MHA Northern Pyramid Cricket Competition

1901 - Formation of the Palace Shield

The Railway Hotel was on the corner of Talbot Road and Abingdon Street, Blackpool

The details and circumstances relating to the formation of The Palace (Blackpool) Shield Competition are recorded in the Minutes of the first Meeting held at the Railway Hotel, Blackpool, on November 4th, 1901.

‘Present: Messrs. Bennett (Kirkham), Schofield (Blackpool), Evans (St. Annes), Wignall (Croston),.Gilbert (Ashton), Sanderson (Penwortham), Harrison (St. Pauls), Etchells (Kirkham).

Mr. Bennett was voted to the Chair, and Mr. Etchells elected Secretary.

Mr. Etchells explained to the meeting about the offer of Mr. C. V. Haworth, Chairman of the Blackpool Alhambra Company, who promised a handsome 40gns Silver Shield for Competition among the Fylde Cricket Clubs. The conditions imposed were:

1) That it be called The Alhambra (Blackpool) Shield Competition.
2) That it be won three times before becoming the absolute property of any club.’

It was agreed to form a Shield Competition, Mr. Haworth was invited to be the first President and, at the second meeting on November 11th, 20 rules were drawn up for the Competition, fixtures arranged for the seven clubs taking part and the subscription fixed at 12s 6d.

It is interesting to note that this subscription translates to over £130 at today’s values and the cost of the Shield to around £10,000.

1902 - Inagural Season

timeline1902

The first season of the Competition. St Pauls did not take part but Fleetwood made up the original seven founder members. St Annes won the first competition

The following extract appeared in the Blackpool Times in October: ‘On Friday last an interesting event took place at thc Alhambra, Blackpool, when Miss Vesta Tilley presented the handsome Alhambra Challenge Shield to the St. Annes team.’
Vesta Tilley was a famous music hall artiste and male impersonator. It must have been an interesting evening for Edwardian times and we may have something to learn from our founders!

1903 - Shield Stays Put

Shield

In its second year the Committee sensibly resolved ‘that the Shield would not become the property of any club.

1907 - Palace Shield renamed

Shield

After various comings and goings of clubs the membership stood at twelve clubs. The title was changed to The Palace (Blackpool) Shield Competition and the Palace Cup presented by the President as runners-up trophy

1918 - War Time

ww1

The Competition was badly affected by the war. Several clubs resigned and there was no competition from 1916 to 1918.

1919 - Rebirth of the Shield

railwaykirkham

On April 1st 1919 a meeting of former clubs was held at the Railway Hotel, Kirkham, which was to become the regular venue for meetings until the 1950s.

The Competition was re-formed with only six clubs and the Palace Cup was played for on a knock-out basis, for one season, to increase the number of fixtures.

Mr A. Ward of Kirkham was appointed Secretary and Treasurer and served until 1927 and Cllr F.R. Boydell of the Blackpool Tower Company, President of the Blackpool club, was elected Chairman, serving the Competition in this capacity, and later as President, until 1956.

1922 - A Second Division

wreagreen1920

The Competition was extended with the formation of a Second Division
This was achieved by the admission of four new teams, Preesall, Robertsons (St Annes), Wrea Green and Dick Kerrs II, and the second teams of Ashton, Fleetwood, Fylde , Kirkham, Penwortham and Thornton Alkali, which had formed the Fylde League, were admitted en bloc.

The Fylde Cup, was presented to the first Second Division Champions, Dick Kerrs II.

1928 - Sharples Appointed

Sharples2

Mr William Sharples was appointed as Secretary and Treasurer and continued to serve the Competition until 1964.

1929 - Morgan demolishes First Division

bowled

B.F. Morgan of Dick Kerrs, (later English Electric and BAC/EE Preston) playing in the First Division, set a record for the highest number of wickets in a season of 111 at 4.9 runs each, which stands to the present day and seems likely to stand well into our second century.

A. Ramsdale of Thornton (later Thornton ICI), batting against Blackpool in the First Division, set a record for the highest individual score of 174, which was to stand for 68 years.

1932 - Boydell elected

Boydell

Cllr F.R. Boydell elected President and was to serve for a further 24 years. Mr F. Barnes of Penwortham was elected Chairman.

1935 - Meyler Cup Founded

shieldmeyler

1935 Mr E. D. Meyler of Fulwood & Broughton presented ‘a handsome silver cup’ as trophy for the winners of a knock out competition.

This was played as a two evening match of 16 eight ball overs each side, with the final, of 24 overs each side, on a Saturday in August. Blackpool were the first winners.

Meyler Cup History

1938 - Three Points for a Win

3 points

Three points awarded for a win for the first time. Minutes record the presentation of ‘a ball, suitably inscribed and mounted, to Mr A. Hutchinson of Great Eccleston on taking 100 wickets for the first time in the Second Division.’

1939-1946

whittingham

In 1939, Whittingham began a sequence of winning the Palace Shield eight times in succession (twice jointly with Thornton ICI).

1939-1945 - Difficult War Times

cricketww2

The 1939 season was completed early, at the end of August with the outbreak of the War.

The Competition did continue throughout the War, though several clubs withdrew.

A regional system of East and West Sections, with six teams in each, was operated with some service teams from local depots participating.

The registration of players was suspended.

The difficulties of maintaining competition are apparent from the records, with many players serving in the armed forces and severe restrictions on travel and the supply of equipment.

The South Shore club had its ground taken over for an aircraft factory and other clubs’ facilities were lost.

Great credit must go to the officials, especially the Secretary, Mr Sharples, and those of the clubs for keeping cricket alive in these difficult times.

1947 - Competition Grows

Shield

With the former two division structure re-established in 1946, most former clubs having re-joined, a Third Division was formed with new clubs admitted and additional second teams.

Playing time increased from 4 to 41/2 hours.

The first reference in records to eight ball overs in the Competition, though senior players recollect this as being the practice prior to the war.

Mr Barcroft of Cleveleys presented a silver cup for the Third Division Champions.

1951 - Rumblings of a new league

THE BEGINNINGS OF THE NORTHERN CRICKET LEAGUE

By Gerry Wolstenholme

The crux of the matter was that a number of clubs wanted the League to be divided into an Eastern and a Western section so as to guarantee a more satisfactory fixture list. To this end representatives of Blackpool, Chorley, Darwen, Fleetwood, Lancaster, Leyland, Morecambe and St Annes met prior to the Ribblesdale League AGM to discuss their tactics. The meetings of these clubs eventually produced a document drawn up at their meeting in the Victoria & Station on 7 October 1951.

This hand written document pronounced "The following Ribblesdale League clubs:- Blackpool, Chorley, Darwen, Fleetwood, Lancaster, Leyland, Morecambe, St Annes being duly authorised by their respective Committees are resolved from this meeting to request the Ribblesdale League to form a West Section, comprising the above named clubs together with Leyland Motors, Furness and Kendal. Failing agreement on the part of the Ribblesdale League the above eight clubs pledge themselves to resign forthwith from the Ribblesdale League and to create a new league, which would include an invitation to Leyland Motors, Furness, Kendal and Preston." The document was signed by representatives of the eight clubs.

News of this meeting leaked out to the Preston Evening Post which declared that such a proposal had been talked about "for some years" but that it had not been expected to be sprung upon the League at that particular time. It was Darwen, acting for the western division clubs, that informed the Ribblesdale League executive with a letter asking for a motion for the formation of a western section to be included in the agenda of the AGM. Mr Frank Dugdale, the League secretary acted at once and, with the additional problem of election work taking up the time of some of the executive, he circulated clubs to the effect that the AGM would be postponed from its scheduled date of 27 October to 10 November.

At that meeting, Mr J C Higginson of Lancaster moved the resolution on behalf of the named clubs and he tried to play down the rumours that there had been so-called clandestine meetings. "We have heard quite a lot about secret meetings" he said "but I want you to forget that. We have had this change in mind for a number of seasons and it was necessary for us to get together and go into the possibilities of a Western Section. The best way to do this was to have an informal talk among ourselves and afterwards we duly advised the President of the situation." He then confirmed that the League President, Mr J H Ramsbottom, had been visited on the evening of the second meeting of the clubs concerned and had been advised of the pending situation.

Mr Higginson then explained that the inclusion of Leyland Motors in a western section had not been strongly considered but that they were welcome to join the breakaway clubs if they wished. Alternatively it was their prerogative, if they so desired, to still be involved in the Ribblesdale League if the motion was defeated. In addition, the Kendal and Furness clubs, both of whom had been invited to attend the meeting as prospective newcomers, had resigned from their North Lancashire League with a view to joining a new western selection of clubs. [It later transpired that Kendal and Furness were said to have been "kicked out" of their League when their intentions to join a different League had become known.]

Explaining the intention of the resolution Mr Higginson said "The Ribblesdale has been a well conducted league, but we propose only to extend our competition in the interests of cricket, providing a more interesting Ribblesdale League." Then he added, somewhat threateningly, "If the resolution is not carried, we can see no alternative to forming an independent league, a course we hope to avoid."

On hearing all this Mr Ramsbottom said that he did not like the way things had been done and that he felt that he had only been informed of the proposals when the action was pretty well complete. He thought that the clubs concerned could, and indeed should, have come to himself or Mr Dugdale sooner and discussed the situation before taking the action that they had done. He described the clubs' action as "holding a pistol at our heads" and furthermore felt that the resolution had been drawn up "by someone who knew nothing about the Ribblesdale League and the way it was conducted".

Be that as it may, the resolution was duly put forward by Mr Higginson, seconded by Mr A Watson of Darwen, and a vote of nine in favour and nine against followed. The resolution was then defeated on the casting vote of the president who, reiterating his earlier comments, said "I do not like it at all, and I do not like the way it has been done. It is all right saying it was brought to me. But it was only brought to me after it had reached concrete form."

The defeat of the resolution caused representatives of the eight clubs involved to withdraw from the meeting and those from Kendal and Furness followed suit. Mr G Gaskell of Leyland Motors then expressed his club's opinion. He made it clear that they had not been directly involved in the discussions to create a western division but on reflection he said that he now felt that he had to go along with the eight resigning clubs as Leyland Motors belonged geographically with the western clubs. Before departing he added that he felt that the matter should have been dealt with in a more constitutional manner.

The 11 clubs involved in the breakaway then went on to the Swan Hotel at Whalley where Mr W Blackledge of Chorley was elected as temporary chairman of a new league to be called The Northern Cricket League. The League was to consist of the eight teams that had left the Ribblesdale League plus Kendal and Furness. And then Leyland Motors, whose representative informed the gathering that his club had now also left the Ribblesdale League, were unanimously proposed and elected to the new League. The 12th team was to be Preston who were to be invited to join and who very quickly announced that they were determined to "fulfil their obligations to the Northern League in every possible way". But in the event Preston did not take their place in the League until the 1953 season thus in the opening season teams would on occasion have free weekends.

William Horner of Furness was appointed secretary, Mr A Watson of Darwen was appointed treasurer and sub-committees were appointed to deal with such matters of rules, fixtures and umpires. A meeting of the new league was fixed for 25 November. Official acceptance would then be made of a challenge cup for the league offered by Mr F Smith of St Annes, a championship flag offered by Mr W Place of Blackpool and a runners-up trophy offered by Mr W Blackledge of Chorley. In addition plans would be made for a second division as the Ribblesdale League had decided that clubs that had left would be barred from playing in their second division. Mr A J Leggatt of Kendal offered a championship cup for the second division.

The rest of the winter and early spring was spent in setting up all the necessary administration for the Northern League, as it was known in its shortened form, to commence its activities in mid-April 1952. Individual clubs set about finding themselves a professional, as one of the rules of the new competition was that each club would play one professional in its side. Blackpool, for example, retained Jim Parks who had performed so well for them for three seasons in the Ribblesdale League. Lancaster supporters were delighted when the club signed the ex-Somerset and England all rounder Arthur Wellard who since retirement from first-class cricket had assisted Kidderminster as professional in the Birmingham League in the 1950 and 1951 seasons. And St Annes had William Lawton, later to be the husband of film star Dora Bryan.

1952 - Palace Shield Golden Jubilee

50no

Palace Shield

Golden Jubilee of the Competition. A difficult start to the celebration following the departure of the Second Teams of Blackpool, Fleetwood, Lancaster, Leyland Motors and St Annes to join the newly formed Northern League.

Competition continued with 31 teams making up the three divisions. Meyler Cup changed to ‘all in the draw’ format after being played on a regional basis since its introduction.

A Golden Jubilee Handbook recorded the history of the Competition and individual clubs. The Jubilee Dinner at the Clifton Hotel was attended by many celebrities and entertained by Mr Stan Mortensen, of Blackpool FC fame, among others.

1952 - Formation of the Northern League

npl25

INTRODUCTION TO THE NORTHERN CRICKET LEAGUE

The Northern Cricket League, a new combination in the cricket world, has great pleasure in issuing this handbook for its first season 1952.

The Organisation is admittedly new but the clubs forming this league are all clubs with many years standing, some reaching back over 100 years, clubs to whom cricket has been, and still is, "THE GAME" in the area covered by the Northern Cricket League.

We are very proud of the fact that as the Northern Cricket League's first President we have Sir D G Bradman, a personality who without question is on the Highest pinnacle of cricket the world over.

Clubs :

BLACKPOOL

The Blackpool C.C. was founded in 1889 and Club cricket was played until 1920 when the Senior team entered the Ribblesdale League. From 1920 to 1951 the Club won the Ribblesdale League Championship eleven times, i.e., 1924, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1937, 1944, 1946, 1948 and 1951.

Blackpool was one of the founder members of the Palace Shield Competition, started in 1902 and the Second XI played in the competition from 1902 to 1951. The ground which is pleasantly situated and adjoins Stanley Park, is one of the recognised venues for County cricket. The present pavilion was opened on the 5th August 1925 by Sir Edwin J Stockton, Kt., JP., President of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

CHORLEY

Chorley joined the Ribblesdale League in 1919 but in the years to 1951 never succeeded in winning the championship. The nearest to success being in 1942 and 1950 when the club finnished runners-up.

The Club's popular pro, T. H. Edwardson set up a new Ribblesdale League record taking 100 wickets in three successive seasons: 1949, 1950 and 1951.

The present club started in 1909 when Chorley Amateurs became Chorley Town C.C. and moved to Windsor Park. In 1916 the Club amalgamated with Chorley West End C.C. Windsor Park is deservedly popular for its pleasant surroundings and its good wickets.

DARWEN

First known as Darwen Etrurians 1901-1910 and became Darwen C.C. in 1911.

Joined the Ribblesdale League in1909 which membership has been continious to the end of last season 1951.

Champions of the League in 1932 and 1934 and joint Champions in 1940

The "A" team have been members of the Ribblesdale Junior League since 1912 and won the championship of their division on five occasions : 1913, 1920, 1933, 1936 and 1949.

FLEETWOOD

The Club was formed in 1891. In 1902 became a founder member of the Palace Shield Competition. In 1950 the Club applied for membership to the Ribblesdale League, but had a very poor first season in the higher company. In 1951, however the Club put up a much better show.

The introduction of league cricket to the town has been justified by the interest aroused and support given by the public locally.

Past stalwarts of the Club include such as Sir Jas Robertson, Councillor Tom Roberts, E Wicks, W P Lilwall, C Caddie, C Spencer, T F Mitchell and Alderman C Saer O.B.E., and special mention to T G Williams, late chairman, who did so much in post-war improvements to the ground and buildings.

The ground leased from the Corporation in 1923 was then in open country but the surronding area is now rapidly being built up.

FURNESS

The Club was originally Barrow St James and was founded in 1892 and became members of the North Lancashire League in 1906. Won the Senior Championship in 1913 and 1939 (Jointly). Won the Higson Cup six times including last season.

The ground was purchased in 1923 and the pavilion opened in 1934. The ground lies between Hawcoat Lane, Oxford Street and Furness Park Road, and is just off the main road into Barrow.

The Furness C.C. is acknowledged to be the most influential and progressive club in the Furness district of Lancashire and possesses a Social Committee second to none.

KENDAL

Kendal C.C. was founded in 1836 and has been continuously in existence ever since. In 1892 became one of the founder members of the North Lancashire League and continued that membership until the formation of the "Northern".

Won the Championship of the North Lancashire league on eight occasions, the last being in 1951, when in the final match of the season, Kendal defeated Furness in what was the deciding match. Also won the Higson Cup in 1939 and 1948.

LANCASTER

The Club was originally founded in 1841 but the organisation which is the present club was formed in 1879. Th Club has played at the Lune Road ground since 1882 and during this period has brought the ground up to its present fine condition with amenities second to none in the League. The Club has also Bowling and Tennis sections.

The 1st and 2nd Elevens were for 28 years members of the Ribblesdale League and Palace Sheild Competition respectively. Proir to 1923 the 1st Eleven played in the North Lancashire League being champions of the league four times.

The Ribblesdale League Eleven won the championship in 1936, 1947 and 1950.

LEYLAND

The Leyland Cricket Club was founded in 1847. The present ground at Fox Lane was opened in 1880 when Leyland played a South XI which included Messrs, G F Grace, G Maule, Martin Riley, Louis Hall, Charlwood and James Lilleywhite.

Interest in the Club grew and many players who played for the Club during these years also distinguished themselves in County cricket, i.e., J.P.Whiteside, Frank Ward, George Nash, Albert Ward, J.Cross, H Tinsley, A Tinsley, I Anson, A Pike and W Wilmot ; the last named still lives near to the ground and is always willing to recall the days of long ago.

In 1921 the Club joined the Ribblesdale League and won the championship of that League on five occasions, 1921, 1925, 1926, 1935 and 1938. Outstanding players during this period included : J.C.H.Hollins, G.O.Skelmerdine, R. Walmsley, J. Foxcroft, J. Shakespeare and J Lawrence.

The purchase of the ground was faced in 1950, £5000 having to be raised by combined efforts of members, industrial undertakings and the town's people generally.

LEYLAND MOTORS

The Club was founded in 1920 and in 1921 the first and second teams joining respectively the Ribblesdale League and the Palace Shield Competition. Won the Ribblesdale League Championship in 1939, the second XI winning the Meyler Cup in the same season.

Amongst the players of note who have represented the Club are, Jack Iddon, Lancashire County and England, Max Halliday, Lancashire County, (both players learnt their cricket at Leyland), Parry-Thomas, the famous racing motorist (who met an untimely death on Pendine Sands) and Fred Webster, professional in the mid-1920's, probably the fastest left-arm bowler to play in League cricket in Lancashire.

The Club has always tried to provide first class amenities and facilities, including good wickets and has endevoured to uphold always the best traditions of "THE GAME"

MORECAMBE

The present Club was formed in 1889 but cricket in the Morecambe area can be traced back to 1855, the Club being by far the oldist sports organisation in the town

The present ground, Woodhill Lane was laid out in 1900 by Johnny Briggs of Lancashire County and England fame.

In 1901 the Club joined the North Lancashire League and later the Palace Shield Competition. Then rejoined the North Lancashire League, winning the Championship in 1928 and 1937, and were Higson Cup finalists in 1928.

In 1947 the Club was admitted to membership of the Ribblesdale League.

ST ANNES

Cricket was played at St Annes so far back as 1870 but the present Club was formed in 1888 and played in local matches.

In 1902 St Annes became one of the founder members of the Palace Shield (Blackpool) Competition and became its first Champions.

The Club was disbanded during the First World War their ground became a R.H.A. training center. After the war a private firm, Robertsons formed a works team, put the ground in order, but in 1925 were compelled to seek new quarters. Land off Highbury Road was leased and the Club applied for membership of the Ribblesdale League and engaged Jack Curtis of Leicestershire as professional.

Membership of the Ribblesdale League and Palace Shield has been continuous since then and until the formation of the "Northern".

THE LEAGUE TROPHIES

First Division Championship Cup

Presented by F Smith Esq St Annes

First Division Championship Flag

Presented by F Place Esq Blackpool

First Division Runners-up Cup

Presented by Wm Blackledge Esq Chorley

Second Division Championship Cup

Presented by A J Leggat Esq Kendal

Second Division Championship Flag

Presented by T Tickle Esq Furness

1952 - St Annes win the inaugural Northern League

ST ANNES COMPLETE A NOTABLE DOUBLE!

The first Northern League season of 1952 belonged to one team - and that was St Annes. The club won the first title without losing a single game and in doing so completed a notable double - albeit with a 50-year gap intervening! St Annes had won the inaugural Palace Shield competition in 1902 and to go along with that success the first Northern League title was also won.

And there was one man connected with the club who had associations with its triumph in 1902 and in the success of 1952. His name was Arthur Shorrock who was in the team that won the 1902 Palace Shield, served as the club's captain for some time between the wars, and then watched joyfully as the club won its first championship pennant since his playing days 50 years earlier.

1953 - More Teams elected to the Palace Shield

timline1953

The admission of English Electric, Gregson Lane, ICI Hillhouse and Preston III brought the complement back to 36 teams.

1953 - Furness complete the double

furnesstimeline

FURNESS AT THE DOUBLE

The Northern League season of 1953 produced double champions. Not only did Furness emulate the St Annes' record of the previous year by going the season undefeated in the League and winning the League title but the north Lancashire club also won the inaugural Slater Cup competition.

http://www.northerncricketleague.org/1953rev.html

1954 - Meyler Cup Changes (PS)

shieldmeyler

The Saturday final of the Meyler Cup was replaced by a two innings match played over two evenings.

1954 - Blackpool win a Playoff to win NL

Blackpool

Blackpool defeat Leyland in a end of season Playoff to win the 1954 Northern League after finishing level on points

1955 - 100 up for McCann

jmccann

J. McCann of Preston III recorded the first and only instance of 100 wickets in a season in the Third Division

1956 - Sad times as Boydell passes

Boydell

Following the death of Cllr F.R. Boydell, who had served the Competition as Chairman and President since 1919, Mr Bob Charnley, of Bradshaws & Loxhams, was elected Chairman with Mr Alf Shaw, of Thornton ICI, becoming President.

1956 - Bill Alley leaves Blackpool

Bill Alley 1940s

After four seasons, Australian William E Alley, leaves Blackpool after scoring 4845 runs in 4 years at an average of 118. He also took 193 league wickets in this time, as Blackpool were champions twice.

1958 - Netherfield replace Furness

nethefield

Netherfield CC originally played on Murley Moss before establishing the current ground. The club played in the Village Combination until joining the North Lancashire League in 1926, becoming champions in 1953. In 1959 Netherfield replaced Furness CC as members of the Northern League.

Until the late 1970s membership of the club was restricted to employees of the K Shoes factory but since the membership was opened up the club have been six times champions of the Northern League, in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2008 and 2017 and were division two champions in 1989.

1960 - Registration Revolution

A new, tighter, registration system addressed growing concern over dual registrations between Palace Shield and senior league clubs.

1961 - Positive Cricket means more points

BradLox57

Points for a win increased to four with one point for a draw in an effort to encourage positive cricket.

1964 - Palace Shield Committee evolves following Sharples death

Cent1986Offc

The Competition suffered a great loss with the death of Mr William Sharples who had served as Secretary and Treasurer for 37 years.

For most of this time he had also dealt with fixtures, umpires’ appointments and the press. We owe this great servant a huge debt of gratitude and a trophy bearing his name was presented for the Third Division Runners-up.

Mr H. E. (Tubby) Langham of Great Eccleston was appointed as Secretary and Mr Arthur Rose of Bradshaws and Loxhams began a long period of outstanding service with his appointment as Treasurer.

Wisely, the Committee decided to spread the workload by making the first appointments of Umpires, Fixtures and Registration Secretaries.

1965 - Rule Change to encourage winning

A new rule enabling captains to claim a further five overs at the end of normal time, if within 30 runs of the opponents total, or having taken 7 wickets, was introduced. The league tables for following seasons suggest that this was a success, with the ratio of wins to draws increasing significantly.

1967 - Welcome to ABCD

EnglishElec67rs

There was increasing frustration among clubs with ambition, improving facilities and playing standards at their inability to gain promotion under the system of election, in fact there had been only one promotion to the First Division in the previous ten years and that arising from the resignation of ICI Hillhouse.

Also, new clubs seeking admission were regularly refused.

At the AGM, it was resolved that, after the 1968 Season, the Competition would be restructured into First and Second XI competitions, each of two divisions with the admission of suitable new clubs and additional second teams. Promotion and relegation would become automatic between the new A and B Divisions and the C and D Divisions.

1968 - Morecambe's Colin Hilton sets League Wickets record

morcambe

Colin Hilton (Morecambe) in 1968 took 113 wickets, a record that still stands today.

1969 - More Teams, More Cups

timeline1970

The new structure was introduced with BAC Warton, Longridge and Torrisholme admitted.

Initially there was not a full complement of teams but Blackpool III and Preston III continued to play in the Second XI competition, Garstang joined in 1970, Vernon Carus in 1973 and Caton in 1974.

The President, Alf Shaw, presented a trophy for the new Division D, with the Wrea Green club presenting the Langton Birley Cup for the runners-up

The Loxham Cup was donated as the trophy for a new knock-out competition for second teams. It was played on the same basis as the Meyler Cup and the first winners were Thornton Cleveleys.

1970 - Sunday Cup Competitions

Charnley

The Meyler Cup became Sunday competition for two seasons only, played along the lines of earlier finals, i.e. 24 eight ball overs each side.
The Loxham Cup remained an evening competition. Following the death of Alf Shaw, Bob Charnley was elected President with Tom Jenkins as Chairman..
Charles Walsh of Penwortham, began a 30 year period of outstanding service with his election as Vice Chairman.

1971 - Shield Joins Lancashire Cricket Association

lcb

The Competition became members of the Lancashire Cricket Association, later to become the Lancashire Cricket Board.

An invitation to compete in the County Knock Out was accepted and the four leading clubs in Division A were nominated for 1972.

Our teams have continued to participate and, since that time, have done as well as, if not better, than those of any amateur league.

Mr Langham relinquished the post of Secretary but continued to serve as Press Secretary. Arthur Rose was appointed as Secretary and Treasurer at the AGM.

1972 - Junior Section established

Arthur Rose1

The Junior Section was established, initially as an Under 17 competition, expanding to include younger age groups in subsequent years.

This has proved to be the single most important innovation of the second half-century, a life saver for the Competition and many individual clubs, even for cricket in this part of the County.

The Section became largely self-governing, with its own officials and rules. The Rose Trophy was presented by the Rose family for the winners with the Courtaulds Trophy going to the runners-up.

1974 - Changing of the Guard

Charnley

Tom Jenkins was elected President, succeeding Bob Charnley, and Charles Walsh became Chairman.

Both were to serve in these capacities for 22 years, along with Bob Millward of Bradshaws and Loxhams as Vice Chairman, who was to guide the Competition through the years of increasingly complex rule changes and and re-structuring and the regrettable, but necessary, introduction of a formal disciplinary system.

1975 - Limited Overs Cricket

umpirestimeline

After two years if intense debate, over limit cricket was introduced to the Competition, the format being 70 eight ball overs to each side with provision for the draw and a new points system.

The Nompere Trophy was awarded for the first time to the leading umpire on the Panel, recognising the vital contribution made by umpires

1978 - Progression made as Ground Audits introduced

79tcccmc

The Meyler Cup again moved to Sundays, this time with 40 six ball overs per side and a limit of eight overs per bowler, a format which has remained largely unchanged to the present.

The Loxham Cup remained an evening competition.

Regular inspection and reporting on grounds and facilities was introduced, contributing to improved playing areas and its success may be reflected in the steady erosion of most of the batting records in subsequent years, with bowling records, from the 1930s and earlier, remaining largely intact.

1970s - Blackpool, Fleetwood and Lancaster all win Lancs Cup

PICS LCB Knockout Cup Trophy

In its second year, Blackpool win the LCA Knockout Cup defeating Denton St Lawrence.
The following year Fleetwood defeated Leyland Motors in a all Northern League clash, before Blackpool regained the trophy beating Barnoldswickj in 1975.

In 1976, Leyland were runners up to Denton West, and in 1977 Lancaster lost to Egerton in the Final.

Lancaster went one better in 1979 defeating Milnrow.

1981 - Shield strikes first Sponsorship deal

whitbread

The Competition secured its first sponsorship from the Whitbread Brewery which was taken up the following year by Croft Roplasto and continued until 1991.

1982 - Loxham Cup mirrors Meyler

The Loxham Cup became a Sunday competition with similar rules and playing conditions to the Meyler Cup.

1984 - Netherfield host County Cricket

Netherfield, Kendal, Cumbria

Netherfield host County Cricket for the first time in 1984 as Cumberland played Derbyshire in the Natwest Trophy, a 60 over knockout competition.
They went on to host 3 further games; 1989 v Lancashire, 1994 v Leicestershire and 1999 v Sussex.

Since then they regulary host Cumbria Minor Counties games.

1985 - Bye Bye 8 Ball Overs

1986Dinn

The eight ball over was finally consigned to history, no doubt to the relief of perspiring quick bowlers on hot Saturday afternoons but, perhaps, to the regret of spinners who were becoming an increasingly rare breed. The new format was 45 six ball overs per side, with the points for a win increased to six.

1986 - Scorers recognised

GarstLancScSht

The essential contribution of club scorers was finally recognised with the annual award of two Scorers Prizes to the best Senior and Junior scorer.

1988 - Natwest Sponsor Cups

natwest80s

An offer of sponsorship from the National Westminster Bank for the Cup competitions was accepted and this was to continue for ten years.

1989 - Keepers stumped over prizes

keepers

Wicket keeping prizes were awarded for the first time for the most dismissals in the season in each division.

1989 - Blackpool win treble, as Netherfield set league records

blackpoolcc 250x151

Many records were broken last season, with Blackpool C C achieving a unique treble, winning the League Championship, Matthew Brown Trophy and Slalom Lager Trophy.
In addition, they won the prestigious Bass Lancashire Knock-Out Trophy.

The Club is to be congratulated on its success and thanked for bringing prestige to the League.

Netherfield C C had one of its most successful seasons ever, finishing Runners-up in the First Division, winning the Second Division Championship and the Blackledge Trophy together with the Cumbria Knock-Out Competition.

The Club twice created new League Division One batting records, by scoring 290-4 and then 292-3 respectively.
Graham Clarke and Carlisle Best each scored centuries in each match and created a new first wicket record of 246.

Graham created a Netherfield amateur batting record of 811 runs including three centuries.

1980s - Northern League clubs dominate the LCA KO

PICS LCB Knockout Cup Trophy

Northern League clubs won the Lancashire Cup on 8 out of 10 occasions in the 1980s.

Blackpool winning in 1980, 1984 and 1989, Lancaster in 1981, 1982 and 1985.

Fleetwood beat Farnworth Social Circle in 1986, while St Annes shared the trophy with Vickers Sports in 1983.

1990 - Blackpool win Cockspur Cup (National Knockout)

ecb25

Blackpool defeated Cheam in the 1990 National Knockout final.

1991 - Moore & Smalley begin Sponsorship deal

Moore and Smalley

Moore and Smalley, Chartered Accountants of Preston, became the new sponsors of the Competition and their excellent and increasing level of support continues to the present time.

1991 - Leyland Motors become Leyland DAF

makinsonleyland

in 1991 Leyland Motors become Leyland DAF, they would later rename as Leyland Motors in 2001 before becoming a single Leyland Club in 2007 (along with former guises of Leyland and Farrington and BTR).

David Makinson was professional for a number of years at Leyland Motors

1992 - Thornton ICI disband while F&B Score 300

tcici

Thornton ICI, after 86 years in membership, were forced to disband and leave the Competition following the loss of their playing facilities.

Fulwood & Broughton II recorded the first score over 300, making 303-2 against Thornton Cleveleys in Division C.

1993 - Derek Blease joins the committee

Derek Blease

Arthur Rose, after 22 years as Secretary and Treasurer, relinquished the latter post but continued to serve as Secretary for a further four years. Derek Blease of Whittingham was appointed Treasurer.

1993/4 - West Indian greats make Fox Lane Home

leyland93

Leyland Professionals in 1993 and 1994 swapped the Beaches of the West Indies for Fox Lane as Gordon Grenidge and Malcolm Marshall were engaged.

A Fantastic Article can be found here

https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1342152/the-cricket-monthly---gordon-greenidge-and-malcolm-marshall-playing-club-cricket-for-leyland-cc-in-the-1990s

1993 - Sultan of Swing makes guest apperance

hadlee

Whilst Gordon Grenidge was otherwise occupied, Leyland opted for the Sultan of Swing, Richard Hadlee to make an appearance on the first game of the 1993 season.

Richard Hadlee was in the middle of a six-week speaking tour, during which he would frequent Leyland's nets to roll over his arm and keep himself limber for exhibition games. He was also two years on from double heart bypass surgery, and not particularly fit, which may have explained why the Sky Sports cameras that descended on Lune Road were kept waiting for a glimpse of that familiarly regal approach, all wrist cock and finger voodoo. Hadlee caught his breath at the end of Geoff Miller's two-minute overs to send down 12 overs for two wickets in two spells as Lancaster declined to chase the target of 158, finishing on 75 for 7.

https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1342152/the-cricket-monthly---gordon-greenidge-and-malcolm-marshall-playing-club-cricket-for-leyland-cc-in-the-1990s

1994 - Terry Hunte breaks 40 year old record

hunte

Terry Hunte (Kendal ) with 1351 runs broke Bill Alley's 1953 record of 1345 in 1994. Terry's record stood until 2008 when Callum Ferguson (Netherfield) made 1381 runs

1995 - A fifth Saturday division introduced

grimsarghcc630

Division E was established, principally for the Third XIs of existing clubs but membership was extended to new clubs, Grimsargh in 1995 and Ribchester in 1996. Membership was further extended by the admission of Chorley III and Fleetwood III in 1997.
Changes to playing conditions saw the introduction of batting and bowling points, with seven points awarded for a win.

1994&1995 - Chorley are back to back National Champions

Chorley

Sometime during the middle of the afternoon, on Friday August 26th, 1994, with Mark Richardson on strike, Chorley scored two leg byes. A
n insignificant event taken on its own, but in doing so Chorley passed the Ealing score of 235-9, with three balls to spare, thus winning their first ever National Club Cricket Competition.

Following some on pitch celebrations and hugs between Richardson and captain Roland Horridge, and then with the massed Chorley supporters in the Tavern Stand, Horridge and his side were presented with the trophy, which marked the culmination of four months hard cricket.

Almost exactly one year on from the win over Ealing in the National Knock Out Cup, on August 25th, 1995, Chorley CC once again travelled 200 miles south to Lords Cricket Ground, to defend the right to be called the best cricket club in the country. This time the opposition came from the West Country, Clifton Flax Bourton.

Most of the ties were played in front of incredible crowds at Windsor Park, and the summer of 95 was a particularly dry and hot one.

Many years before smart phones documented every move we make, Chorley supporter and journalist Chris Gee had the foresight to take photographs of some of these games, and along with contributions from Mr Chris Snow you can see plenty of wonderful images of the matches and final at Lords in the gallery linked below. I asked Chris Gee to put a few words together to describe the Abbot Ale Trophy run of that year, and the club are very grateful to both Mr Gee and Snow for their contributions in recording these incredible games of cricket.

https://chorley.play-cricket.com/web_pages/national_knock_out_1994

https://chorley.play-cricket.com/web_pages/national_knock_out_1995

1996 - Sunday League formed

sundaycalendar

A Sunday League was established with only five existing clubs taking part in the first season but, within five years, this number was to grow to eighteen.

Sunday League Winners

1997 - Flintoff scores double century

cflintoff

The record for the highest individual score set, by A. Ramsdale in 1928, was finally broken when Chris Flintoff, batting for Dutton Forshaw against Wrea Green, scored the first double century in the Competition, 214n.o. His team also recorded the first score of over 300 in Division A, in the same match.

This year sadly saw the passing of our President, Tom Jenkins, who had remained with us when his club, St Annes, departed for the Northern League in 1952.
He served for 40 years as Vice Chairman, Chairman and President and his dedication and feelings for the history and traditions of the Competition were second to none. Charles Walsh succeeded as President and David Crabtree of Vernon Carus was elected Chairman. Bob Millward also retired and was succeeded as Vice Chairman by Joe Dooley of Great Eccleston.

The Chairman presented a trophy for the winners of a new knock out competition for Division E teams.

A further change was made to rule with the award of 10 points for a win.

1998 - Arthur Rose steps aside

Arthur Rose finally hung up his pen, telephone, but not his umpire’s coat, retiring as Secretary after over 50 years of distinguished service to the Competition and his club.

His services to cricket have been recognised both nationally and by the Lancashire Cricket Board in electing him Life Vice President, also by ourselves in his Presidency of the Junior Section.

His enthusiasm undiminished, he remains a lively and combative contributor to our Management Committee meetings. As with his predecessor, we owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.
The Assistant Secretary, Philip Ashton of B.Ae. Warton, was appointed as Secretary.
The sponsorship of the Cup competitions was taken up by Sign a Rama.

1998 - Flintoff makes England Debut

gallery 40 youngflintoff 1996 large

Lancashire and England all-rounder and former England Captain Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff played his first game for St Annes CC as a junior player in 1989, age 12. Before this he had played for Dutton Forshaw who then became Harris Park.

He made his debut in 1st XI senior cricket playing for St Annes at the tender age of 14 and after a successful career with us he progressed to play for Lancashire CCC before becoming a formidable force in the England side. His contribution during the 2005 Ashes was quite spectacular.

Andrew represented England in 79 Tests, 141 one-day internationals and seven Twenty20 games. He also made 80 first-class appearances for the Red Rose, scoring 4,042 runs at 35.14 and taking 92 wickets at 29.16.

Flintoff’s Lancashire Twenty20 record consists of 16 games, averaging 13.94 with the ball and 29.64 with the bat, with a high score of 93 against Derbyshire in 2009.

1990s - Seventh Heaven for Northern League clubs in LKO

PICS LCB Knockout Cup Trophy

The Northern League clubs continued to have success in the newly named LCB Knockout.

Blackpool had back to back wins in 1990 and 1991 before again winning in 1996.

Chorley beat Lancaster in 1992, before Lancaster defeated Rochdale to make it 6 NPL clubs in a row in 1993.

St Annes defeated Bootle in 1997 to secure the seventh triumph of the decade.

1999 - From Netherfield straight to the test arena

kallis

Jacques Kallis played for the Northern Premier Cricket League in 1995 when he was a 19-year-old professional for Netherfield Cricket Club, which is part of the league.

He had a highly successful summer, scoring 791 runs at an average of 98.87 from 14 matches. He made his debut for South Africa later that year

https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/sport/10906411.retired-jacques-kallis-still-fresh-in-the-memory-at-netherfield-cricket-club/

2000 - Future developments discussed

Offcs2002Shld

Concern over an increasing disparity in playing standards between the stronger and weaker clubs, and the difficulty of admitting new clubs, led to the adoption at the AGM of a proposal to have promotion and relegation throughout the five divisions, allowing teams, be they First, Second or Third XIs, to find their own playing level. The decision will also allow us to respond positively to the ECB initiative over Premier and Feeder Leagues. (although it will take a further 16 years to implement)

2000 - Northern League becomes an ECB Premier League

npl25

A great deal of time and effort has been spent over the last few years with the problems of introducing Premier Leagues.
The recognition by the ECB that an 120 over game was to long for recreational cricket removed the main objection of Northern League Clubs and we have now been accredited as a County Premier League.
This is a natural progression in the development of the League and should be taken as a starting point to build on the high standards developed in the past so that we can continue to compete with the best in the county.

2000 - Netherfield win Lancashire Cup

netherfield

In 2000 Netherfield would win the Lancashire Cup for the first time, adding to many Cumbria Cup wins. This would be the final time until 2022 a NPL side would win the trophy.

2002 - 100 Years for the Palace Shield

tccc2002

The new structure will apply from the start of the coming season which sees two Second XIs, Longridge and Fulwood & Broughton, promoted to Division B and Grimsargh and Vernon Carus III promoted from Division E to D.
Mythop, formerly Guardian, having lost their facilities at Lytham, were forced to resign and disband after 21 years in the Competition. New Longton are welcome newcomers in our centenary season.

2002 - Golden Jubilee of the Northern League

northernleague

2002 was the Golden Jubilee season and celebrated by a well attended reunion dinner at the Blackpool Hilton in March.Each club made up a display board of photographs of teams,players and memorabilia which provided a focus for many memories.

Friendships were renewed and those many incidents that make cricket the game it is,recalled. Good though the hospiality was, the over riding impression of the evening was of the friendships, enjoyment and good cricket that the Northern League had generated in its fifty years existence.
Cricket is now being played under much different circumstances and it is up to us all to make certain that the Northern League thrives and meets the new challenges of the next fifty years.

2004 : Barrow join the Northern League

Barrow Cumbria

Barrow CC joined the Northern League after a long association with the North Lancashire League. The club was founder members of that league in 1892 and the First XI won the championship on twenty occasions, once jointly, and the Higson Cup four times. They lifted the Meageen Cumbrian Cup in 1998 and 2000.

In 2008 Barrow won their first honour in the Northern League when they lifted the Twenty20 Cup and in 2010 they were runners-up in the League. In 2012 and 2013 both 1st and 2nd team were runners up in their respective divisions

Formerly based at Cavendish Park, Barrow CC have played at their present ground since 1927 when it was bequeathed by the Chairman in memory of his son Ernest Pass, who was killed in action during the First World War.

2004 - Twenty20 & Coloured clothing introduced

2020

The Palace Shield introduce a twenty20 competition that is won by Vernon Carus at fulwood.

The Northern League begin one in 2005 after competing in an external t20 competition in 2004.

A 20/20 competition sponsored by thwaites was introduced this season with the winner qualifying for an Inter-League final. Kendal beat Leyland Motors and went forward to a finals day with Gt Harwood of the Ribblesdale League and Crompton of the Central Lancashire League. Again the weather spoilt a potentially good day with only two games completed and the decision had to be made on run rate.

Though there were many teething problems, it was immediately obvious that as with the Counties this sort of cricket was very popular with players and spectators. When the games were properly publicised large gates were produced and gave a healthy boost to club finances. A local derby game between Lancaster and Morecambe produced an income from the gate, bar takings etc. approaching £2000.

Next season a 20/20 competition will be included in the rules of the Northern League.

Both the League Cup and the 20/20 competition are played in coloured clothing. An innovation enthusiastically welcomed by the players and by the vast majority of spectators, though some traditionalists were critical. It is a change that is here to stay.

2005 - Chorley & District League folds with clubs joining PS

chorleysj

2005 saw the end of the Chorley and district league, with a number of clubs such as Walton-le-Dale, Wittle-le-Woods and Chorley St James joining the palace shield over the forthcoming years.

2006 - Carnforth make it 14 in the Northern League

Carnforth Lancashire

Carnforth CC had a long association with the North Lancashire League, which they joined in 1923.
They were league champions in 1966 and 1985 and Higson Cup winners on five occasions.
They joined the Northern Premier League in 2006.

2007 : A New Leyland formed at Fox Lane

leyland

Leyland Motors battle to survive has failed Originally part of the social club of the Leyland Motors Company they eventually became victims of the financial complications arising from the closure of the company. They were a founder member of the Northern League. It is sad when a long and proud history of high standard cricket comes to an end remaining only in the records and memories of players past and present.

An account of the history of Leyland Motors C.C. by Gerry Wolstenhome is included in the Handbook. Happily the future looks promising with a new club forming Leyland Motors C.C. joining Leyland and Farington C.C. to play as Leyland Cricket Club at Fox Lane.

The League wishes the new venture well certain that it will serve Leyland and the surrounding district as a centre of cricketing excellence.

2008 - Callum Ferguson breaks league batting record

callumferguson08

2008 Season Australian Callum Ferguson went to northern England to play for Netherfield Cricket Club after being told by his state coaches that he needed to convert his starts into larger scores more often.

During his time at the club he managed to score 1381 runs at an average of 106, including six fifties and six centuries.

He took a little time to get going, but by the time July came round, he scored 4 concecutive centuries.

A Full breakdown of his season can be found here - http://www.northerncricketleague.org/fergusonc.html

A Cric-info piece - https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ferguson-prospers-after-english-lesson-423942

2010 : Lancashire Colts join the NL

lcbjuniors

Lancashire CCC fielded a Colts side in the League Division 1 for the first time in 2010 and played each member club once, all away from home with the points counting in the final table. After the Colts application was approved initially by the League Exectutive on a one year trial basis the move was seen as a success by all parties and the Colts have remained members of the League and continued to play each other side once.

From 2011 onwards the Colts also entered the Readers Cup competition. achieving a notable win at Fleetwood in their first cup tie

In 2010 the Colts won three and lost seven of their thirteen games, with nne draw and two abandoned games and earned 79 points. In 2011 the Colts won four games with six defeats and three no results, earning 77 points In 2012 the Colts had 3 wins three draws lost 5 games and had 2 no results earning 77 points. Last season they play only twelve games having two wins 3 draws and with three losses and two no results finnishing with 59 points

The Colts won three and lost seven of their 13 games, with 1 draw and two abandonded games and earnned 79 points.

Jason Swift, then the Performance Analyst at Old Trafford captained the side in most of the games in the first season. Mike Watkinson, the Lancashire Cricket Director also captained the side in one game as did Second XI captain Andrea Agathagelou. Chris Benbow Jason's successor has now taken on the role. The Lancashire Academy Director John Stanworth is also closely involved in the project.

The Colts made a fine start to their time in the lLeague with a fine 9 wickets victory over Fleetwood at Broadwater, Perhaps the outstanding result of the Colts season was a seven wickets win at 2008 champions Netherfield when Marl Walling hit an unbeaten 68 to overhaul the home sides 213.

In 2011 the Colts achieved a fine win by eight wickets at defending champions Leyland, Greg Butterworth taking 5-35 to dismiss the home side for 154. In 2012 Fayez Ughradar became the first Colts batsman to score a century in the League hitting 114 in the victory at Carnforth. The Colts also defeated Darwen and Lancaster

They would leave the league at the end of the 2013 campaign

2012 - Makinson sets unique record

makinsonleyland

David Makinson who started in the Northern League In 1978 at Leyland CC and to-day in 2012 is captain of Leyland CC. David went to Lancashire CCC from 1985 - 1988 and was professional at Leyland in 1984 and then 12 years with Leyland Motors .

When he was not a professional he has been an amateur at either Leyland or Leyand Motor s CC a true servant to Leyland cricket.

David is the only player to have scored over 10,000 runs and taken over 1000 wickets. His figures are 10801 runs for 25.24 and 1186 wickets for 19.02

2012 - Preston Guild T20

prestonguild

To Celebrate the Preston Guild of 2012, a Cricket Tournament was held at BAC/ee Preston.

The Palace shield defeated the Ribblesdale league in the final.

A Link to the Programme is here - https://crickethistory.website/league/prestonguild/preston_guild_t20_programme_2012/index.html

The results on the day - https://palaceshield.play-cricket.com/cup_draw?id=28256

2013 - Hunte passes 20,000

hunte

SIR Viv Richards has inspired many generations of West Indian cricketers and sportsmen down the years, including one Kendal resident who was born to score runs.

Legendary status is often banded about in the modern game but Terry Hunte is part of the Shap Road furniture and on Saturday reached a milestone that is unlikely to be matched.

The talismanic batsman was left stranded at the crease seven days earlier, unbeaten on 39, as Kendal skittled out Lancaster for just 66 at Lune Road.

So the scene was set for the man who has 558 runs and six half-centuries to his name this summer – a derby clash against Netherfield on his own turf, and he did not disappoint.

With a lofted drive to the long-off boundary, the talismanic batsman wrote himself into the history books by reaching 20,000 Northern League runs.

And while blown away by hitting such heights, the run-machine felt a tinge of frustration his side could not round off his day by securing local bragging rights.

“It’s a great achievement and never did I think I would score this many runs when I started here 20-odd years ago,” he said.

“It was a proud moment and great to get the final few runs at my home ground, although it would have been nice to round things off with a win but these things happen.

“I was very pleased as it’s certainly something special to get this amount of runs, I was very emotional for some reason, I don’t know why but I was.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of this club and I’ve played with and against some very good cricketers and the runs top it all off.”

The 51-year-old’s love affair with Kendal Cricket Club started way back in the eighties, joining the Shap Road ranks as the side’s professional in 1986.

The much-decorated batsman has been involved in some epic encounters down the years while wearing the club’s colours, all of which he recalls with great fondness.

But having dished out plenty of sleepless nights to bowlers during this period, there was one encounter he remembers where the tables were turned.

“There have been some great occasions here, one which stands out is when I scored a century against Chorley when we won the cup,” he added.

“There have been a lot of good professionals in this league who have been tough to face, Callum Ferguson springs to mind and I’ve also faced some tremendous bowlers back home.

“As well as Gordon Greenidge, one of the toughest bowlers I ever batted against was Malcolm Marshall, who was playing for Leyland at the time.

“I faced him here at Shap Road on a green wicket and it wasn’t easy batting against him, I only got eight before he got me.”

“But we did bowl them out for about 30 to win the game!”

Born in Saint Philip, Barbados, Hunte has cricket coursing through his veins and has held willow in hand for most of his life.

He went on to make 13 first-class appearances for Barbados over a four-year period, debuting against Jamaica in 1984, and four List A matches, with a century to his name versus Guyana.

International recognition followed as Hunte represented West Indies Under-23s against a touring New Zealand in 1985, a game in which he posted 69.

And by witnessing a golden era for West Indies cricket, the right-hander points to possibly the most feared and destructive batsman in the history of the game as a major influence.

“I was like all young lads growing up in the Caribbean watching Test Matches, I wanted to emulate those stars,” he added.

“Kids played cricket on the street and wanted to be their heroes and I was no different, that’s how it started for me.

“My favourite was Viv Richards. I always loved watching him bat and I learned a few things from him.

“Some people used to say I copied Viv when I was young and batted a bit like him.”

When Hunte first came to this country, Nelson was the destination for a spell of Lancashire League cricket, before heading to Farnworth in the Bolton League.

A long and distinguished career has followed on these shores, something which is not about to be consigned to the past any time soon.

Despite being in his fifties, Hunte – who scored 82 for Cumberland against Sussex in the 1999 NatWest Trophy – is not ready to make life easy for the league’s batsmen just yet.

“It’s one thing getting this many runs but just to be playing the game still is pleasing,” he said.

“And I think it’s the enjoyment which cricket gives me that allows me to keep going, if I wasn’t enjoying it I would have called it quits long ago.

“I first came over here to get accustomed to English conditions and stayed, I’ve been here ever since.

“I will carry on and keep going, a lot depends on how my knees hold up but I’ll certainly play as long as I can.”

2013 - Kerrigan makes England Debut

kegsengland

Fulwood & Broughton's Simon Kerrigan made was awarded his England debut after success in the Lancashire and England Lions. He became the first PS-only player to play for the National side.

Kerrigan played regularly for the England Lions and in August that year was called into the England squad to face Australia in the fifth and final Ashes Test of the summer to share spin bowling duties with Graeme Swann. At that stage of the season Kerrigan had played ten County Championship matches and taken 47 wickets. On 21 August 2013, Kerrigan made his Test match debut

2014 : Penrith Join the NPL

penrith

Although cricket has been played in the town since about 1834, the present club was formed in 1865. In 1907 the club moved to its current ground at Tynefield Park.
Penrith joined the North Lancashire League in 1959, and were outright Champions in 1988 and 1997, Joint Champions in 1968 and 1969, First Division champions in 2005 and 2007, and Sowerby Cup winners in 2005 and 2007.

In recent years the pavilion has been extensively modernised and refurbished and with four senior teams, six junior teams, two girls teams and a women's team, cricket is progressing very nicely in the town.

As such the decision was made to apply to the Northern Premier Cricket League and the club enjoyed their inaugural season in 2014. A very warm welcome awaits players, officials and supporters from all Clubs in the Northern Premier Cricket League

2015 - Viljoen the record breaker

viljoen

Namibian professional Christi Viljoen was resigned for the 2015 season on the back of his 100 wickets in 2014, however on the 29th August he broke the League Individual batting record, scoring 227 from 156 balls including 24 fours and 11 sixes.

https://blackpool.play-cricket.com/website/results/2333800

2017 - Partnership between Palace shield and Northern League

nlps

After many years of discussions, the Palace Shield and Northern League agree terms, that will see promotion and relegation between the two leagues, and Northern League second teams absorbed into the Palace Shield.

Kendal and Lancaster are the first teams to be relegated

2018 : Garstang and Fulwood play in the NPL

Garstang, Lancashire

Garstang and Fulwood & Broughton, who were the first teams to be promoted to the Northern Premier League, perform well, finishing 6th and 10th respectivley. Morecambe and Preston are relegated to the Palace Shield.

2020 : Global Pandemic shakes up cricket

covid19ecb

In the mist of a Global Pandemic, the Northern League and Palace Shield work together to provide cricket under strict government conditions. Alex Diver and Dave Lever create a series of Covid Cup Levels, which saw clubs play geographically in bubbles before a knockout phase as restrictions were loosened. Lytham were also included as they were unable to travel out of county to merseyside.

Level 1 - Blackpool bt Chorley
Level 2 - Leyland bt Mawdelsey
Level 3 - Blackpool bt Euxton
Level 4 - Walton le Dale bt South Shore

Emma Lamb makes England Debut

elamblccc

Emma Lamb, played for Vernon Carus and then Leyland in her junior days, made her Lancashire debut in 2012 against Wawrickshire at 14.

She became the first batter to score a century in the Charlotte Edwards Cup in 2021, and finally broke into the England squad in 2022 when she played an ODI against Australia, and then later that summer she mader her test debut vs South Africa.

She was awarded a England Central Contract in November 2022 and has been a key part of the National team since.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Lamb

https://palaceshield.play-cricket.com/player_stats/batting/948994?rule_type_id=179

2022 : Westmorland League become a feeder.

wml25

To allow the progression of clubs in the north of the county, and to preserve the integrity of the Westmorland League, The Champions of the WCL could elect to be promoted from 2021 into Division One of the Palace Shield. This would give them a possible route to ECB Premier League cricket.

Carnforth were the first team to take up this opportunity and then finished runners up gaining promotion to the premier division.

2022 - Longridge win Lancashire Cup

longridglcfko22

In a day that all at Longridge will remember forever, Longridge went to Old Trafford with a dream, and returned with the Lancashire Cup

https://lcfcomps.play-cricket.com/website/results/5476407

2022 - Gleeson earns England debut

gleeson

In July 2022, Gleeson was named in England's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their home series against India.^[13] He made his T20I debut on 9 July 2022, for England against India, taking the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, finishing with figures of 3/15.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Gleeson

2025 - Northern Pyramid

pyramidlogo

The executives of the Northern League, Palace Shield and Westmorland League work and create a cricketing Pyramid to help all clubs, simplifying administration and offering benefits to all clubs.

2025 - Womens and Girls Section Launched

Wgblackpool

The Northern Pyramid launch a Womens and Girls Section, involving 6 compettions and 49 teams. Blackpool win the 30 over competition and share the Twenty20 with Carnforth. In the developmental super8s, Morecambe win the hardball, whilst Tarleton and Shireshead top softball leagues.

2026 : Whalley and Lytham join the Northern League

Lytham20