Hanks, Hipkiss and Classens’ cases all dismissed

Exeter James Hanks and Bath duo Dan Hipkiss and Michael Classens disciplinary cases have all been dismissed tonight.
Hanks had been cited for ‘making contact with the eye or eye area’ of Saracens‘ Steve Borthwick during Sunday’s match against Saracens at Sandy Park.
Hipkiss and Classens were cited for an alleged tip tackle on Jamie Gibson and kick on Matt Garvey respectively during their game against London Irish on Saturday.
On the Hanks’ incident, Judge Jeff Blackett said: “The panel concluded that James Hanks’ finger did make contact with Steve Borthwick‘s eye.
“However, the contact occurred in a dynamic situation during a ruck, when James Hanks was driving forward and putting his hand down to prevent him from falling over. The contact was entirely accidental.”
Meanwhile, on the Hipkiss and Classens’ incidents, he said: “On review of the DVD the panel determined that Dan Hipkiss did not drop or drive Jamie Gibson’s head and/or upper body in to the ground. Dan Hipkiss tackled Jamie Gibson such that he landed on his back.
“The panel also determined that the contact between Michael Claassens and Matt Garvey was a clumsy collision. Michael Claassens’ movements were defensive and he made contact with knee and arms. He did not kick Matt Garvey.”