Cricket ball fractures umpire's skull

John Whittaker was hit on the head by a throw from the boundary as he stood at square leg at Illingworth Cricket Club, Halifax, at the weekend.

The throw felled him, leaving him unconscious for two minutes as Illingworth wicket keeper Chris Bishop and team-mate Niall Lockley rushed to help and onlookers called for an ambulance.

Mr Whittaker, who is in his mid-60s, was taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he was being kept under observation in the neurological unit.

Halifax league secretary Keith Goulden, who witnessed the accident, said the players immediately ''went into first-aid mode, put him into the recovery position and covered him with blankets to keep him warm.

''When he started to come round they checked the vital signs. He was completely disorientated.''

The accident stopped play for 15 minutes with three overs to go in the first innings of the match between the first team and Harden in Division Two of the Airedale and Wharfedale League.

Mr Goulden took over the umpiring duties.