Vandals have hit a successful cricket club for six by causing damage to vital equipment at their ground.
Twice members of Clacton Cricket Club have turned up to matches to find tyres on their covers - which protect the wicket from rain - slashed with a knife.
It has already cost £250 for repairs and officials fear there could be more to follow.
Clacton Cricket Club have just begun fixtures in the new East Anglian Premier League - the highest standard it has ever played in.
Chairman Neil Cavender said: "I could understand it more if someone was going up to the ground to steal something and actually benefited," he said.
"But this is just mindless vandalism which benefits no one - but causes us great problems. I can only think it is youngsters who have got nothing better to do."
In all, 13 tyres have been slashed on the covers at the recreation ground in Vista Road.
Anyone who spots the covers being tampered with is asked to contact Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
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