Two cricketers brutally attacked in Oldham town centre

The attack happened on Yorkshire Street. Picture courtesy of Google Street View

Two cricketers who ply their trade in Oldham have been left needing hospital treatment, including one who needed season ending surgery, after they were the subject of a brutal attack while on a night out in the town centre.

The pair, who both play for Shaw Cricket Club, were on Yorkshire Street during the early hours of Friday 27 July when they were assaulted by a gang of men.

20-year old Justin Watson and professional, 22-year old, Marques Ackerman were attacked near Liquid and Envy nightclub with reports suggesting they were ‘jumped’ by as many as seven men.

Justin, an all-rounder who also plays for a team in South Africa and was on trial at Lancashire with a number of other county sides also interested in looking at him, was repeatedly punched in the face and head by the gang and left with two fractures to his jaw, which was also dislocated.

He was taken to hospital for surgery to have a plate inserted into his jaw and won’t play cricket again for the rest of the season.

Teammate and club professional, Marques, who has captained South Africa under-19s in the past, was hit from behind and knocked unconscious as he hit the pavement, he’s been left with a concussion and ruled out for at least two weeks.

It’s just the latest incident in Oldham town centre during 2018, which has seen a number of people attacked at Metrolink stations and - just last month - 36-year old Stephen McGiffen died after being attacked on Yorkshire Street while out celebrating his birthday with his girlfriend.

Greater Manchester Police have said they’ve arrested a 27-year old man on suspicion of section 47 assault and he’s been released under investigation while enquires into the incident continue.