Cricket pitch's future in doubt

ONE of the best cricket grounds in Rotherham is set to close unless teams come forward to use it.The future of the pitch at the Roundwood complex at Parkgate has been thrown into doubt after Parkgate Cricket Club folded last week.Parkgate Recreational Serv

ONE of the best cricket grounds in Rotherham is set to close unless teams come forward to use it.

The future of the pitch at the Roundwood complex at Parkgate has been thrown into doubt after Parkgate Cricket Club folded last week.

Parkgate Recreational Services says the pitch can continue to be used for cricket if enough users can be found to make it self-financing.

Players and officials from the disbanded club are desperate that it isn't lost to the sport and are urgently appealing for would-be users to come forward.

Tony Hawke, the former club's secretary said: "Parkgate is a really good facility and it would be a shame to let it go.

"It's got one of the biggest playing surfaces in the area, if not the biggest, with plenty of car parking for spectators to sit in comfort and watch the action. There's also an artificial strip, a club house and a full-time ground staff.

"If we can get enough users to cover the cost of maintenance, cricket will continue here. If not, it could be turned over to football or some other sporting use."

As reported in the Advertiser last week, Parkgate have folded after being suspended from the South Yorkshire League for failing to meet new requirements to set up a junior section by 2010.

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