A CRICKET match had to be abandoned when a man collapsed after watching his grandson score his first half-century.

Herbert Underwood, 80, was a spectator at a league game between Willington and visitors Sedgefield, in County Durham, on Saturday afternoon.

He was watching from the veranda of the team's new clubhouse as son-in-law Neil Moore and grandson Christopher Moore were batting for Willington.

The youngster had just passed 50 runs, his maiden half-century for the first team, when he collapsed.

Mr Moore, the club's treasurer, noticed something was happening and rushed from the pitch to help his father-in-law.

With the help of club secretary Steve Barker, a police officer, they loosened Mr Underwood's clothing and administered first aid.

Club captain Karl Brown, also a policeman, and lifesaving instructors Kim and Rebecca Ranson helped in attempts to revive him.

They were joined in their efforts by James Foster, from the Sedgefield team, who is a firefighter.

The continued to carry out cardio-massage until paramedics arrived to take Mr Underwood to Bishop Auckland General Hospital, where last night he remained in the intensive care unit.

Mr Moore said: "I noticed something was happening because they called my wife and then I realised what was going on.

"I ran off and myself and Steve got him down to the ground, got his clothing off and started to give him cardio-massage. I quickly got away from the scene because it was quite difficult for me."

He said: "Fortunately for us, there were people there who were very good at first aid and were able to administered cardio-massage to him, which kept him going until the paramedics got there.

"What they did was fantastic - they've given him a chance to survive really. Hopefully, he can come out of the situation he's in."

It appeared Mr Underwood's heart fibrillated and started beating too fast, which caused him to black out and his heart to stop, said Mr Moore.

Sedgefield agreed that the match, in the Readers County Durham League, should be abandoned. League officials will decide if it is to be replayed.