History of Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club

The precise formation of Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club is at present unknown, however we do possess a photograph dating back to 1902.

1902

It therefore remains a possibility that "Thorpe" was founded sometime in the last century which would make us over 100 year's old. Pity we can't be sure as I am certain that celebrating 100 year's of Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club would be a prestigious occasion.

The first pitch was at the top of "Hall Field" and the club moved to its present site in 1922.

By 1931 the first known records were being kept of committee meetings, A.G.M's and matches played by the club. Thorpe entered the Melton & District League in the early 1930's, this being the first known league cricket played by the club.

By 1938 a full set of club rules were introduced.

No local cricket was played during the "war years" (1939 -1945) and by 1947 Thorpe had juniors on their books for the first time, this venture however was to be short-lived and was discontinued.

The first century scored by a Thorpe player (Mr. R. Durrant), and in fact by a local cricketer, occurred in the 1949 season, unfortunately there is no record of the first bowler to take 5 wickets or more.

Wickets in the early years were very favourable to the bowler so it is surprising to date that no Thorpe bowler has taken 10 wickets in an innings. A.G.M's, meetings and social functions had to take place in a variety of local pubs, because in those days there was no bar in the pavilion.

ariel view

Up until 1956 the outfield was mainly marshland, this was subsequently drained by Mr Revill and rolled by Mr Lovegrove, the wicket has always been maintained by volunteers, and still is today. Mrs Pearson took over as Secretary in 1962 and served continuously for over 25 year's until her untimely death, which was remembered by the planting of a memorial tree, which flourishes today.

The pavilion was enlarged in 1966, with the playing side of the club expanding, many more league and cup matches were played.

By the end of the 1960's the ground was starting to resemble something like it is today, with regular grass cutting taking place  flush toilets being installed in the pavilion. The 1970's, 1980's were to see advancements on a greater scale with a gang-mower, roller, tractor and boundary fencing all being purchased.

A new pavilion was built incorporating a bar for the first time, thus opening up new avenues on the social side. On the playing side, teams were entered in the North Leics. Burrough Leagues, subsequently moving into the newly formed Leicestershire Senior League in 1983.

The 1990's arrived with the club playing in the Rutland & Grantham Leagues, Belvoir & Burrough mid-week leagues, various K.O cups and continues to go from strength to strength. Junior cricket was started again and we currently have teams playing in various Leicestershire junior leagues.

During this period the new brick pavilion you see today was constructed, the outfield levelled and three new wickets added to the square, transforming the club completely.

Notable achievements over the years have included reaching the last 16 of the National Village KO Cup, winning the Oakham Cups (Fitzwilliam Bowl & Nevison Cup) on numerous occasions. The Salaman Cup has been won on two occasions (1957,1983) and the Rural Tankard twice, in 1985 and 1986. Regular success has come our way in the local mid-week competitions these include The Belvoir League Cup, Burrough League Cup, Nursing, Combined and Nutting KO Cups.

Weekend leagues have also provided the club with a fair degree of success, with championships being won in many of the leagues entered. The club currently plays in the Everards County Cricket League and to date has won three league titles. In fact it is over 25 year's since the club last failed to win a trophy of any description.

As a club Thorpe Arnold is constantly striving to improve the standard of cricket in which they play, moving into better leagues regularly over the past 20 year's. This trend looks set to continue with the introduction of the new National County League structure.

Junior cricket is taking off in a big way, we currently have 60 juniors on our books with ages ranging from 8 year's to 15 year's and the numbers keep growing annually.

Additional finance has to be found to purchase special junior cricket equipment to allow them to play in the local leagues. In the past approaches have been made to the local authorities and to date we have received no assistance at all. It would be a great shame for the local youngsters if we were unable to meet their future needs.

The club currently plays over 120 cricket matches, half of which are on our home ground.Our ground is selected for many finals, including the Grantham League Cup, Belvoir League Cup.