ANOTHER local sporting field has been damaged by a senseless act of vandalism but his time the perpetrators have been identified.
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The destruction was caused to an oval at Cook Park, which is currently being used by the Singleton Junior Rugby League Club.
However, in the summer both junior and senior cricket matches are played at this location.
Initial reports of damage to the oval, where the cricket pitch is positioned, surfaced on Thursday but it was exacerbated on Saturday night.
Local police have confirmed that at some stage between 4pm on Tuesday and 4pm on Wednesday “the initial damage was caused to the cricket pitch”, and then more damage was reported on Sunday morning.
Crime coordinator Hunter Valley LAC Sergeant Libby Simon says between 11am on Saturday and 7am on Sunday, further malicious damage was inflicted on the surface.
“Unknown offenders have unearthed the ground by doing donuts,” she says.
Vice-president of the Singleton District Cricket Association and head groundsperson Tim Gore, who estimates he spent up to 400 hours maintaining the various pitches during the season, says those responsible for damaging the surface of Cook Park with a motorised esky have been identified.
“They recorded their actions so we were able to trace them and confront them,” he explains.
“We will be meeting with them and they will be in charge of re-habilitating the surface and cutting a few oranges for the junior league teams.”
He says what is most disappointing is that it was not young kids just doing something silly.
“Unfortunately this happens at least twice a year because motorised vehicles can gain access to the various fields via the levee bank,” Mr Gore explains.
“We have asked council to restrict this access but it has not happened so we will be looking to get together with the other clubs who use the facility and put up some bollards or something.
“However, we will need some type ofsponsorship to help cover the expenses.”
The club had a roller stolen in December and it has cost them $30,000 to replace it.
On top of this, they have had do some intensive fundraising that will allow them to construct a shed to ensure their equipment is secure.
Last month Singleton Strikers Junior Club president Mark Henderson was left fuming after hoons ripped up the designated playing surface over at Alroy Oval.
