Sawley & L.E. Park CC

(1834-2007)

 

The first mention of cricket in the village of Sawley is dated August 1834 – ‘A Cricket Match Sawley V Shardlow.’ The ground – aptly named ‘Trent Bridge Ground’ and was situated behind the Harrington Arms at Sawley Bridge on the main road to Birmingham on the river Trent. Cricket was played at the ground until the early 1960’s, whence it reverted to pastureland. Sawley Park became the new venue in 1965.

 

In 1962, Parkside CC was formed and the amalgamation with Sawley CC took place in 1969. In 1971, Sawley CC joined the Derbyshire Border League and continued to strive to improve playing standards and win trophies. October 1969 saw the amalgamation with Sawley Nomads CC. The new ground now being used was West Park, Long Eaton.

 

Sawley Nomads CC had a history, being formed in 1950 as the Long Eaton County Billiard Hall CC. This name was subsequently changed to Long Eaton Nomads CC and in 1964 to Sawley Nomads CC.

 

In 1980, Sawley CC had 3 teams – the first & third teams in the Notts and Derby Border League and the 2econd team in the Derby & District League. By 1994, the first team was in the Premier Division of the then restyled Derbyshire County League, winning the premiership in 1997 and the Jackson Cup, the two most prestigious awards in Derbyshire cricket.

 

In 1999, Sawley CC and L.E. Park CC amalgamated to become one of the largest clubs in the district.

 

L. E. Park started life as Bourne Primitive Methodist CC in 1890, amalgamating with Bethel CC in the early 1930’s. Following on from the Second World War, the name was changed to Long Eaton Methodist CC. In the early 1980’s, the building of the pavilion on West Park caused constitutional problems with the Church connection. The club was renamed L. E. Park CC to allow the establishment of a bar and to play Sunday Cricket.

 

The new club, Sawley & L.E. Park CC, has two pavilions situated on West Park, Long Eaton. The Main pavilion - the Bill Camm Pavilion has been refurbished and a scorebox added at the start of the 2007 season. The Graham Draycott Pavilion has been extended to provide more changing rooms - and it is hoped that the original building can be refurbished soon.

 

During the week in summer, the focus is on Youth cricket, with teams at Kwik, under 11 Hardball, under 13, under 15 & u17. Additionally there is a senior team playing in the 'Cricket erewash' Evening League

 

Season 2001 saw Sawley & L.E. Park CC regain admittance to the Premier Division of the Derbyshire County League but 2005 saw them relegated..

 

A 25th anniversary dinner was held to celebrate the amalgamation of Sawley Nomads with Sawley Parkside at the White House, Sawley

 

For 2008 - the club will have 4 teams in the DCCL and a team in the Cricket Erewash Sunday League.