AS if groundsmen didn’t have enough on their plate lately with the big freeze, Hook Norton have been suffering more than most with a plague of ice-defying moles at their Bourne ground.

The wandering moles were not only causing damage to the football pitch, but also the adjoining cricket ground, leaving Billy Green scratching his head.

But not to be beaten, Green obtained expert advice, trapping four of the critters in quick time.

It is rumoured that, in the 'mole world', Hooky is now regarded as a 'no go' area.

Hooky press officer Geoff James said they had contemplated rewarding Green for his efforts with a glass of “moled” wine!