Cricketer's death 'cruellest tragedy'

Phillip Govier: a talented young sportsman

A Suffolk cricketer suffered fatal head injuries as he collided with a fellow player, an inquest heard on Friday.

Team captain Julian Mason said he thought Phillip Govier's head hit the fielder's knee as each tried to make a catch during a game last month.

Phillip, a sixth-form student from Hoxne, Suffolk, fractured his skull in the freak accident.

The 17-year-old died in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, a few days later.

Phil was motionless. I asked him to speak to me but he couldn't

Cricket captain Julian Mason

"It was just a tragic event. Two totally committed players trying to do their best for their team-mates," Mr Mason told the inquest in Norwich.

Coroner William Armstrong, recording a verdict of misadventure, said the youngster's death was the "cruellest tragedy".

The keen sportsman was playing for Diss Second XI against another Norfolk side, Downham Market, when the accident happened on 25 May.

"One fielder was reaching out in front of him and Phil was coming from the side and he dived forward to get the ball," Mr Mason said.

'Talented youngster'

As the ball dropped they collided with each other and both fell to the ground.

"Initially both players were motionless and then the other fielder stood up and started rubbing his leg.

"Phil was motionless. I asked him to speak to me but he couldn't."

Mr Armstrong said: "This was a freak occurrence of course, the cruellest tragedy that such a talented youngster should have met his death doing what he loved best."