Appeal launched as cricket club says burglary is not the end of its innings

Thieves broke into Adwick Cricket Club through the roof, ripping out the plumbing and letting rain ruin the interior.

The attack could spell the end of the 120-year-old organisation, unless supporters pitch in and help.

A dozen volunteers arrived on April 2 to spruce up the pavilion, just two weeks before a new season started.

Club secretary Jamie Clarke found the damage when opened up the clubhouse.

“Our hearts just sank,” he said. “There was no point doing any work because the place was open to the elements.

“The stolen taps are probably worth £20 for scrap, but four sinks were all smashed and there was water running all through the building.

“They must have kicked the roof in and smashed their way out through a window.”

The struggling club is receiving some help in donated time and cash, but still has many repairs to do.

“This is a cost we really can’t bear at the start of the season, when our rates and insurance are due,” said Jamie.

“People have the idea that, because Adwick is a nice village, the cricket club must be quite well-off.

“But we’re only a one-team club with about 20 players. They pay £20 for a season or £10 for a game.

“By the time we’ve paid for an umpire, refreshments and a match ball we’re only making £25 per game.

“So we’re really relying on volunteers and donations to help us out here.”

The Adwick club is aiming to raise £2,000, which would put its facilities back in basic working order.

“If we raise £2,000 it will only allow a very basic fix,” said Jamie. “We have to replace four sinks and all of the plumbing associated with it.

“Our insurance doesn’t cover this sort of break-in — it’s mainly public liability and fire.

“Anyone with trade skills they can share would be very welcome. We’re relying on the skills of our members, but we’re mostly office-based people.

“We can lift things and we can help out, but we need the right skills and the right tools for the job.”

Not repairing the damage could even lead to financial sanctions — clubs are expected to provide visiting teams with comfortable facilities.

“Our first game is this Saturday,” said Jamie. “Luckily we’re playing away, but we have a home match on April 23.

“The cricket league has been quite supportive. They’ve even put some money in the pot.

“They’re not going to penalise us for a lack of facilities yet — there won’t be any fines or anything.

“They said we should provide whatever we can to visiting team, they’ll have to put up with it for now.”

He added: “We’ve got a few sheets to patch up the roof, but they cost around £400. And we had to rip out the ceiling — there was no saving it.

“Now the building can dry out and we can use what limited funding we have to try and put things right.

“But it’s getting to the point where, if we can’t get back on track and provide nice facilities to attract new members, it’s going to be the end of the club.”

Jamie is desperately seeking tradespeople with the skills and tools to make free repairs.

A JustGiving page has been set up for cash donations, with updates appearing on the club’s Facebook page.

Power firm Business Energy Direct has already offered to match the first £500 of donations received.

To donate to the fund-raiser, visit tinyurl.com/p54ax89.

To offer assistance, send a message at facebook.com/adwickondearnecc.