Young cricket players ‘disappointed' after vandals ruin two pitches

Rotherham Town Cricket Club’s practice surfaces at Clifton Lane were left unusable when they were slashed just weeks before the start of the new season.

Committee member Richard Fidler (42) called the damage “very disappointing” and said it would cost between £250 and £300 to repair.

“The damage has been made to two of our practice surfaces in our netted area, which has been slashed and dug over,” he said.

“It looks like it has been cut by using a knife and has been done right where the bowler would stand.”

Mr Fidler added that the practice surfaces were “well used” by all club members, especially the junior team.

“It’s most disappointing for the youngsters, as this is the area where they got a lot of their practice in,” Mr Fidler said.

Mr Fidler, who called the practice pitches “a weird thing to target”, said committee members would have the damage assessed in the hope it could be repaired and would not have to be completely replaced.

“We just want to get the surfaces fixed as soon as we can,” added Mr Fidler, “especially with the new season just around the corner —  and we are always on the lookout for more sponsors, we’re always grateful for any extra support.”

A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed the vandalism incident had been reported on February 19.

If you have any further information that could help catch those responsible for the damage, call the police on 101, quoting incident number: 14/34555/19.