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The History of Walton-le-Dale Cricket Club
The Club was a founder member of the Chorley and District Amateur Cricket League that was formulated in 1903, with the first matches being played the following year. Possibly the proudest achievements came in 1970, 1974 and 2004 the Club lifting the Division 1 championship on 3 occasions
There have been a number of outstanding players over the years. 2 of the most prominent are Alan Rigby and Gavin Turner. Alan is currently Club President was formerly a Recreation Society Trustee and Treasurer and held the position of League President for many years. He was the League’s highest aggregate runs scorer 14 times in 16 seasons between 1960 and 1975. Gavin, currently Club Chairman, was the League’s outstanding bowler from 1970 through to the mid-1980’s and still holds the League record for the most wickets in a season (95 in 1977). Today the Club
The Club runs both ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams along with a Sunday Team who play in the 2nd, 6th and Sunday Divisions of the Palace Shield and has a thriving Junior Section. In 2004 we reviewed all local cricket leagues and decided the Palace Shield cricket competition gave our club the best chance to advance in terms of standard of cricket and exposure to the wider community. We have since applied to join the Palace Shield cricket competition and are now a memberof the Palace Shield Competition.
New members are always welcome, with organised practice held every Tuesday evening during the season, commencing at 6:30pm. Junior members are especially welcome, with 2 qualified English Cricket Board Coaches providing organised practice and coaching for 9 to 13 years olds. Recent on-field fortunes have improved after a long period languishing at the wrong end of the table, recent successes are: -
F Ley Cup 2002
1st Div Championship 2004
2nd Div Championship 2002, 2003
F Ley Cup - 2002
Brinscall Cup - 2001, 2003, 2004
Centenary Shield - 2004
Qualified for the Lancashire Cricket Board Shield - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Facilities are continually enhanced. Improvements to the front of the pavilion were carried out prior to the start of the 2001 season, taking away the old fence and removing that ‘Prison Camp’ look.
In 2004 and 2005 the Recreation Society gained the help of the Leyland Probation Service. The Pavilion, changing rooms and showers have been fully re-furbished. A great deal of general work around the ground has also been completed, this includes a new children’s play area, picnic tables, seating and pruning of trees and shrubs.
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