ANDY Barnard’s joy at getting off the mark with a six quickly turned to horror as he watched the ball soar over the boundary … and pole axe his own father who was scoring.
The dramatic incident happened while Painswick 2nds were away to Oakridge in a Division Seven AMS Gloucestershire County League game.
Andy, who is chair of Painswick, said: “I’m not particularly quick these days between the wickets but I absolutely flew off the pitch. It was pretty scary thinking that I might have killed my own Dad.”
Although the ball hit Richard, universally known as ‘Mac’, on his neck between his shoulder blades, thankfully he was OK to continue scoring the match which eventually ended in a ten-run victory for Painswick.
Andy added: “I thought the ball was going to land on the roof of the pavilion which at Oakridge is at midwicket, but at the very last minute it dipped and dropped to hit Dad who collapsed to the ground.
“Fortunately he did not lose consciousness and although he was left with a big bruise, he was able to see the funny side of it all.
“He’s now in his mid 70s and been involved with cricket all his life, he absolutely loves the sport and was playing right up until before covid.
“Years ago he was hit in the head and had to have 20 stitches above his eye so he said what happened Saturday wasn’t even the worst injury he’s had while playing!”