Cricketers have been left frustrated after a group of travellers set up on their ground causing 'major disruption'. A group of travellers, reported to be towing 18 caravans, moved onto the grounds of Cavaliers & Carrington Cricket Club on Esher Grove, Mapperley Park at around 9pm on Sunday, April 16.
The club leases the cricket ground from the council and is in the process of serving an eviction notice to the group. Kafeel Shafique, 30, first team club captain and committee member, said residents had informed one of committee members straight away.
"When we went to the ground the police were already there, but there was not much they could do so they checked everyone was alright and then they told us to leave and take the necessary action.
"I did speak to one of them and he replied 'we are good people', but the thing is we have no issue with the traveller community - it is that you have come onto our ground and unsettled our club. Nobody should do that."
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The solicitor, who has been part of the club for more than a decade, explained the trespassing had caused "major disruption". "We have four men's teams, a women's team and from U-9s all the way up to U-17s. The women's team were supposed to have a warm up match today and our first match was due on Saturday, but we've had to cancel everything.
They've been driving all over the ground and the pitch and the wicket covers have also been damaged. It's not good because it is all going to be an expense - it has been very frustrating for everyone."
In a Facebook post, Cavaliers & Carrington Cricket Club said: "Please do not go to the ground until further notice. A very large group of the travelling community have set up camp on the ground. Again, please do not go to the ground until further notice."
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