About Maltby Cricket Club

A brief History of Maltby Cricket Club

There is evidence that Maltby Cricket Club was in existence in 1896 but the first proof of competitive cricket doesn't appear until 1928 when Maltby played Marton in the West Cleveland League. The club's first known home was Holmefield Farm (the first farm on the right as you enter Maltby from the Yorkshire Dragoon). Folklore claims that Mr. Harrison agreed to the use of his land in the hope that he could marry off his three daughters to cricketers. The club would play at Holmefield Farm until it resigned from the West Cleveland League in January 1935.

Maltby Cricket Club was re-founded in 1946 and joined the Langbaurgh League in 1948. Up until 1958 the club played at Tarren's Farm in Maltby but following the death of club President Harry Tarren a new ground was required. The club played all of its 1959 fixtures away from home but in 1960 the club was allowed to use a field on Low Lane belonging to Mrs Blyth (Winnie Cook's Mother). This field, now known as Francis Park has been home to Maltby Cricket Club ever since and in 1996 the land was purchased by the club.

The club has claimed 3 Langbaurgh League titles in 53 years (1950, 1991 and 2000). Following the 1950 league title, trophies were rare events with just the Mrs Gjers' (1956), Lady Dorman (1971), Henry Flintoft (1973) and the Ideson Trophy (1977) to show for over 30 years effort. Since 1988 the club has gone through something of a purple patch winning two league titles and 14 cup competitions details of which are on the honours board in the pavilion.

There have been many outstanding performances over the years but a few individuals stand out. Ray Rix made his debut in 1957 and would win the League bowling award 43 years later. Ray had previously won the batting award (1968) and the fielding award (1973 and 1984). Ray is the only Maltby player to take all 10 wickets in an innings (Carlton & Faceby, 19/8/1989), and to take two hat tricks in the same game (Stafford Place, 10/7/1971). Richard Pulman held the record for the highest ever Langbaurgh league score (157 not out against Ingleby Cross, 17/6/1961). Paul Hutchinson reclaimed the highest ever Langbaurgh League score with his 177 against Swainby (10/5/2003) but held the record for less than a month. The team score of 351 for 6 in that game remains a club record. There have been ten centurions in the Langbaurgh League with Martin Barber, Simon Close, and Paul Hutchinson leading the field with four each. Martin and Paul have both been dismissed on 99 (Martin at Chop Gate in 1996 and Paul at Thimbleby in 2005. The club's record partnership is held by Simon Close and Chris Hall who scored 265 against Broughton (10/6/2006).

Details of the club's history are available in 'The History of Maltby Cricket Club' published in 2006 (214pp).

Copies can be obtained by contacting Chris Francis (0191 416 2836) or Tom Francis (01642 813006) priced at £15 per copy.

Chris Francis, (2006)

Current Key Club Contacts

President	Tom Francis		tom.francis AT maltbycricketclub.co.uk
Chairman	Martin Barber		martin.barber AT maltbycricketclub.co.uk
Secretary	Tracey Priestman		tracey.priestman AT maltbycricketclub.co.uk
Child Welfare Officer	Phil Taylor		phil.taylor AT maltbycricketclub.co.uk