Spider-man: Rye forward Justin Van Unen kicks a goal on Saturday. He was later taken to hospital due to the effects of a spider bite suffered earlier in the week. Picture: Daryl Gordon
A WHITE-tail spider has done what no Nepean defender has been able to do this season - stop gun Rye forward Justin Van Unen.
The former Oakleigh Chargers gun leads the MPNFL Nepean League's goal kicking with a staggering 60 goals from just eight matches, averaging more than seven goals a game since crossing over from Doncaster East this season.
But Van Unen was bitten by a white-tail spider early in the week while at work and was forced to make a trip to the hospital for treatment.
Unable to train, Van Unen was set to miss the inaugural Queen's Birthday clash against rival Sorrento on Saturday but made a last-minute decision to play.
The gun forward managed to put four majors on the board before being forced off with a leg complaint, but his coach Ben Holmes said as soon as Van Unen came off it was apparent the injury was more serious than expected. "His calf had blown up to nearly twice its normal size" Holmes said.
Holmes said after the match Van Unen was taken straight to hospital for further treatment and spent the night as a precaution.
Holmes said it was unlikely Van Unen would miss any football because Rye had a bye this round.
Rye's next match is against Pearcedale on June 23.