BATHURST St Patrick’s Rugby League has suffered a setback in its plans to move to a new ground on Hereford Street after hoons badly damaged the surface by performing burnouts on the main field overnight.
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Bathurst Regional Council began construction of the new fields around mid-2016 and about 10,000 square metres of new turf was laid in April this year.
Work is also progressing well on the new clubhouse and St Pat’s plans to play its home games at the new ground from the start of the 2018 rugby league season.
But about one-third of the main oval has been damaged in the overnight attack.
St Pat’s officials took to Facebook today to appeal for help to catch the culprits.
“This is heart-breaking not only for the many junior boys and girls that are due to be playing footy there next season, but the seniors as well,” the post read.
“Bathurst Council staff and St Pat’s junior/senior representatives have worked tirelessly to date to get the clubhouse and grounds to its current condition, only to have some small minded and low individuals destroy their hard work.
“Bathurst St Pat’s committee, Bathurst Council and local police are confident that the culprits will be identified.”
Council staff will assess the damage on Monday to begin planning the repair operation.
It is still hoped the ground will be ready for the start of the 2018 season.