A CAMPAIGN to save one of Cheltenham's oldest cricket clubs could come to fruition by the end of this week.
Officials at Charlton Kings Cricket Club are preparing for a date in London's High Court, which has been provisionally set for this Thursday and Friday.
They are up against Cheltenham widow Jacki Mitchell who claims to have rights to part of the club's playing field, Ryeworth Fields, formerly owned by her father-in-law and cricket lover, Arthur Mitchell, who donated the land to the club more than a century ago.
The dispute has been described as unique to cricket.
If the courts favour Mrs Mitchell's claims, the club has accepted it cannot continue financially after racking up more than £200,000 worth of legal bills.
Steve Silk, cricket development manager for the Gloucestershire Cricket Board, said it would be "a horrendous blow" if they lose the battle - not only for the sport in Charlton Kings but the local game in Gloucestershire.
He said: "Over the past two years, the club has been one of the county's most successful clubs and its junior sections have gone from strength to strength.
"The club has a long history playing there (at Ryeworth Fields) and has become a real integral part of the community." The club's plight has brought together the county's cricket community to show support.
A fund backed by the Echo was set up in a bid to find money to cover the legal fees.
During Charlton Kings' ongoing battle, attempts were unsuccessfully made to mediate a settlement out of court. The case went to the High Court in Birmingham in March and was adjourned after four days.
In the meantime, lawyers have been given time to scrutinise a tenancy agreement at Ryeworth Fields made in 1947, which could decide whether Charlton Kings are allowed to play on the land.
Mr Silk has also urged clubs to check the law in case they are legally covered to play on their own playing fields.
He said: "It has implications wider than Charlton Kings. It is a relatively unique situation that no one expected to happen but we would urge other clubs to check that their tenancies are all up to date. It has been something of great encouragement to see the Gloucestershire cricket community supporting the cause."
He added. "It has been very heartwarming and, by and large, most people have been very sympathetic to the Charlton Kings Cricket Club."
