The goal umpires must come and wave off to the scoreboard attendant whether the scores are correct or not,” she said. “In this instance, the scores where incorrect on the scoreboard and on their scorecard it said the scores were even, hence why we had to go into overtime ... which led to a change in the winner at the end of the day. “The rules are the rules and we need to stick to what it says in our rulebook. “It is unfortunate that Railways walked away with the loss today, however well done to Northampton for breaking thire 19-year drought.”