STEVEN Kirby, Yorkshire's leading wicket-taker, was taken to hospital in a semi-conscious state yesterday after a serious injury scare during the Championship match with Somerset at Headingley yesterday.

The 25-year-old paceman moved towards a fierce return drive at head height from Somerset last man, Nixon McLean, and then fell to the ground initially clutching his right shoulder.

After a while Kirby appeared to touch his head before collapsing and he seemed to remain unconscious as coach Kevin Sharp and Chris Silverwood, who was not playing in the game, came on to the field with a stretcher.

The St John Ambulance Brigade also brought on a stretcher and after a 13-minute hold-up, Kirby was carried off to await an ambulance which came round the perimeter of the ground with its blue light flashing.

With the bowler several times partly regaining consciousness and then drifting away again, he received further treatment in the ambulance and was checked by a doctor before being taken to Leeds General Infirmary, the whole incident lasting about 40 minutes.

Kirby's mother, Allison, was at the match and she accompanied him to hospital in the ambulance.

Kirby was discharged from hospital last night after neuro tests and 'X'-rays showed no serious damage.

Yorkshire's director of cricket Geoff Cope, who rang for the ambulance from the club's offices, said today: "Nobody is absolutely sure what happened to Steven but I will find out more when I speak to him shortly."

Last week at Colwyn Bay, Kirby had to leave the field for lengthy treatment after falling heavily on his right elbow and feeling severe pain up to his shoulder.

Updated: 12:52 Thursday, September 04, 2003