‘Lost for words’ – Vandals tear up cricket pitch again

VANDALS have ruined a cricket pitch for the second time in a matter of months.

Winsford Cricket Club has been struck by vandals on electric bikes once again.

The pitch has been covered in ‘doughnuts’, tarnishing hundreds of hours of volunteers work.

Speaking on Friday (May 31), club chairman Mike Dean said: “Last night or in the early hours of this morning our cricket pitch has been vandalised yet again.

“E-bikes have been doing doughnuts on and across the outfield.

“The cricket pitch is a result of 100s of hours of preparations by volunteers and is not something that can be repaired overnight. I’m at a loss for words.

“It won’t affect the season, but it is demoralising as we work hard to get the ground looking and playing well.”

Mr Dean added that he believes it to be one male acting alone.

Thankfully, the damage shouldn’t impact the club’s season (Image: Supplied)

It comes following a similar incident last year.

When the groundsman arrived on the morning of October 27, he noticed three youngsters on E-scooters who quickly shot off upon his arrival.

They had left huge, deep lines all over the centre of the field, making it unplayable.

Due to the extent of the damage, Mr Dean feared the club would not be able to host any games this summer.

He said at the time: “There is a small chance there will be no cricket played next year at Knights Grange due to the cold weather that has now arrived.

“We are currently in talks with the grounds and committee, as this will take an expert to correct and fix.

“We have had several greenkeepers from around the county get in touch offering support, who all confirm it will cost around £10k to repair for labour and equipment.”

READ MORE: Cricket club’s future in jeopardy after vandals cause £10,000 worth of damage

Cheshire Police have been contacted for more information about this latest incident.