University Bulls Cricket Club broken into for third time in two years as concerns linger over its future

There are internal concerns that a Darwin cricket club could fold following a third break-in in two years, despite years of assistance from the local competition.

There are internal fears the University Bulls Cricket Club will fold – just days after it was broken into and a $900 replacement generator stolen – following a Facebook post from its outgoing treasurer earlier this week.

Club president Aayush Sapkota confirmed the Bulls had been broken into three times over the past two years, with the previous generator stolen during the pre-season.

It came after committee member of more than 15 years and treasurer, Matt Stevens, informed club members of the “bad news” that its shed had been broken into again and he was stepping down in June.

“If the club is to survive, then a responsible person who actually understands that if you don’t do it for the club, then you will have no club to play for, will need to take over the treasurer position,” he said.

“It is clear to me that the club is still not functioning as a club with individual teams playing for themselves and not contributing to the running and growth of the club.

University Bulls Cricket Club won the D Grade premiership in 2022. Picture: University Bulls Cricket Club.

“This is sad and I fear for the club’s future, but my time is up.”

Mr Sapkota said thieves also left graffiti on a newly installed door which cost around $3500.

“There were tools of the tradie guy who was doing some work on (the) nets, his stuff was stolen too,” he said.

“They grabbed spray paint which is used for turf painting and painted the shed.”

Believing local crime rates were at their “peak”, Mr Sapkota said the club had only stayed afloat in recent years through the support of the competition and Mr Stevens’ hard work and dedication.

He said the Bulls simply did not have enough volunteers.

“The club is still up and running only because of him,” he said.

“Matt is relocating soon and he … is basically doing every other official job as well.”

However, in a statement, the Darwin Cricket Management Committee said it had been working with the club following “similar public statements” that were made in the second half of 2022.

Committee president Lachlan Baird said it had been working with the Bulls on management, “member protection” and its women’s and junior programs “intensively” since 2020.

This has included “active engagement” during the off-season to support Mr Sapkota and the club’s new committee when a “series of similar public statements were made” in the second half of 2022.

Peak body Cricket NT and the committee have also taken over the preparation the club’s turf wicket this season.

Vandals left graffiti on the shed they broke into. Picture: University Bulls Cricket Club.

“Unfortunately, and as would be all too familiar to anyone across Darwin and Australia who is involved in a community sporting club or group in 2023, there is a huge burden on a dwindling number of active volunteers in clubs and community organisations,” Mr Baird said.

“The competition will continue to work with all our clubs to assist where we can and hopefully produce the best outcomes for the game in the Top End.”

Mr Baird said there had been “huge growth” in the last three seasons and the committee was keen to ensure clubs remained sustainable.

Originally published as University Bulls Cricket Club broken into for third time in two years as concerns linger over its future