CLUB presidents in the Horsham District Football Netball League have applauded a display of sportsmanship and "country spirit" during the under-17 football match between Kalkee and Swifts on Saturday.
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The match was called-off after two junior players collided and clashed heads in a contest in the third quarter.
An ambulance was called for Kalkee's Daniel Bolwell who was concussed and had feared spinal injuries.
Kalkee president Heath Martin said Bolwell was later cleared of serious injury.
"I spoke to Daniel's father last night and it was a concussion, but he was cleared of any neck or spinal injuries which is great news," Martin said.
"I talked to the Swifts president late in the afternoon and their player was also back at the ground and watching the senior game, which was great to hear."
Martin said the way the two clubs reacted to the incident was an excellent display of what country football was about.
"The way the Swifts trainers and hierarchy conducted themselves in supporting our player was just fantastic," Martin said.
It was an illustration of true country spirit.
- Kalkee president, Heath Martin
"It was an illustration of true country spirit within sport.
"It was just fantastic from both clubs to put the health of the players above the game."
Kalkee lead the contest 4.4 (28) to 6.6 (42) in the third term when the match was abandoned. The Kees officially received the win and the four premiership points.
"I look at it, and four points is neither here nor there in any sport - player welfare is the top priority," Martin said.
Swifts president Steve Hoffman said conceding the loss was not a concern.
"In the end the result doesn't matter - player safety is the most important thing," Hoffman said on Saturday afternoon.
"The trainers decided it was not safe to move the Kalkee player and called for the ambulance to attend.
"We hope the player is okay. Our thoughts are with him, his family and teammates."