The early history of the Club is a little unclear as documentary evidence is sparse but the Ground itself was owned originally by Lord Bristol and was part of his large landed estate in the Sleaford area. The field was contained in a farm tenancy to the Mountain family whose successors are very much part of the Club.

The original timber, plaster and slated pavilion was situated on the site of the present tractor shed and brings back memories of great times and merriment to the older generation of cricketers. An old player's reunion is held every decade and 2000 will welcome back players from all parts of the Country.

Cricket between the wars and just after was Saturday only and Sunday cricket was only introduced in 1948. In addition to the principal Lincolnshire town sides other Clubs from Cambridgeshire, Notts, Northants and Leicestershire provided stern opposition for usually strong Sleaford XI's.

There is a unanimous view that the side that represented the Town just after the war and captained by Alan Money was the most formidable in the Club's long history. He was the longest serving captain of Sleaford and could field an XI all of whom had represented the County. Unfortunately many of this great side retired at the same time and perhaps the general high standard lapsed until league cricket was introduced. Nevertheless high quality players represented the Town during this period including Ian Moore who achieved first class status.

The Club played an important role in the formation of the South Lincs & Border League with many members holding important offices and serving on the Committee. They have now won the Premier Division 3 times and been 5 times runners-up. The Premier 'A' has been won 3 times and Division One 4 times. Many other League and Cup Trophies have been won including indoor winter Leagues and many at Junior levels. The Club have rarely been out of the top 6 in the South Lincs & Border League Premier Division and are justifiably proud of their achievements.

Lincolnshire County Cricket was played at Sleaford in 1891 and almost continually since. In recent years the first Spring Bank Holiday has been the recognised time for the County's first fixture of the season. Important Nat. West Trophy games have been hosted against Surrey and Gloucestershire, and in 1987 we hosted the Minor Counties game against the Sri Lankan Tourists. The ground, the wicket and the facilities continue to be held in high regard by the County Club. On the playing side sixty players from the Sleaford area have represented the County and only rarely has a County side not had a Sleaford player in recent years. A Sleaford player currently captains the County 2nd XI and the Club has provided the County President in 1991 and will again in the millennium year.

The Sleaford Club also host numerous fixtures each year for Under 19, Under 17, and Junior County cricket and indeed in season 1998 the County used the ground on 8 days. 1999 will be no exception with the Club hosting a County game and a Nat. West Trophy game against Wales. No wonder Sleaford is regarded by many as the County ground.

We are also proud of our efforts to attract feature games to the Town. It is motivational for the Club, good for the education of budding youngsters and thoroughly encouraged by the local councils who support the games financially and support the hospitality marquees.

A World XI in 1989 plus benefit games for Gower, Lamb, Hadlee, Randall, Love, D'Olivera, Simmons, Fowler, Johnson and Robinson have been held on the Town Ground and in addition Graveney, Stewart, M. J. K. Smith, Amiss, Brealey, Bannister, Rachel Heyhoe-Flint and others have attended functions. Many of the Notts and Leicestershire beneficiaries have organised games at Sleaford and all well attended as well as being appreciated. Bain Hogg Trophy games have been held and an England Team played at Sleaford in 1980.

Recent seasons have been pre-occupied, however by the E. C. B. Development Programme at Under 19 level and we have been honoured to host 3-day games against West Indies, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe. In 1999 we have been invited to have Australia Under 19.

Committees have set a policy of keeping subscriptions low and encouraging players and members participation in Club affairs. No matter what the results are on the field the success of the Club off the field is imperative. Team spirit throughout the Club has persisted now for generations whether or not this is a result of the continuing support of families in the town is a matter of conjecture but the influence of those who are third generation supporters is highly important. Browns, Travers, Moneys, Onyons, Mountains, Pattinsons, Temples and Hollingworths, are names synonymous with Sleaford cricket. Sleaford is a family Club. All members (playing or social) are asked to support the Club in whatever way possible. Bar duty is done by voluntary labour and thus produces welcome profit. Groundwork and wicket preparation is done by players on a rota system saving huge sums of expenditure, and other tasks are carried where big cost savings are made.

Consecutive Chairman and presently Ray Bell is at the forefront, have run the Club on a business-like footing. Good Sub-Committee delegation, good cash flow and targeting, cost control and income earning. Certainly in recent decades good profits have been achieved and a highly envied balance sheet produced with assets of over £100,000.

The majority of profits earned over the years have been re-invested in the Club. The ground was purchased in 1960 from Lord Bristol, the new pavilion built in 1967, extension to lounge and changing rooms in 1987 and 1990, and new scorebox built in 1981. The tractor shed was built in 1979.

Not all profit however is from the bar. Very successful social events are very much a feature - annual Club Dinners with Guest Speakers, Bonfire Night, which usually attracts nearly 2000 visitors, sponsored walks, raffles and so on. The Social and Bar Committees support the Club so well. Fruit machine, pool table, 200 Club are all an integral part of the Club life at Sleaford as are the pool and dominoes teams and quiz nights.

The Ladies Committee are much admired by Club players and opposition alike and in addition to two weekend games cater for the many feature matches on the ground. Their thrifty management allows surplus funds to be spent not only in the kitchen but also in the Club.

Carres Grammar School, primarily, but others have been great providers of talented cricketers but much of this coaching responsibility has now been taken over by the Club. Teams at Under 13, 15 and 17 play in local leagues and encouragement is given to the youngest of children to attend Wednesday Club Nights.

These strong Sleaford sides strong benefited from players from Royal Air Force Cranwell who with other local stations have provided wonderfully talented cricketers for the Club. We hope this close liaison will be maintained. Much of the Club's success has also emanated from village cricketers joining the Club from local leagues. The Pattinson Cup which celebrated its bi-centenary in 1992 was established for the benefit of village Clubs to compete for a fine trophy. In a well organised and respected local competition on a high class ground with a well prepared wicket. Around twenty teams play annually and whilst support is good it must always be remembered that just post war 2000 or so spectators would have packed the ground for the final. This competition has received generous sponsorship from Midland Bank for the last 15 years.

Whilst historical data and records are sparse for the last 20 years a full record for playing and Club affairs are contained in an official Handbook. This popular journal is financed by advertisers who contribute year after year as do the firms who have hoardings on the ground, our Bass Brewery who sponsors our feature game, the Midland Bank and our new major sponsor British Energy. The County, North Kesteven District and Town Council have given invaluable assistance to the English Cricket Board Under 19 International Games.

What of the future - An ambitious Club like Sleaford must not stand still - A current development plan is being put together and this may include: