A Newcastle City and Suburban cricketer is in hospital after being struck over the head with a bat by a rival player on Saturday.

Jewells Tavern Beavers captain Peter Lalor counts himself lucky to be alive after the incident left him with nine stitches and a concussion.

In hospital: Peter Lalor. Credit:Peter Stoop

Lalor was bowling against a Merewether B5s batsman at Jesmond's Heaton Park when the pair collided during a quick single, three balls after Lalor had hit the batsman with a bouncer.

Lalor fell to the ground after the collision, then was struck on the top of the head with the batsman's bat.