yesterday when dozens of bottles hurled onto the pitch by angry fans forced the abandonment of a First Division game between Devonshire Cougars and Devonshire Colts.

Referee Rex Osborne and linesman Lawrence DeShields were both targeted after a consultation between they disallowed an equalising goal by Maxwell Dill of Cougars.

Devonshire Rec. club and team officials moved swiftly once play was halted after 82 minutes and escorted the two officials to safety as an avalanche of bottles were thrown in their direction, some from fans who ran on to the playing ground.

Some spectators tried to get within striking range of the officials, but other than being shoved, abused and spat at, the referee and his linesmen were able to leave the ground unharmed. More than 50 bottles were counted on the field.

Devonshire Cougars co-coaches Mark Jennings and Vanbi Holdipp said last night they were disturbed by the incident and expressed disappointment at the fans' reaction.

"We must learn that you can't win all the time, and that you must respect the ruling of the officials even though we didn't agree with this particular one,'' said Jennings.

"We at Devonshire Rec. certainly do not condone any of the violence that took place, and regard it as being unfortunate.''