GROVE hooker Steve Dixey, whose back injury caused the abandonment of their match against Oxford Harlequins last week, hopes to be playing again before the end of the season.

There was great concern when Dixey was unable to move after a scrum collapsed in the second half of the South West 1 East clash, but the injury was not as serious as it first appeared.

“One of my props slipped and that meant the pressure was on my back when the scrum collapsed,” explained Dixey, who has never had back problems before.

The 28 year-old suffered a stress fracture to one of his veterbrae, and although he has been struggling since the injury, was able to return to work this week after being released from hospital.

“I’ve been in constant pain and have managed about five hours sleep since the injury,” said Dixey who is a sales manager.

“Indeed, I find my most comfortable position is sitting in my car.”

After the initial diagnosis, he will undergo further tests in a couple of weeks.

“If there is no nerve damage, I’ve been told that I could be playing again by the end of the season,” he said.

“Such an injury – which I’m told is common in ice hockey – is self-healing and there is no danger in playing again.”

Dixey, who has been a member of Grove since he was ten, said club members had been very supportive.

“I would also like to thank Harlequins for their great support and putting me at my ease,” he said.

“All I need now is a good night’s sleep.”