Image source, Monkswood Cricket Club
There are concerns that insurance money will not cover the cost of repair
Efforts are being made to rebuild the cricket club after the pavilion was burned down in an arson attack.
Players at Monkswood Cricket Club in Monmouthshire watched in tears as the club building burned to the ground on Thursday night.
The club, founded in 1970, has been using the pavilion since 1989.
It contained changing rooms, equipment and a kitchen area, all of which were destroyed by fire.
Also lost were the trophy cabinet and the captains and chairman’s councils which record the club’s history.
“We have insurance, but we’re not sure if it will cover us for what we need,” said Board President Rod Jones.
“The loss adjuster will take a look at the damage but that won’t be until after the holiday.
“It was a labor of love.”
Mr Jones said he had been at the club for 20 years, and its secretary Mark Malson had been involved with the club since he was a child.
“He put a lot of time and effort into it, constantly painting it, doing the kitchen.
“His two sons played in the club. He and his wife used to cry there at night.
Image source, Monkswood Cricket Club
Cricket club before the fire
“Why would anyone do something like this? It’s so devastating, it’s like a bad dream,” he added.
Mr Jones, who has two sons who play at the club, said they were determined to prepare for next year’s cricket season.
“It will be difficult to implement something before April,” he said.
“We can’t go near it now because the building is unsafe.
“I hope we can get a mobile cabin or something.
“The cricket community has been fantastic and we have had offers of help from a lot of clubs.”