Elite Cricket Coach Seeks £200,000 Damages Following Isle Of Wight Bowling Machine Accident

A respected cricket coach is seeking £200,000 in damages after alleging negligence by a cricket organisation led to a serious workplace accident on the Isle of Wight that he says has had lasting physical and psychological consequences.

Andrew Woodward, 57, a former Derbyshire bowler and long-standing figure in Island cricket, has launched legal action following an incident in early 2023 involving a bowling machine during a coaching session at Ryde School.

Court proceedings have heard that Mr Woodward was preparing equipment for an Under-12 cricket session when he attempted to move a heavy bowling machine.

During the process, he reportedly lost control of the equipment, fell backwards and sustained injuries to his lower back, neck and left knee.

He was later taken to hospital for treatment.

Mr Woodward claims the injuries have had a significant impact on his professional and personal life, affecting both his ability to work and his mental wellbeing.

According to court submissions, he has been unable to continue coaching and participating in cricket-related activities to the same extent as before the incident, resulting in an ongoing loss of income.

Representing Mr Woodward, barrister Mark Lomas told the court the accident occurred while his client was manoeuvring the machine across a sports hall without appropriate assistance equipment.

The Telegraph reports that the Isle of Wight Cricket Board has admitted negligence in failing to provide a wheelie trolley for transporting the machine.

However, the board disputes the extent of the injuries and challenges claims that Mr Woodward’s longer-term physical and psychological difficulties stem directly from the incident.

The case continues before the courts.

Mr Woodward was recognised by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2022 for his contribution to promoting cricket on the Isle of Wight and has been regarded as an influential figure in the local sporting community.

The outcome of the legal proceedings may determine not only liability, but also the extent to which organisations are expected to safeguard staff and coaches handling sports equipment in educational and training environments.