Club left with clean-up costs after car set alight on rugby pitch

The vehicle, believed to be a Skoda, was driven onto the pitch and set on fire at around 8pm on Monday.

West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police attended the scene and put the fire out.

Wednesbury Rugby Club bosses are fuming.

Ron Jenkins, speaking on behalf of the club, said: "This is one of a long list of problems the club has had in recent times.

"This item is a particular nuisance as this could be dangerous to players. Police and the fire brigade were in attendance and the fire put out but this leaves the club with the expense of clearing the vehicle from the pitch and making good the damage to the ground." The club would like anyone who has any information about the incident to contact them on 0121 502 2477. The incident is not expected to affect any matches at the ground as it is hoped the damage will be repaired before the next home game on January 16.

"The committee will be arranging to have the car towed away and have the ground repaired," Mr Jenkins said.

He said the club has been in discussion with Sandwell Council about trying to have a fence put up around the pitch to try and put a stop to nuisance vandals.

"Sandwell Council is aware of the problem and is trying to find funds to put a fence around the pitch.

"We moved here in 2000 and since then there has been various problems.

"We had an incident where young kids rode track bikes around the pitch."