Welcome from our Chairman
The Saddleworth & District Cricket League is long established, having been formed in 1898. The first season played was in 1899 with nine Clubs, and the honour of being the first champions went to Friarmere whose record was....P.16. W.11. D.4. L.1...Points 26.
We have travelled a long road since those far off days, but of those original nine Clubs who played that first season, I am happy to say that Friarmere, Austerlands, Greenfield, Saddleworth, Stayley, and Uppermill are still in the League.
Geographically, the League is quite compact, covering a radius of about 7 miles, based on the industrial town of Oldham (Lancashire), but reaches out into the Pennine valleys and villages bordering onto West Yorkshire, which means that due to the terrain some of our grounds tend to be quite small. However this is compensated for by some dramatic settings such as at Greenfield, nestling below Alphin Pike, Wharmton and Pots & Pans Hill.
The League also contains what must be two of the highest grounds in England, at Austerlands and Moorside, both at more than 1000 feet above sea level.
Because a lot of the games are local to each other, the fierce rivalry often means games are keenly contested.
Over the years there have been many famous player in the league. Ex Lancashire players Peter Marner (sadly recently deceased) started his career at Austerlands. Little Harry Pilling and the late John Sullivan, both at Stayley, whilst current Lancashire player Kyle Hogg started at Greenfield. The former Lancashire spin bowler Bob Arrowsmith played as Professional at Delph when they were League members, as did Martin van Jaarsveld now at Kent, and Hylton Ackerman of Northants was Professional at Uppermill.
Other famous Test players who have played in the League over the years include Percy Holmes (of England, Holmes and Sutcliffe fame) who was Professional at Saddleworth, Johnny Wardle, Gary Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Basil D'Oliveira, Sonny Ramadhin, Roy Gilchrist, Joel Garner, Vanburn Holder, Patrick(Balfour) Patterson, Omar Henry, Sadiq Mohammed, and even the great Shane Warne played one game as Deputy Professional for Austerlands when he first came to the U.K. to be pro at Accrington in the Lancashire League. Currently Marlon Black former West Indies opening bowler in 2001 plays for Bamford Fieldhouse.
At present 13 Clubs comprise the League, and applications to join are welcome from any Clubs who meet the required criteria. League administration is by a hard working Executive Committee who are fortunate to have as President Mr. Roger Tanner who must be unique in League Cricket terms due to the fact that he still takes a very active role in League affairs having celebrated in 2007, fifty continuous years as President.
We strive to improve at all times facilities, pitch and ground standards, and are not prepared to tolerate any indiscipline on the field of play with Umpires being encouraged to report any such incidents which are dealt with by the League disciplinary committee.
The League have generous Sponsorship through to 2011, with Armstongs Office Furniture, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, whilst our 20/20 competition is rather aptly sponsored by 20-20 Opticians of Uppermill.
Some years ago our current League Secretary, Phil Taylor wrote a book titled "Over the Hill By Way of High Moor" detailing the League's first 100 year history. Copies are still available from him, and he can be contacted at philip.taylor22@btopenworld.com
I hope you find our Web site of interest, and should you be visiting this Pennine area, then I hope you will be able to find the time to visit our League.
Eddie Bayliss (League Chairman)