A cricket club has banned players from hitting a six amid fears of insurance claims should it damage neighbouring properties.

Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, which was formed in 1790, has reportedly received complaints from neighbours that house windows, cars and sheds have been in the firing line should such a play occur.

A six means that a big hitter has stuck the ball hard enough to go out of the boundary of the field, meaning they have scored a maximum of six runs.

While nets have been erected by the club, batters have been told that the first six will count as no runs and that if it happens a second time during their innings, they are out.

Mark Broxup, treasurer of the club, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: “We took the proactive decision to ban sixes at the ground after a few incidents in the past when cars, houses and even roofs were damaged.

“We don’t want to have to pay costly insurance or have any legal claims against us so it seemed a sensible thing to do.”

Backlash

The move did cause backlash from batters, with one saying: “Everything is about health and safety these days and insurance companies are charging a fortune to indemnify sports clubs against accidental damage or injury to bystanders.

“If you buy a house next to a cricket ground then you’ve got to expect a few cricket balls in your garden.”

Another said: “Hitting the bowler for a six out is part of the glory of the sport.

“How can you ban it? It’s ridiculous.”