Barkby United Cricket Club in Leicestershire, the UK, has been forced to rearrange as many as 40 games after vandals poured weedkiller over its cricket pitch.

The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday 18 June and left the club with an unplayable field, as all the grass had been killed.

However, swift action by the community as well as support from the cricket fraternity have saved the club. It was feared that the loss in match-day earnings and the cost of finding a temporary new home venue would be ‘far from negligible’ for their finances.

A crowdfunding target of GBP 5,000 was set. According to the latest update, the club has already raised GBP 10,000 to cover the cost of repairs. In a statement issued, the club said it is “blown away by all those who have donated.”

Leicestershire Police are now investigating a case of vandalism.