The culprits snuck into Bungay Cricket Club and used weedkiller to damage its wicket with just over two months before the new season is due to start.

Club officials at the Maltings Meadow, to the north of the town, will now have to resow the entire square at considerable cost to the club.

Jim Howlett, the club’s chairman said: “At the moment we’re angry and frustrated, but we’re determined that we’re going to bounce back from this.

Bungay Cricket Club is a family-friendly, sociable and progressive community club on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. (Image: Bungay Cricket Club)

“It’s a hugely challenging environment for cricket clubs like Bungay, but we are resolute that we will repair the square so that we are ready to host competitions as soon as we can.”

Work to restore the ground is going to cost the club at least £2,000 at a time when resources are already tight.

The wanton vandalism means the club will have to divert funds away from developing its youth and women’s programme, when three new teams are set to play this season – a women’s hardball team, an under-9 team and an under-17 team.

A spokeswoman from Bungay Town Council said: “There’s huge anger and disappointment at Bungay Cricket Club as an act of mindless vandalism has caused massive damage to the square at Maltings Meadow.

“This not only destroys the grass but impacts the soil beneath where worms and other bugs that birds eat.”

The Bungay & District Sports Association is home to the town’s cricket, football, and tennis club. (Image: Bungay & District Sports Association)

The club has reported the crime to the police and is currently reviewing CCTV footage to try and identify the culprits.

A spokeswoman from Norfolk Police said the force “received a report of criminal damage at an address on Pirnhow Street, Ditchingham, on February 13”.

The incident is believed to have occurred “between December 24 2025 and January 2026 when someone poured a substance onto the sports field” she added.

Bungay Cricket Club encourages anyone with information about the case to call Norfolk Police on 101 and quote crime reference 36/11067/26.