READING Cricket Club’s ground in Sonning Lane has been badly damaged by vandals.

A car was recklessly driven over the the outfield of both their pitches, causing serious damage between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

Roger Beaven, who assists with the ground work at the club, believes it could take several weeks, even months, to get the ground back to its original condition.

He said: “It could not have happened at a worse time as it was very frosty on Sunday night, but at least they did not drive over the two squares.”

The club’s chair person, Jacqui Salazar, added: “Repair work is going to cost us a lot of time and, more importantly, money to put right. We don’t have that sort of money to spare, so we are now looking for some financial help.”

She revealed that a car was seen “hanging around the club’s car park” over the weekend, adding:”I have its registration number.”

Police officers were at the ground yesterday (Wednesday) and the club are also planning to install CCTV camera. Work on smartening up the bar area took place last weekend, while the scorers’ box has been rebuilt.

Reading players return to indoor net practise at Crosfields School in Shinfield Road on Sunday – 5pm to 6.30 for colts aged seven to 17, and 6.30pm to 8.30pm for existing and new senior members.

The club, whose first team will be playing in Division Two of the Home Counties Premier League, would welcome new players.