An elite cricket coach is seeking more than £200,000 in compensation after being crushed by a heavy bowling machine during a training session at a private school on the Isle of Wight. Andrew Woodward, a former Derbyshire bowler, claims he sustained multiple injuries in February 2023 when a 75kg 'Bola' training machine toppled over and pinned him.
The incident occurred at Ryde School, the island's only boarding school, where Mr Woodward was setting up the machine for an under-12s county coaching session. The device, which stands over 7ft tall on a tripod and can simulate bowling at speeds up to 95mph, fell as he was positioning it in the school's sports hall.
Mr Woodward, 57, suffered extensive bruising, soft tissue damage to his left knee and neck, and a lower back injury causing severe pain and restricted movement. He also reports enduring psychological symptoms including low mood, anxiety and reduced confidence. He is now suing the Isle of Wight Cricket Board Ltd, his employer, alleging negligence for failing to provide adequate lifting equipment or assistance.
The Cricket Board has accepted a breach of duty in not providing a trolley to move the machine, but disputes that the accident caused the extensive injuries claimed. Mr Woodward's barrister, Mark Lomas, told the court that the coach had to transport the machine in its wooden box without assistance, and lost his balance while manoeuvring it across the hall.
Before the accident, Mr Woodward had been named an England and Wales Cricket Board coach of the year in 2022 for his work with young people during the pandemic. He claims the injuries have severely impacted his ability to coach at an elite level and caused substantial loss of income. The case is set for a full trial unless a settlement is reached.
