Recap

Dirty Reds win marred by horrific injury

By CHRIS GORDON

The Goulburn Dirty Reds first-grade side finished victors in a dramatically time-reduced game of rugby at Jamison Oval after a horrific injury to a Wests player.

Roughly 19 minutes into the match with Goulburn ahead by 10-5, a Wests player experienced a devastating ankle injury that saw his foot rotated 180 degrees and pointing backwards.

The match was stopped for around 50 minutes while ambulance staff were called, and upon arrival they stabilised the player for transport to hospital.

With no injury time given in this grade, the match restarted with just 10 minutes remaining but then five minutes later it was stopped again, this time for good,  with a Wests player suffering from a neck/head injury and unable to be removed from the ground.

In all, the match consisted of only 24 minutes of game time. Due to the shortened match, Goulburn was unable to achieve what has been a regular feature this season … a bonus point for scoring four tries. But in the context of this man’s injury, it’s just football. Best wishes go out from the Goulburn Rugby Club for a swift recovery.

By agreement amongst the players, no Best and Fairest points or Players Players Award were given out for the game.

The Dirty Reds first-grade side remains undefeated and, along with the club’s other grades, has next week off before returning to action on 24 July for Sponsor’s Day.

Photos: PETE OLIVER