SPORTS NEWS - The second round of the Karoo Sub-union Regional League fixtures ended on Saturday 29 July when teams played their final games to determine their positions on the southern region's tournament log. 

The Steytlerville Barbarians retained top position despite their 40 - 14 defeat against Klipplaat United on Klipplaat's home ground. 

The Steytlerville Barbarians have 35 log points, followed by Steytlerville United on 33, Graaff-Reinet Hampshires on 28, Klipplaat United on 22, Jansenville Kudu's on 9 and Pearston Villagers on 8.

'No referee, no game'

The final games were meant to be played on 22 July but were postponed after the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) decided to postpone all games - club and schools - scheduled for that day. At the time the EPRU apologised for the provincial measure, stating that they cannot administer, promote, and encourage the playing of rugby in their area of jurisdiction if no referees were appointed.

The EPRU said there were indications that some referees were abused verbally, physically, or both. "We want to assure our stakeholders that we did our utmost to prevent this unfortunate situation," the union said. At a meeting on Monday 24 July, the ERPU emphasised that referees and their assistants need to be respected. "If there is no referee, there will be no game." All parties were allowed to put forward their respective views and it was agreed that rugby would be played under the EPRU's auspices and jurisdiction.

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