THIS was the heart-breaking scene awaiting members of Lordswood Rugby Club at Chatham when they turned up for training on Sunday morning.

Only the charred shell of the clubhouse in North Dane Way remains after yobs set fire to it on Saturday night, causing damage estimated at more than £30,000.

All of the teams’ equipment including post protectors, children’s kit and strip, cooking equipment and changing facilities were destroyed in the fire.

The fire is believed to be the work of arsonists and comes weeks before the club’s adult team play the biggest match of their history, which would see them promoted to London League Three.

Despite the devastating set back, club chairman Tony Gue said it would not stop the team from reaching promotion.

He said: "We’ve got the biggest match of the club’s history on April 24. We are the premier rugby team in the Medway Towns and if we win this match we would be up there with the rest of Kent. It’s a big match and this is a huge blow for us, but we’re not going to let these yobs stop us."

Crews from Medway Fire and Rescue and retained officers from Chatham spent nearly two hours putting out the blaze. Police officers also carried out an investigation.

Security cameras captured a couple of youngsters running across the field and its is hoped this could lead to the cuprits being caught.

The club was not insured and club captain Tony Wellington is urging members of the public to help it replace stock to allow the 100 team members to be able to continue playing. He said: "This is just a set back and we are not going to let it stop us.

"We rely of the generosity of people and would ask that if anyone is able to help or support us, to get in touch."

Anyone wanting to help is asked to contact Tony Gue on 01634 321017 or 07739 478683.

Medway Police say they are treating the fire as suspicious and have asked anyone with any information to contact them on 01634 884252.

FULL STORY IN THE MEDWAY MESSENGER