A £500 reward is on offer to catch yobs who caused mindless damage at Meltham Cricket Club.
Deep tyre tracks were made in all directions across the pitch at Mean Lane overnight on Friday – and now a plea has gone out to catch those responsible.
The Examiner has learned Meltham Sports and Community Centre, which is based on the same site, is now offering a £500 reward for anyone who comes forward with information that helps police trace the suspects.
Club chairman Martin Shaw said: “I heard what had happened and went up there on Sunday lunchtime. It’s just disgusting. We had it happen about seven or eight weeks ago – not quite as bad as these latest tracks – but it's just appalling.
“It’s caused a lot of damage to the outfield and one of the centres has also been dug up by the vehicle.
“It’s traditionally a quiet time of year for our groundsman who is tasked with keeping it ticking over during the winter.
“But this will need a lot of work to do to get it back to anything resembling the condition we need to play on.”
The club also posted pictures of the damage on Facebook and wrote underneath: “Really disappointed to see this.
“People don’t realise the amount of time and effort put in by our groundsman, amongst others, to keep the ground in good shape.”
Police have been informed but the club is also keen to pass on information.
The post said: “If anyone has any idea about who is responsible then please do get in contact. Even the model/colour of the car would be a great help. Thank you.”
And it would appear Meltham Cricket Club attack is not the only incident this weekend.
Meltham C of E School reported its Year five and six classroom had been burgled and some laptops stolen.
Anyone with information on either of the incidents should contact police on 101.
