Vandals wreak havoc at Shepley Cricket Club

Jun 23 2009 By Neil Atkinson

A LEADING cricket club is at war – with local vandals.

Police have now launched an investigation after cars were raced across the cricket field at Shepley Cricket Club.

At least two cars were seen racing across the field when the club was hit by vandals in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Four pitches were damaged, including those that were being prepared for next weekend’s double-header of Drakes Premiership matches.

The two cars were seen chasing each other across the playing area. There is also damage to the outfield and surrounding grassed area, caused by wheel spin and handbrake turns.

Club secretary Ian Watkinson said that it was not the first time this sort of thing had happened.

"We’ve had a couple of similar incidents earlier in the season, but then the damage was restricted to the grassed car park.

"This development is far more serious. Fortunately, the square was very hard after a spell of good weather, so the damage is limited and we’ll be fine for the weekend once groundsman Ray Horrocks gets to work.

"We have first-team games in the Drakes Premiership at home both Saturday and Sunday and we are determined they will go ahead.