Rafiq concern

Rahan Rafik

GLODWICK professional Rehan Rafiq was taken to hospital after suffering a head injury during yesterday’s game against Austerlands.

The 35-year-old, from Pakistan, fell backwards on the outfield after a taking a catch and was knocked unconscious.

An ambulance was called to the ground off Warren Lane, Glodwick, and he was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital.

X-rays revealed no fracture to skull or neck, according to club officials, but he was kept in overnight for observation.

Glodwick chairman Dave Chaloner said: “Rehan caught the ball above his head close to the boundary, but unfortunately he overbalanced while doing so.

“A nurse in the crowd and our wicketkeeper Adam Brown, who is a physio at Rochdale, went to attend to him.

“It was very traumatic. Rehan couldn’t do anything to stop himself from falling backwards. Some of our players were in tears when they went over to see him.”

Highly-respected throughout the Saddleworth League, Rafiq has had many well-wishers on social media sites in the hours since the incident.

Mr Chaloner added: “The paramedics were at the scene very quickly, but it was very upsetting to see Rehan.

“I must say that Austerlands were very dignified, with their players, officials and spectators acting in a manner that was appropriate in such a situation.”

The umpires, Clive Senior and Brian Cutler, had no hesitation in abandoning the match, which was in its second innings, due to the concern over Rafiq’s injury.

Senior said: “It was quite a sickening bang when Rehan’s head hit the ground. People rushed to him, because they immediately knew something wasn’t right.

“Brian and I spoke to the two captains, Nigel Stock of Glodwick and Adam Young of Austerlands, and we all agreed that the right thing to do was abandon the game.”

Glodwick had made 223 for nine, batting first, while Austerlands were 185 for six, with four overs remaining of their innings.