A FIRE which destroyed the jointly shared clubrooms of the West Newport Cricket Club and Altona Roosters Rugby Club, is no longer being treated as suspicious.
Located at Loft Reserve in Newport, the blaze took 18 fire-fighters 30 minutes to get under control after breaking out about 5pm last Thursday.
West Newport secretary Mick Jones said the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
There was extensive damage to the players’ rooms and memorabilia, photos, trophies, two televisions and furniture were destroyed.
“We are not allowed in at the moment, we are just waiting on the council to give us clearance to go in and have a look,” Jones said.
“We are hearing that the whole rooms may have to be replaced.”
The mid-week damage didn’t stop teams from West Newport taking to the field on Saturday with clubs throughout the Western Suburbs quick to lend a hand of support.
“Our seconds played at home yesterday and we didn’t know if we were going to get a game,” Jones said.
“Williamstown Congs rang us and said, don’t worry about afternoon tea and the drinks and that stuff, we will bring it. They brought tables and chairs and it was brilliant.
“It hasn’t just been in our competition, we have had VTCA and Sub-District sides ring us up too.
“A lot of the other clubs in the competition have been really good and we really appreciate the help.”
