Rugby Union: Park coach banned from touchline for seven weeks

Oct 17 2007 by Ron Roby, Liverpool Daily Post

WEST PARK head coach Martin Jones has been banned from match-day coaching duties for seven weeks after being found guilty of abuse of match officials during the game at Morley RFC on Saturday, September 22.

An RFU disciplinary panel in Leeds found him guilty of a charge involving him leaving the technical area and was dismissed.

Jones can resume on December 4. His assistant coach Phil Boulton was also banned for three weeks for the same offence but can resume immediately.

The club represented by chief executive Rob Briers were exonerated by the panel chaired by Anthony Davies having been called to account for the behaviour of their officials.

Beverley’s James Mackay, who was sent off against West Park on October 7 for alleged striking and subsequent match official abuse, left the hearing without further punishment.

On the field the Mersey-siders are showing a lot of promise despite being dumped out of the EDF National Trophy at Westoe losing 28-27. Coach Jones said: “Despite defeat, I thought some of the new young lads did well.

“Danny Higham, 19, had a great debut as did Max Skofic who signed for us from Tarleton in the summer. Now we can concentrate on the league which is our bread and butter. We are entertaining Tynedale this weekend which should be a great game.”

The North Eastern side are top and undefeated and know they got the better of the Merseysiders in three outings last season.

Park’s selectors have almost a full squad to select from and this week there’s good news as skipper Stephen Briers returns for the second XV after recovering from ankle surgery.