A fire that tore through the clubrooms at Haines Drive Reserve last week has left the rugby league club with no place to train or play this season.
Werribee Bears Rugby League president James Te Whata said the fire, which is believed to have been deliberately lit about 4pm on March 14, destroyed the clubrooms only a day before the team was due to take over from the cricket club for its season.
“At the moment, we’ve got no lights, no power, and no hot water, so it doesn’t look like we can start training,” he said. “We’ve got our first game on April 9 and this is probably going to stop us from playing.”
Mr Te Whata said it was concerning that somebody started a fire in the hot weather.
Werribee Crime Investigation Unit’s Detective Senior Constable Laura Kilpatrick said the fire had been deemed “criminal damage by arson”.
“It appears rubbish that had been left around was lit,” she said. “There’s been extensive damage to the roof and the side of the building.”
Wyndham Vale Fire Brigade captain Trevor Weston said six CFA trucks from Wyndham Vale, Werribee and Hoppers Crossing attended.
He said the brigade was growing frustrated by the number of deliberately lit fires.
“We had the Hoppers Crossing playground set alight just last week, and now this. Anyone lighting fires needs to sit back and look at what they’re taking away.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
