RYLANDS Sharks head coach Matt Wilson has called on his players to beat Oldham St Annes on Saturday for their stricken teammate Jack Lewis.

Their game at Clock Face Miners on Friday was abandoned just after half-time when the 23-year-old suffered a horrendous leg injury.

Lewis has had surgery on the injury but Wilson says the club is doing all it can to help him get back on his feet.

“Jack suffered a triple leg break and a dislocated ankle when playing on Friday night just after half time,” he said.

“He had surgery on Sunday and left the hospital on Tuesday.

“It’s times like this you realise the sacrifices amateur rugby league players make for our club.

“The score was 12-0 to Clock Face but we were just about to score when this happened to Jack.

“The club are rallying round him and will be looking to win this weekend’s game for Spud.

“He is employed but doesn’t receive sick pay so as a club we are looking to raise funds for him.”

Rylands have organised a fundraising afternoon in aid of Lewis at Cromwells Bar on Bridge Street on Sunday, June 25.

The event starts at 2pm and encompasses a race afternoon, an auction and bingo. Admission costs £3.

No new date has been agreed for the rearranged Clock Face game, but attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to 10th-places St Annes.

The abandonment of Friday’s game means Sharks have slipped from top to third in National Conference League Division Three, with West Bowling and Stanningley overtaking them.

However, Wilson’s side now have two games in hand on their rivals and sit just one point behind them.

Meanwhile, Rylands Sharks A face a ‘derby’ match on Saturday as they welcome Culcheth Eagles to Gorsey Lane, kick off 3pm.

A Crowdfunding page has been set up to take donations in aid of Lewis and can be found at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Jacklewis.

Warrington Guardian:

Ambulance crews tend to Rylands player Jack Lewis at Clock Face on Friday. Picture by Mike Dean