BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
A referee of an English Championship rugby match was knocked unconscious by the ball leading to the match being abandoned on Saturday.
Alex Thomas,who has officiated games in the men’s and women’s premierships, was struck in the head by a clearing kick from Hartpury fly-half Harry Bazalgate and the match against hosts Ampthill was eventually called off after 28 minutes in Bedfordshire.
Medical staff administered treatment on the field before Thomas was taken from the field on a stretcher.
“Our thoughts are with Alex for a swift recovery,” Ampthill said in a statement on the club website.
“We appreciate that the decision is disappointing for supporters who have travelled to the game but our priority is for health of the players and match officials.”
Hartpury were leading the game 14-0.
