Battisford and District Cricket Club, founded in 1973 and now based near Combs, near Stowmarket, needs at least £10,000 to purchase a reconditioned roller as without one, matches cannot be played.

They are looking to put events on to help raise money. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Co-owner Julia Stevens-Row said: “If we don’t have a roller, you can’t play a game of cricket, because it has to be rolled prior to every game.

“The roller is vital to the club as the wicket that is being prepared for the game has to be rolled to ensure that there is an even surface.”

The breakdown came mid-use, leaving founder member and groundskeeper David Stevens-Row “devastated”.

Craig Skinner of battisford & District Cricket Club who is trying to fundraise for a new roller. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

He added: “It stopped working in the middle of the square and had to be towed off, which is far from ideal.”

The club is currently hiring a roller at a cost of £400 a week — an expense expected to reach £8,000 across the 20-week season, throwing their future into jeopardy as they remain bowled over by the amount of money needed.

With around 40 matches scheduled each year across two men’s teams, a T20 side, women and girls teams, and four junior teams, the roller is essential.

Mrs Stevens-Row has been searching many avenues for ways to raise money, saying: “Brand new rollers can cost anything up to £40,000.

“We are sourcing a reconditioned roller at approximately £10,000, we have made applications for grants from county councillors , district councillors and the local parish councils and looking to apply for other grants as well.”

The team need to raise a minimum of £10,000 for a new roller. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Further initiatives are also under way to secure funding, such community fundraising initiatives such as a World Cup sweepstake and a sponsored junior run.

The club, which has more than 150 members and hosts regular community events, is appealing for public support.

Mrs Stevens-Row said: “It’s a long-standing club at the heart of the community. We want to keep it going for future generations.”

Donations or funding suggestions can be made via the club’s Facebook page.