A POPULAR cricket club is struggling to cope after being blighted with drainage problems.

Last summer, several games had to be called off when the field at Cockerton Cricket Club became severely waterlogged as a result of heavy rains and poor drainage.

As this year’s cricket season approaches, staff at the club fear a similar scenario could cause significant financial problems, put off players and see yet more games cancelled.

The resulting detrimental impact on the club will cause severe problems in the long term, according to secretary Richard Cowan.

He said: “Heavy rain in the past drained away quickly but it is now taking much longer. The whole field is affected and you cannot play in puddles.

"Last year, most clubs had a bad summer but we were probably worst hit, it was the worst time in our history. We had less games than during the foot and mouth crisis, which affected us really badly.

“It got to the stage where games were called off so often that players found other things to do and were put off. By the end of the season we were struggling to get two teams out.

“It had a big financial impact. A lot of our income comes from games and when you lose so many home games, you lose a lot of finance.

“We are not crying about it, every club has bad years and good but if we get heavy rain before the season starts, we will be back to square one and will face a battle every week to get the water off the field. It is time consuming and expensive.

“We hope there will be no detrimental effect but if it continues and we do not get to the bottom of it then there will be an impact.”

Reasons for drainage problems at the club are unknown, but Mr Cowan suspects recent refurbishments at a nearby school could be a contributory factor.

The club plan to appeal to Darlington Borough Council for help and are looking into available grants.

They are also appealing for more players to join them ahead of this year’s season. To join, contact Mr Cowan on 07808-229423.

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