“All that is in jeopardy if we do not replace the roller so the ground can be prepared to a safe, playable standard.”

That is the concern for one of Builth Wells’ sports clubs which is facing an uncertain future.

Builth Wells Cricket Club says its sportsfield roller has given up the ghost after many years of faithful service.

Stephen Powell, club chairman, said: “Without a roller to prepare our picturesque ground there will be no cricket for our two senior teams and almost 100 youngsters who currently attend our All Stars and other training sessions.”

Mr Powell said the club “urgently” need to raise £10,000 to buy a new roller before the start of the new cricket season in April 2020.

“We got through the season by hiring a roller but the cost is not sustainable for a second year,” he said.

“The decision was therefore taken to purchase a new roller, setting ourselves a fundraising target of £10,000 based on various estimates. We will be looking for grant funding but obviously have to raise a large amount ourselves.”

The Club has set up a ‘Raise a Roller’ appeal on the fundraising website GoFundMe to reach out to players past and present, parents and the wider community. In a post on the site, Robert Wall said: “I am the groundsman who looks after our square and I know how essential the roller is in producing the quality wicket that we play on - please support this worthy project.”

Mr Powell added: “In 2019 we ran two senior teams, had 75 youngsters signed up for Allstars with a further 25 children taking part in our under nines follow-up sessions.

“We have already committed to run Allstars again in 2020 and will look to be part of the ECB’s new initiative for nine to 11-year-olds. All that is in jeopardy if we do not replace the roller so the ground can be prepared to a safe, playable standard.

“Builth Wells Cricket Club has firmly re-established itself as a community club in recent years. It would be a pity if that momentum is lost.”

To show your support, go to www.gofundme.com/f/raise-a-roller