Fury as vandals’ attack drives players off pitch
“BRAINLESS” vandals have wrecked a Cardiff club’s rugby pitch, leaving some 150 youngsters without anywhere to play.
The playing surface at Whitchurch Hospital, which is used by Rhiwbina RFC minis and juniors, has been ruined by “inconsiderate” individuals seemingly driving a car around the pitch at night.
It has left officials at the club – which produced Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton – fuming.
The damage was discovered by Richard Price, the vice-chairman of the mini and junior section, who coaches the under-13s.
“I would have said it was a car that’s done it,” he said.
“We had someone who had done donuts on it, one or two loops, about three weeks ago. I feel they have come back now and properly wrecked it.
“They have gone the whole length of it and done circles, circles and circles.
The further I walked down it, just the worse it got.
“I couldn’t believe it. It’s like all the grass has been ripped out, rather than just squashed. Where it looks like the wheels have been spinning, it’s sort of cut the grass like a mower and ripped it.
“It’s going to be bare mud and, in this weather, nothing is going to grow. I don’t think it will be played on until after January. That’s the reality of it. “It’s just gutting.
“We had just signed the lease on it, so it’s officially ours, and now it’s been wrecked.
“We generally have our U6s, U7s and U8s on there on a Sunday morning and then we stagger that with an U12 or U13 game. There are about 150 kids this affects.”
He added: “It’s an awkward spot because there’s nothing to stop people coming in and out and it’s dark. You are right by the A470 and the M4 there.
“I don’t really know what the solution is other than catching somebody doing it.
“They have actually damaged the cricket club next door as well and potentially the football pitch, so they have made a hell of a mess.
“Credit to Llanishen RFC. They have offered us a bit of space on their 3G if they can help out. It’s nice when clubs pull together.”
Rhiwbina RFC’s mini and juniors section have posted a message on social media, complete with pictures of the damage.
It reads: “Thanks to the brainless individuals that have ruined our mini and junior rugby pitch over at Whitchurch Hospital.
“Due to your mindless act our kids will now miss out on playing for the foreseeable future.”