Spalding RFC’s first game of the new Midlands Two East (South) season was abandoned after just 13 minutes on Saturday following a nasty injury to Huntingdon’s Jack Skidmore following a horrible collision with a team-mate.
The score was 5-5 between the two sides at the Memorial Field before two visiting players collided and both suffered head injuries, resulting in an ambulance needing to be called.
Huntingdon’s fly-half Skidmore came off the worst and was suffering from concussion and lack of feeling in his left arm before being taken to hospital – but thankfully he was released later on Saturday evening.
The game will now be replayed on October 8.
Both teams came into the clash without having played a pre-season fixture, due to the start of the season being moved forward.
Showing only one new face in the pack, Andy Fuller at hooker, Spalding were soon into their stride – pinning Huntingdon back with forceful drives by the forwards and within the opening minutes the visitors were defending their try line.
Jordan Templer was forced back going for a try, fly-half Connall Mason was stopped and captain George Brown, with a forceful burst, was also held up.
Finally, scrum-half Adam Sutcliffe snipped around the blind side of a ruck to touch down after two minutes of non-stop play.
However, Huntingdon were looking strong in the scrum and crucified Town, turning over possession and allowing their fly-half to start a good backs move and, after some poor Spalding tackles, the visitors drew level after six minutes.
Then came the nasty clash of heads, with the referee having no choice but to end the game early and focus on player safety.
Spalding are back in action this Saturday when they visit Luton (3pm).
