Allowing rugby on the outfield is a non-starter (From Knutsford Guardian)

Allowing rugby on the outfield is a non-starter

12:44pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Letters

KNUTSFORD Sports Club’s committee would like Knutsford Rugby Club to have a space on the cricket club’s outfield in the same location as archery, a new section since earlier this year.

The archers meticulously mark out the ground required for their sport, which takes a great deal of time and effort.

If rugby was played in this area those etchings would disappear and the bowmen would be unable to carry out their sporting activity.

Cricket and archery are complimentary; one is played without any detrimental effect to the other.

With the upheaval to the outfield that would be caused by rugby matches, both archery and cricket could be unable to function and perhaps cease to exist as sections at the club.

To allow rugby to be played on the outfield is the same as asking a bowls club to share half of its green with a tug-of-war team; it’s a non-starter.

If it happens there are three words that neatly sum up the situation – ‘cannibalistic sporting vandalism.’ The cricket and archery sections deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, as do the residents of Mereheath Park and Willow Green whose properties back on to the sports club grounds.

They too will be greatly affected by any change.

GRAHAM BARKER Mereheath Park