Rockets hurting
FORD SUFFERS HEAD BLOW IN MASSIVE LOSS
BARWON Rockets star Mitch Ford has been ruled out of the final match in the under-18 state championships after suffering concussion in yesterday’s 150-run defeat to Northern Rivers.
Ford suffered blurred vision and felt ill after being struck in the head and neck in two separate incidents during the Round 3 clash at Geelong Cricket Ground yesterday.
“He got hit with a bouncer and then he went for a quick single and they threw it in from the boundary line and it hit him in the back of the neck,” Rockets coach Bryan Thomas said. “He’s in a bit of trouble right now and he won’t play tomorrow (today).
“We checked him out after he got hit and he didn’t want to go off. But he just couldn’t see the ball and he got out lbw.
“Our team manager, Mark Duggan, looked after him until his Mum came over but he was in bad shape after we left. We think he’s got a mild concussion.”
Ford’s injury compounded an already difficult week for the Rockets, who suffered their third-straight loss with the thrashing by Northern Rivers.
The visitors compiled 5-280 after winning the toss before routing the Rockets for 130.
Ford was the only one to pass 30 for Barwon, making 38 from 73 balls.
Thomas was again critical of his charges, who have failed to fire a shot in the tournament.
“They haven’t improved from their bad performance on day one,” Thomas said.
“I thought they might show something, but they haven’t. I’m not sure whether it’s education at club level or desire but there’s just no energy.
“I don’t know what’s going on. I’m a bit confused because in the 20 years I’ve been doing it I don’t normally misjudge talent and I reckon it’s a talented squad but they just haven’t performed.
“Ben Drenovac has had a great week. He opened the batting and he looked to make his mark and got burnt and he was still angry as he left the ground and that’s what we want.
“So they’ve got one more day to prove themselves as a group. We’ve picked the best talent in the region, but we haven’t bowled one side of the pitch and they’ve thrown their wickets away.”
The Rockets will play Metro Outer South in the final match of the carnival at Toorak Park today. LONG WALK: Northern Rivers celebrate the wicket of Rocket Nathan Pearson yesterday. Picture: MARK WILSON