Virus anger fear over cricket club vandalism

Rugeley Cricket Club, in Chaseley Road, saw its facilities targeted on Saturday with someone appearing to have poured diesel or weed killer over the square.

Chairman John Carter believes the attack may have been carried out by someone frustrated at the club's groundstaff – who have continued to maintain the surface while the country is in lockdown.

He believes people may not realise the club is allowed to work on the surface even with the government restrictions that have been put in place.

And he can see no other reason why somebody would target a community cricket club.

"We are a community club used by lots of different groups," he said.

"We have the cricket section, we have Rugeley Runners who would be running two nights a week if it wasn't for the lockdown.

"And we have a section for dog walkers who are able to access the club via a side gate which is locked with a lock that you need a number to open.

"We are surprised by what's happened because there is always somebody about. Maybe somebody left a gate open.

"But we have had a few people make comments because they have seen the groundstaff turn up in cars even though we are in lockdown.

"I think people don't realise we are allowed to cut the grass and keep the square ready so it's okay for when we are able to play again.

"We have to social distance, but we have been doing that. And the only people who have done any work at the club are the groundsman and a couple of lads who cut the grass."

Mr Carter says the club is now going to have to repair the damage caused – and they may not be able to complete that work in time for the new season.

"It looks like diesel or weed killer has been used," he said.

"They have ruined at least six possibly eight wickets on the square – they've not totally written it off.

"Maybe those wickets won't be able to be used this year, we are going to have to work on them, it could shorten our square."