SOS for cricket equipement after theft

AN urgent appeal went out today after the Sri Lankan indoor cricket team's equipment was stolen before its international with England at Ipswich tonight.

AN urgent appeal went out today after the Sri Lankan indoor cricket team's equipment was stolen before its international with England at Ipswich tonight.

The Sri Lankan team are due to play at the sports stadium in Henley Road, in the second stage of an international test match.

But the team have been left kit-less after thieves made off with their cricket gear while they were in Derby for a game earlier in the week.

Brian Barnard, a member of Ipswich's Medite league team, which has two members in the England squad, said: "They've had to save very hard to buy all this equipment and there's no way they can afford to replace it now.

"One young lad also had £50 nicked and it had taken him a year to save up.

"At the moment they're practising with second-hand gear but it would be great if we could find someone who's prepared to donate anything in time for the proper match tonight.

"We may be lousy at indoor cricket, but we've got big hearts down here."

The group are looking, mainly, for gloves, but any equipment would be appreciated.

The Ipswich men in the England squad, Gavin Driver and Sean Ongers, were be hoping the problem could be resolved and that they would emerge victorious when the match began.

If you can help out with the equipment contact Brian Barnard on 07736 460913 urgently.