NIRRANDA defender Nick Walsh was in hospital on Saturday afternoon after coming off second-best in a sickening collision with a teammate.
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Walsh and Aidan Cole collided while attempting a spoil late in the third quarter of the Old Collegians-Nirranda clash at Davidson Oval.
He suffered almost-immediate concussion but had regained consciousness by the time paramedics transported him to Warrnambool Base Hospital.
The incident overshadowed Old Collegians' crucial 13.11 (89) to 7.11 (53) triumph, set up with an Aaron Williams-inspired 6.1-to-2.4 first term.
Williams kicked two goals and had a hand in two others during the burst. Teenager Ben Rantall was also damaging during the period.
Nirranda worked its way back into the contest but were never closer than about three goals. Key injuries also played a part in the result.
Rick Spokes (three goals) limped off in the third quarter, robbing the Blues' forward line - which was already missing Jesse Dalton - of potency.
With Dalton, Spokes and Walsh potentially sidelined, they face a tricky test against a resurgent South Rovers next weekend.
Jack Spokes was the Blues' best player. Onballers Danny Craven, Dylan Lees and Jason Lee also worked hard, as did Mitch Couch up forward.
Josh Stapleton led the Warriors' scoring with four goals, including a bomb from 50 metres. Williams and Matt Petherick kicked three each.
Colby Rix was their leading contributor but was one of plenty. Justin Lynch was damaging while Scott Williams and Paul Campbell held up the backline.
Elsewhere, Allansford survived an almighty scare to prevail against a gutsy South Rovers 13.8 (86) to 12.11 (83) at Allansford.
The lead changed several times in the second half, and South Rovers led by as much as 12 points in the third term.
The Cats booted the next four to snatch the advantage but the Lions countered with three goals of their own, to lead by four points.
But Brad Williams and Matt Lenehan ensured their would be no upset. Their goals late in the last quarter put Allansford nine points up.
A late goal to Mark Murphy brought the margin to within a straight kick. But the Cats held on to remain unbeaten and on top.
Murphy led all goalkickers with five, taking his season tally to 34. Darren Kelly kicked three for the Cats in a best-on-ground performance.
Up the Princes Highway, Merrivale showed off its premiership credentials by brushing aside Kolora-Noorat 17.18 (120) to 8.6 (54) at Noorat.
Jet Dowie booted five goals for the Tigers while Mark Clissold snagged four for the Power.
The second thriller was at Timboon, where Timboon Demons fought back from 20 points down at quarter-time to win 13.4 (82) to 10.13 (73).
A five-goals-to-three final term proved the difference, with the Bombers left to rue their inaccuracy during the middle two terms.
Panmure posted its second win of the season by beating Deakin University 27.22 (184) to 3.7 (25) at D. C. Farran Oval.
Bulldogs coach David Haynes and Sam Mahony kicked five goals each for the victors, who named Tom Wright as their best.
And five goals from Justin Wallace spearheaded Dennington to a 18.13 (121) to 4.4 (28) win against Russells Creek at Mack Oval.
In the A grade netball, Kolora-Noorat won the match of the round against Merrivale 36-28 to hold onto third spot on the ladder.
Old Collegians overcome an early test from Nirranda to prevail 50-38 while Deakin University kept its finals hopes alive by beating Panmure 47-34.
Dennington accounted for Russells Creek 47-21, Timboon Demons defeated East Warrnambool 76-20 and Allansford saw off South Rovers 42-24.