Sleaford Cricket Club is one of the oldest clubs in the country, the first recorded match took place in 1803 but it was not until around 1854 that the first recorded fixture took place on the present ground, then owned by Lord Bristol.
Throughout the 19th century it was very much an integral part of the community and during the early 1850s it featured matches between local sides and an All England XI in which the great W G Grace played. In all, eight All England fixtures were held at Sleaford.
In 1864 a game took place between the North & South of England, again classified as a First Class fixture.
Sleaford Cricket Ground is recognised as the fourth oldest First Class ground in the country for which we are extremely proud.
The 20th century, particularly after the Second World War, featured numerous benefit matches for all the leading cricketers in the country and Under 19 International games. An Annual Lincolnshire County Cricket Club fixture in the National Counties is a mainstay of the club fixture calendar. Some notable fixtures include in 1988 when England North played Sri Lanka, the most recent first class fixture. A NatWest trophy fixture was held in 1983 between Lincolnshire and Surrey and England Women have played twice at London Road.
During this period, of over 200 years, vast change has taken place by way of the purchase of the ground from Lord Bristol in 1960 and the development of the present wonderful facilities including the clubhouse, tractor shed, training nets and scorebox.
During the 19th and early 20th century a limited number of games were always played on a Saturday and usually only one team. It was not until after the Second World War, when the club was reformed, that Sunday cricket was introduced, in 1949. The club began to expand and prosper, like it is today.
In the early 1940’s the club had arguably the strongest team in its long history with a full team of players who had represented the county of Lincolnshire and some who received First Class county offers. Friendly cricket continued with the club also having a strong second eleven, when most players were coached by Carres Grammar School.
1960 saw the introduction of League Cricket in the county and many of the Officers of Sleaford Cricket Club were responsible for the early organisation at management level.
Since the formation of the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League, Sleaford Cricket Club have been an ever present. The club have consistently featured strongly. In recent years winning the Premier Division in 2013 and rarely out of the top four places. Before the inauguration of the ECB Premier League, the club competed in South Lincs and Border league for many years, a league in which our second team still participates in. On a Sunday, the club have competed in the Newark Alliance league but more recently play in the Lincoln & District league.
The club has employed high profile overseas professionals for many years with the aim of adding value on the field but also off it too. Some names include Tim McIntosh who represented New Zealand, Obus Pienaar (both held league batting records) and Chamara Kapugedara (Sri Lankan International).
The club has held its Clubmark accreditation for a number of years with development of young players high priority. In more recent years, the club has delivered All Stars Cricket whilst providing cricket for juniors up to 18 years old and Women’s Softball Cricket.