EFL Premier Division: Norwood-Doncaster East match abandoned after collision

A second EFL match has been abandoned in as many weeks following a sickening on-field clash which saw paramedics called on Saturday.

A second match was abandoned in as many weeks in the Eastern league on Saturday following a sickening collision.

The Premier Division fixture between Norwood and Doncaster East at Mullum Mullum Reserve was called off midway through the final quarter after two players were knocked out and paramedics were called.

Norwood captain Rhett Jordon and teammate James Feltham collided in an “innocent” contest “which resulted in both sustaining nasty head contact”, Norwood president Mark Etherington said.

The match ended in a draw with the scores locked at 7.9 (51) apiece at the time of its termination.

“The game was halted whilst the trainers from both teams attended to and stabilised the players who were both knocked out,” Etherington said.

“Given the time that had lapsed and the need for ambulance assistance both Doncaster East and Norwood officials made the logical decision to terminate the game.

“The welfare of all players was the only priority with the result of the game a distant secondary consideration.”

Norwood’s Rhett Jordon in action. Picture: AAP/ Chris Eastman

The incident comes after last round’s clash between Doncaster East and Balwyn was also abandoned, with the Tigers’ Eli Templeton suffering a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.

Etherington said both Jordon and Feltham were “taken to hospital for scans and treatment” but “the extent of some of the injuries and need for surgery is yet to be confirmed.”

Both players have since been discharged from hospital.

Etherington commended the care shown by both clubs.

“I’d like to commend the professional work of both Norwood and Doncaster East officials and medical teams in managing the serious situation that was unfolding,” he said.

Doncaster East has slid to fifth on the ladder following the draw – two points and five per cent behind South Croydon in fourth – with one home-and-away round to play.

Meanwhile, Norwood (seventh) has closed the gap to four points on Blackburn (sixth) in its bid to feature in finals for the first time since 2015. It meets South Croydon next weekend.