AS coronavirus lockdown approaches its third month, local sports clubs are beginning to feel the pinch – with many concerned that they will struggle to get back to normal.

The local football and rugby club season ended prematurely without many of the major fundraising events that normally round off a season.

The cricket and hockey seasons could well be wiped out entirely and, for the moment, all sport is off the agenda.

In Thurrock the problem has been highlighted by the borough's senior rugby club.

Thurrock Rugby Club has put out an appeal for support, ideas and donations as it faces up to new challenges. However, it says it will be able to cope with the virus's impact.

A club statement says: "All of us are feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The season should have finished last week With a VP Lunch and we should be preparing for the VE Day Celebrations and the Dinner Dance.

"At Thurrock Rugby Club we will get through the next few months by pulling together. Because of prudent management in the past the club will return to full health once we are able to open our doors again. There is still lots of work going on behind the scenes.

"The reality of the situation today is that the club has received substantial financial support from individuals and companies over many years in order to help with the running of all our men's, ladies and youth rugby in addition to providing the best pitches and facilities in the area.

"However, we know that the economic situation of the country will take many months to recover. Consequently funds and sponsorship will be hard fought for.

"As a club we are conscious that we need to take a more co-ordinated and structured approach to the commercial side throughout in order to maintain our grounds and develop rugby for all members from all teams and all ages. The development of the new school creates significant new opportunities and we need to be in a position to take advantage of these. This is where you can help!

"We are seeking members to assist in any way they can, ideas, activities, helping in any way possible to develop ways of bringing funds into the Club.

"If you have skills in sales and marketing whether that be in:

- Bringing new sponsors to the Club

- Setting up and helping run a Club "100 Club"