Cricket clubs are used to not being able to honour fixtures because of the weather or player shortages, but Roborough Cricket Club in Devon have a more long-term issue after a group of so-called travellers set up camp on the outfield earlier this week and let their children loose on the square.

“They've been riding across the wicket,” said club treasurer Mike Gaylard. “We're going to inspect it on Monday morning and carry out any necessary repairs. We're hoping we'll be able to play in the afternoon. They just think they've got a God given right to be there.”

“We're just passing through; it's our way of life,” one of the travellers countered. “It's the only way you know when you've been brought up with it.”

The police washed their hands of the situation and the local council, who own the ground, said that they could “only move as fast as the law allows”.