Bridgend Town Cricket Club forced to play away due to state of pitch

Bridgend Town CC are to play all their games in May away from their Newbridge Fields home after the South Wales Premier League declared their pitch unplayable.

The poor winter hampered proposed improvement works following the end of the last season, after complaints had been made to the authorities about the wicket’s state.

Work started on the first-team pitch in September to level it out, with the poor autumn and winter weather meaning that subsequent re-seeding was only successful in places.

After a visit by officials, they have ruled out Bridgend playing any home games during next month, with June in doubt if weather doesn’t improve and the re-conditioning of the pitch can’t continue.

The plight of the second and third teams is also in confusion, with decisions on their fixtures yet to be made.

Chairman Alun T Bunston said their situation served as a warning to other clubs, saying: “I must stress that the problems aren’t the fault of Bridgend Council, which has been supportive.

“In fairness to the league, they too have been very understanding and helped us re-arrange first team matches.

“I know other clubs are suffering through autumn remedial work only being completed in the spring.”