Oughtibridge find there's no home start after floods

Their ground, shared with the cricket section, was badly damaged in the June floods and after initial hopes that they would be playing there, club officials have had to admit to a first defeat of the season.

After initial hopes that the pitch would be cleared in time for the start of the season, the club have had to relocate their first team to the British Gas sports ground in Malin Bridge and are currently struggling to find a home for their other teams.

Paul Pawson, secretary of the club, who have teams in the County Senior and South Yorkshire Amateur Leagues, described the situation as 'desperate' but dispelled rumours about the reason the pitch was deemed unsafe.

"The decision of the pitch experts to declare the pitch unsafe isn't linked to contamination due to the floods, just that a number of sharp objects we feel would make the pitch unsafe for players,” he said.

“The loss of income has also affected the club as we can't now hire out the pitches. The bar is ruined, so we are now looking to raise 4,000 to cover our losses."

The County Senior Division One club are hoping to raise the cash by hosting numerous fund--raising days, including one on Bank Holiday Monday, and have been helped by generous donations so far including a signed Sheffield Wednesday shirt and other items to be raffled off to boost funds.

Oughtibridge will play their first home game on Saturday, September 8 and have set up a fund.

Anyone wishing to offer any help or support can contact club chairman Brian Jones on [email protected].