CRICKETERS hope money raised from an Autumn Ale Festival next weekend can help cover the cost of replacing equipment lost in a fire last month.

Northwich Cricket Club will host the event at their Moss Farm home, where a blaze caused by an electrical fault ruined gear used by their groundsman to prepare the pitch.

That includes a heavy roller, mowers for both the wicket and the outfield and other tools.

The scorebox was also damaged beyond repair.

“Everything has gone,” said treasurer Simon James.

“And that’s going to make life tough for us.

“We’re looking at what grants are available, but we may have to consider taking out a loan to pay for new equipment.

“That’s why the beer festival presents an opportunity to at least get some of the funds we’re likely to need in place.

“It won’t get near the full amount we’re after, but at least it’s a start.”

He told the Guardian the bill could rise to more than £60,000.

The festival runs over two days, starting on Friday week, October 14, from 6pm.

It resumes the following day at 3pm.

Admission, which includes a free glass, is £5 for adults and £2 for children.

Food will also be available.

Singer Daniel East, a former wicket-keeper at the club, will perform live on the Saturday.