A RUGBY club said there were ‘near misses’ of people being hurt when its grounds were devastated by Storm Eunice today.

Barrow Raiders has released a statement reporting that the damage caused by the storm is estimated to be ‘well into’ six figures.

The club’s spokesman said no one had been hurt, but that there had been ‘near misses’ within the team.

Damage has been caused to the club’s perimeter wall, grandstand, and advertising hoardings.

And emergency services were called to the retail park on Hindpool Road after Barrow Raiders’ marquee blew into the park’s car park.

A clean up operation commenced within hours of the destruction and will resume tomorrow morning.

A Barrow Raiders spokesman said: “As you are probably aware Barrow Raiders were a victim of Storm Eunice with estimated damage well into six figures with the loss of our marquee, perimeter wall, damage to the grandstand and other advertising hoardings. Add to this the loss of revenue in the short term.

“Thankfully no one was hurt although there were some near misses within our own team and some of us have used up a life today.

“We have had a fantastic response with many people involved with the initial tidy-up operation this afternoon but we will be reconvening at 9am Saturday morning if anyone is able to lend a hand. Hopefully the wind will have dropped by then!

“This is a massive blow to the club but with your support we will come back stronger.

“Also we need to announce that both Bradford v Barrow and Dewsbury Moor v Barrow Ladies have both been postponed.”