And the Wauchope Blues say they are frustrated with the process to arrest the infestation and concerned about the future of the ground.

Club spokesperson Ged Roods said watching the main field slowly disintegrate has been frustrating.

Roods has called on Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to act decisively to eradicate the infestation and to increase its summer maintenance program on the once manicured ground.

“Unfortunately, the ground is in the worst state it’s ever been,” Roods said.

“The problem has been there for the past two years and has gradually been getting worse.

“As the ground is council-owned, it is maintained by them as well. We first noticed a problem about two years ago and notified council.

“In those summer months it appears council only undertook normal summer maintenance of the field. Whereas, it perhaps would have been best to increase maintenance (during the summer months) to address the fungal issues earlier.

“It’s very disappointing and very frustrating for us as a football club.”

Roods said the surface at Lank Bain’s main field was considered one of the best grounds on the North Coast for many years.

The Blues cannot train on the main field and council reopened the field for the Blues to host its sole home game of the current season.

Council acting director Dan Croft said the fungus infestation was due to humid weather conditions over summer.

“Due to those conditions, a fungal outbreak has occurred on field one at the Lank Bain Sporting Complex,” he said.

“Council is currently treating the infestation by applying fungicide, fertiliser and increasing irrigation to the field to promote turf growth.

“Council thanks the local sporting clubs for their patience and understanding while the field is being repaired.”