A footballer was last night critically ill in a Boston hospital after sustaining horrific head injuries in an accidental collision at White Hill Field.

Somerset Eagles goalkeeper Gabriel Wilkinson is said to have suffered a fractured skull and swelling on the brain and is now at Boston Lahey Clinic with his worried parents at his bedside.

His father Garry Wilkinson, a former May 24 Marathon Derby champion, flew out with the victim after doctors at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital deemed his injuries needed specialist treatment.

His mother headed out yesterday.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened on Sunday when the knee of an opponent from Ireland Rangers struck Mr. Wilkinson on the head.

Progressive Labour Party Senator Marc Bean, who is president of Somerset Bridge Recreation Club and watched the collision unfold, told The Royal Gazette: "He left the field in a very, very, very critical condition.

"The ball was going across the box and when he (Mr. Wilkinson) came out to collect it down low he was struck in the temple by the knee of an Ireland Rangers player.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Gabriel and his family at this moment. You never expect these things to occur in sport, but there are risks in all sports.

"This accident definitely wasn't intentional and we just hope he has a full and speedy recovery."

Sen. Bean said of Mr. Wilkinson's family: "Understandably, they are very shaken. They are praying for him to recover."

Mr. Wilkinson, aged in his mid 20s, is a physical education teacher at Berkeley Institute and a track and field athlete, winning medals and breaking national records for throwing.

His father represented Bermuda in the 1978 Commonwealth Games and won the Island's May 24 Marathon Derby race the following year.

He is considered one of the Island's finest long distance runners.