Monkswood: Arson-hit cricket club players 'watched in tears'
- Published
There are fears the insurance money won't cover the cost of repair
Efforts are under way to rebuild a cricket club after the pavilion was burned down in a suspected arson attack.
Players at Monkswood Cricket Club in Monmouthshire watched in tears as the clubhouse burned to the ground on Thursday night.
The club, formed in 1970, had been using the pavilion since 1989.
It contained changing rooms, equipment and kitchen area which were all destroyed by fire.
The trophy cabinet and captains' and chairman's boards recording the history of the club were also lost.
"We have insurance, but not sure if it will cover us for what we need," said chairman Rod Jones.
"A loss adjuster will be having a look at the damage but that won't be until after the holidays.
"It's been a labour of love."
Mr Jones said he had been at the club for 20 years, and its secretary Mark Malson had been involved since he was a child.
"He has put so much time and effort into it, constantly painting it, doing the kitchen.
"Both his boys play at the club. Him and his wife were up there crying on the night.
The cricket club before the blaze
"Why would anyone you do something like that? It is absolutely devastating, it's like a bad dream," he added.
Mr Jones, who also has two sons who play at the club, said they were determined to be ready for the cricket season next year.
"It will be difficult to put something in place before April," he said.
"We can't go near it right now because the building is unsafe.
"Hopefully we can get a portacabin or something.
"The cricket community has been fantastic and we've had offers of help from lots of clubs."
- Published25 August 2019
- Published27 August 2019
