'Hit for six' by thefts (From Penarth Times)

'Hit for six' by thefts

THIEVES who stole nearly 20,000 worth of specialised building equipment at the Sully Hospital re-development have plunged the future of a local cricket club into doubt.

The Galliards site was ransacked at the end of January, when a 9,000 tractor used to maintain the four acres of ground around the site was stolen from a lock-up.

But the thieves didn't stop at the commercial equipment.

Instead, they moved on to the locked shed where the Barry Wanderers cricket club kept their two sit-on lawn mowers and their pitch roller - leaving the club facing a 10,000 bill.

Now the thriving Sully-based club, which successfully moved up a league at the end of last season, runs the risk of not playing any home games this year.

Club captain Andrew Fenton said: "We're extremely disappointed at this set-back.

"We've spent many hours during the closed season removing a perimeter path that runs around the ground to improve facilities.

"Now all that hard work and effort could be in vain if we can't keep our pitch in top condition.

"Established in 1970, the club has never been in a stronger position as we currently have over 55 playing members - more than ever before.

"We represent a wide area when we play away as our players live all around the Vale of Glamorgan - Penarth, Sully and Barry.

"The monetary value of our stolen equipment is in the region of 10,000," he added.

"We're trying to raise funds through insurance, but that all takes time so we're looking for anyone who has this kind of specialised machinery spare who could loan the club mowers and, more importantly, a roller."

"Without these items we are unlikely to be playing cricket this season"