TWO rugby teams had to switch pitches half way through a game when one of their players was badly injured.

Otliensians scrum-half and goalkicker Tim Swann broke both shin bones during an accidental clash during the game against Leeds Corinthians at Otley on Saturday.

Fifteen minutes into the second-half, the Swann made a break down the centre but in trying to jump over a low tackle clattered his right leg into the defender, breaking both shin bones.

Swann could not be moved and lay in agony for nearly an hour while the emergency services tried to sort out whether to transport him by helicopter or ambulance.

It was finally decided that it was too dark to use the helicopter and the player was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance.

Later he underwent a six-and-a-half hour operation when the bones were re-set, a pin inserted from his knee to his ankle and bone splinters were removed from blood

vessels.

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