WODONGA Diamonds’ 4-0 hiding of Albury City was marred by a horror collision that saw last year’s cup final best on ground Jesse Stephens unable to move in the centre of the pitch.
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Stephens and Albury City’s Nick Higgins were at full speed when they collided head-on about 10 minutes into the second half. Both were left l ying motionless.
The game was suspended for 45 minutes to allow an ambulance onto Jelbart Park.
Last night Stephens was undergoing a CAT scan to determine the extent of additional head injuries.
Diamonds were ahead 3-0 at the time of incident, the game finally resuming just after 5pm.
“It was a sickening head clash and as soon as we got to Jesse we could see his collarbone was badly broken,” coach Jimmy Bell said.
“Under the rules we had to play out the game and it was pretty tough for both teams but I told the boys they had to switch on for the last 30 minutes.
“I know Nick (Higgins) felt bad but there was nothing malicious.
“Jesse had been among our best but Darcy Pawlik was also having his best game for us against his old team, while Mason Nhansana and Jason Colomberas were getting back to their best.”