ALCESTER and Ragley Park are searching for an alternative venue with the cricket season weeks away.

The Cotswold Hills Division One side have been unable to get into their Ragley Park base because of the foot and mouth crisis.

And with Ragley Hall closed throughout Easter, pre-season friendlies at home to Broadway and Elmley Castle look unlikely to be staged.

"We have been offered the use of Alcester Grammar School pitch," said vice chairman Frank Wood, "but it has a matted wicket unsuitable for senior matches."

Chairman Don Beachus said alternative grounds were rare with sides running second teams and the same problem would prevent Alcester playing all their matches away from home.

The crisis could cripple Mark Fawthrop's bid to lead his side back to the Premier Division.

The skipper has recruited Aussie all-rounder Matt Bennett from the Victoria-based Wyndham club.

And with the chance of Sri Lankan quickie Dillon Fernando and Keith Beasley returning and Nick Chadbourne signing up from the Derbyshire League Alcester will have a strong cosmopolitan squad.

But Beasley is set to miss the first month of the season.

The Studley BKL goalkeeper is concentrating on helping the Bees to the Midland Combination title and the season has been extended until Thursday, May 24 because of the wet weather.