SPORTING fixtures over the weekend had to be called off due to the weather – including at Weymouth where the Bob Lucas Stadium was damaged.

There was concern that Weymouth FC’s home clash against Banbury United on Saturday may have to be called off due to a severely waterlogged pitch.

On Saturday however there was a different problem facing the club as fierce winds had caused structural damage to the ground.

Paul Valentine, a volunteer groundsman, said: “The roof of the main turnstile has come completely off. As far as I can see it has taken the electric cables down as well.

“I got a phone call on Saturday from the other groundsman and he was informed by the people in charge that the game has been called off because of safety reasons.

“The next game we’ve got at this ground, as far as I know, is next Saturday when the reserves are at home. I would imagine it would be fixed by then.”

He added: “But the pitch is in excellent condition.”

A sign of the club’s crest, previously attached to the side of its main stand, was also torn off by the wind.

Portland United, Weymouth Reserves and Bridport Reserves all had their games postponed in the Bespoke Dorset Premier League due to waterlogged pitches.

Bridport’s Western League game at Radstock Town also fell to the weather, but Dorchester Town’s home match against Bromley was on.