Promotion party cut short

Thieves stole almost £3,000 from a rugby club safe as players celebrated gaining promotion.

An angle grinder was used to break into the large metal safe at Southwell Rugby Club’s Park Lane ground on April 22.

A set of bronze scales, presented as a trophy in an annual competition, was also taken from the clubhouse, along with food and alcohol.

It happened as the club celebrated the first team winning the Midlands 4 East (North) title and securing promotion.

Club chairman Mr Tom Craig said the robbery had ruined a weekend of celebration, but had not dampened their spirits as they went on to win the Notts Junior Cup at the weekend.

Mr Craig said: “After some really good news, we had some pretty bad news but after that we went off and won the cup so the rugby is still going well.

“Everyone has been pretty down but we have just got to rebuild from what we have got.

“The lads have been great with getting everything sorted again.”

The burglary was discovered the following day after it was noticed that a car that had been left in the club’s carpark had also been broken into.

Mr Craig said members helped to repair the damage, allowing the club to be up and running as normal by the following day.

Mr Craig said it was believed the burglary had been carried out by a professional gang, which targeted bars, clubs and pubs.

He said he was particularly disappointed the trophy, which was awarded to the winners of an annual match against Spalding Rugby Club, was missing because it had sentimental value.

Mr Craig said he and the team were now focusing on winning the Notts, Lincs and Derbys Shield final on May 20 at Kesteven Rugby Club.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Pc Lisa Mortimore at Newark Police Station on 101.