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Club History

Image 1 for Club History

After nearly 50 years of playing cricket at the beautiful ground at Little Durnford Manor,the home of Lord Chichester, the club's lease was not renewed in 1982.

League cricket had been rejected by the club over the years, which had led them to be one of the few clubs in the area to play friendlies only.

In the 50's Hampshire Cricket Club sent a side each year to play the club under the late W S Biddle, and a large crowd always attended.(see top Photo).

In the 70's, the club entered the National Village Knock Out competition, reaching the Wiltshire finals 3 times. In 1978 they went even better, and under Chris Steele, reached the last 8 nationally. Over 1000 supporters packed the the ground to witness their exploits. The successful team is pictured (Photo 2) with the Cooper Cup. A new ground was badly needed to continue this fine tradition. The club were overjoyed when Lord Margadale offered them the use of his ground in Fonthill Park, at Fonthill Bishop. Cricket had not been played there since 1973, and lots of work needed to be done. Under the stewardship of Chris Steele a new pavilion was built by the members, with the help of a brewery loan.

In the early years, the wicket was very 'sporting', and the modern helmet would have been very welcome!!!! However hard work triumphed, and the wicket improved. With the prolific Andy Jenkins, the Rigiani brothers, Peter and Roli and Chris Weir the club had some very good batsmen. Clubs from far and wide began to travel to the new ground.

In the 90's, under the stewardship of Keith Steer, the current squad of players began to shine. Hugo and his brother Alistair Scott- Gall started making big runs consistantly and Peter Slade and Jon Sealy, who could both bat and bowl, added to the clubs strength in depth. Knock Out success returned to the club and in 1998 they reached the last 16 nationally only to be narrowly beaten to a place in the last 8.

Friendlies are still the order of the day in 2003 followed by a pint or two at the club's bar!

Anyone is welcome to come along to watch,and enjoy the amazing setting in which the game is played.

Keith Steer is still 'in charge' of a club he joined first in 1975 and welcomes players old and new to the beautiful ground at all times.

Wedding receptions are also a speciality and bookings are currently being taken!

Do come and see us play!!

Keith Steer