The University of Brighton stepped in at short notice to ensure Burgess Hill Cricket Club’s weekend fixture on Saturday could still go ahead after around 15 caravans and motorhomes arrived at Clayton Recreation Ground, near Hassocks.
The green space is located between Underhill Lane and the B2112 New Road.
The club appealed for help in a social media post on Thursday May 28, a day after reports emerged of the vehicle’s presence.
The post said: “Our 2nd ground Clayton looks to have more fielders on it in the deep than usual, so Saturday’s game there looks unlikely.
“Any local clubs have a spare ground this weekend that our 4s could use (and pay for) as a favour?”
The club shared an aerial photo of the caravans on the pitch alongside their post.
In a Friday update, the club said it had found a solution.
It said: “We have a ground for tomorrow – the 4s will play at Brighton Uni, thanks to the Square One team for helping us get our game on.
“Also a big thanks to all those who’ve tried to help, it’s greatly appreciated.”
Although Saturday’s game could go ahead, the club warned that this problem cannot be solved overnight.
It said: “We don’t think we’ll be on Clayton for a number of weeks, it’s going to take a lot of work to get back in shape.”
A traveller encampment comprised of around 15 caravans previously arrived at Waterhall nature reserve on May 22.
The nature reserve, near Brighton, consists of around 38 acres of scrubland in the South Downs National Park.
The group left the nature reserve five days later, shortly after the council secured permission for the police to disperse the camp.
The nature reserve was sadly littered with rubbish, and a council sign was damaged.
