Winsford Cricket Club's future in jeopardy after vandals strike

Three youngsters were seen speeding away on e-scooters after seemingly ruining the square at Winsford Cricket Club.

Due to the extent of the damage caused, it is possible the club will not be able host any matches next season.

Chairman Mike Dean said: “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.”

It is believed it will cost around £10,000 to fix damage (Image: Winsford Cricket Club)

Mr Dean added: “We simply can't afford £10,000, we are non-profit organisation who rely on sponsorship, membership fees, and the voluntary committee to run.

“We have recently had to purchase two large expensive items to maintain the ground, and that has put us in a vulnerable position, this vandalism has now put next season in jeopardy.  

“We are also very worried that this may happen again if it repaired, so we are currently looking at preventative measures, which again come with a financial implication.”

Mr Dean explained that a treasurer was at the club on Thursday night (October 26) and the square was fine.

However, when the groundsman arrived at around 10.30am the following morning he noticed three youths on e-scooters who were quick to leave after noticing him.

Huge, deep, lines can be seen all over the centre of the field, making it unplayable.

The incident has been reported to Cheshire Police and the club are hoping to hear from anyone who may have information about what happened.

Mr Dean, who works for the police himself, added: “The cricket club is the last sports facility down Knights Grange that families can enjoy in Winsford.

“We have two male adult teams, an upcoming women's softball team and three junior teams. We also support a number of local football teams with the changing rooms and the pitch.  

“This means the cricket club benefits hundreds of people in Winsford and this vandalism has potentially set it up to go the same way as the golf course.

“We want to reach out to the Winsford community to help in any way they can and support Winsford’s sports clubs before there is nothing left.”

The club has now launched a GoFundMe to help cover the costs (Image: Winsford Cricket Club)

A Cheshire Police spokesperson added: "At 3.45pm on Friday (October 27) police were made aware to reports of criminal damage at Winsford Cricket Club on Grange Lane, Winsford.

"The caller reported that three unknown teenage boys had been riding E-scooters on the pitch causing a significant amount of damage.

"The teenagers are reported to have left the area at around 3pm.

"Anyone with any information in relation to the identity of the boys is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, or at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 1677338."

Winsford Cricket Club has now launched a GoFundMe with the aim of raising £5,000 to cover half of the expected costs.

For more information, or to donate, visit the club’s Facebook page.