Vandalism leaves club hopping mad

By David Lennard

SPORTS enthusiasts in a Suffolk village are determined to stop four-legged “vandals” destroying recently introduced cricket nets that were constructed after a £5,000 fundraising initiative.

Wenhaston Wanderers Cricket Club was only formed last year, and with the help of a Lottery grant and fundraising events parents and cricket enthusiasts have built first-class training nets close to the village playing field.

Club officials were distraught to discover the nets had been damaged and it was believed they may have become the target of vandals.

The vandals responsible, however, were not people armed with knives or scissors - but are, in fact, rabbits.

Dudley Clarke, vice-president of the club, said: “When the damage was first discovered it was thought the nets had been slashed with a knife.

“Further investigation has proved that the ongoing damage is being caused by rabbits who may be upset that their right of way has been blocked.”

Bob Cattell and Simon Manning, co-founders of the club, are now trying to find a way to deal with the situation.

“We have found that the nets are made from material that the rabbits thoroughly enjoy nibbling.

“A number of ideas have been put forward but it is a serious situation and we would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have some ideas before the start of the next cricket season,” said Mr Clarke.

The club, which encourages young people in the Wenhaston area to take up the sport, is trying to raise extra funds so that the nets can be repaired.

A quiz night is being held at the Wenhaston Star on Thursday, March 9, to raise funds for the club beginning at 7.30pm.

Teams of four people may enter by calling Denise or David Ball at the pub on 01502 478240. Entry fee is £5 per person to include light refreshments.

During the evening a raffle will be held and there will also be an auction with lots including a bat signed by the Surrey County Cricket Club team of 2004.