Greatest Moment

1939 - winning Heavy Woollen Cup final against Scholes at Hartshead Moor.

Local Hero

Andy Gale - former Cleckheaton batsman currently on Yorkshire's books.

Bizarre Fact

Over 30,000 square feet of turf was re-laid at Moorend in 1894.

Recent Overseas Professionals

Rahul Mankad (India) 1977/1980

Paul Robinson (South Africa) 1978

P.Venkatmurthy (India) 1981

Abey Kuruvilla (India) 1994/1995

Kanwaljeet Singh (India) 1999

Aaron Fuller (New Zealand) 2000

Derek Brand (South Africa) 2001

Faisal Irfan (Pakistan) 2002/2003

One of the 'Originals'

The club today exists due to the efforts of the original members in 1864. The club was originally known as Hunsworth Mills Cricket Club and was set up as a workshop team.

Only 19 years after formation, in 1883, Cleckheaton  became one of the ‘original’ teams to compete in the highly prestigious Heavy Woollen Cup.

The club changed its name in 1885 - from Hunsworth Mills CC to Cleckheaton CC. This was a popular move, as there was no cricket club bearing the town’s name. ‘Cleckheaton Alexandra’, who had played near Whitcliffe Mount, had ceased to exist in 1863.

Joining the Council

Cleckheaton’s ground, close to the mills, underwent some major changes in 1894. Over 30,000 square feet of turf was re-laid.

The club president officially opened the ‘new’ ground on 19 May 1894. This was a joyful day and the occasion was marked with an unforgettable cricketing encounter.

A match was arranged against Rastrick – and Yorkshire star J. Tunnicliffe joined the Cleckheaton side.

In 1903 Cleckheaton joined the prestigious Yorkshire Council cricket competition, having previously competed in the Spen Valley League.

Birstall Battered!

The period between 1939 and 1959 did not witness very much success at Cleckheaton.

However, in 1948 Cleckheaton managed to achieve an astonishing victory against Birstall in the second round of the Heavy Woollen Cup, posting a total of 411 in the process. This was their highest score in the competition.

Cleckheaton not only won the Heavy Woollen Cup in 1959, but also went on to scoop the trophy the year after, in 1960. Cleckheaton beat Hanging Heaton in both finals.

1964 marked the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the club. No doubt this occasion led to lots of nostalgia – and also thoughts about the future.

Merging Moment

After the amalgamation with the Crown Green Bowling Club, Cleckheaton merged with the local Rugby Union Club to form Cleckheaton Sports Club.

This was an innovative move and following on from this, in 1973, the Club was chosen to host the Heavy Woollen Cup final again, an honour that had not come their way since 1943.

After hosting two major cup finals, and also doing well on the field, Cleckheaton had the confidence they needed to apply to join the Bradford Cricket League. (This meant they withdrew temporarily from the Heavy Woollen Cup).

Into the Bradford League

The club’s first match in the Bradford League came on 24 April 1976, with Windhill the opponents. Cleckheaton got off to an excellent start. Opening bowler Seb Grose recorded figures of 6 for 16 and Windhill were bowled out for just 37!

The decision to recruit overseas players was made in 1977, when the 1st XI was in urgent need of strengthening. Since this date, local cricket-watchers have been treated to some of the best in foreign cricketing talent.

The 2000 season ended on a high for Cleckheaton. They were rewarded for their efforts with a 3rd place finish – with Pudsey Congs and Bradford & Bingley just pipping them at the top of the table. The future was looking bright for the club.

Almost 150 years on from its birth as Hunsworth Mills Cricket Club, there are still significant clues about the Club’s heritage – in this case, a sponsorship deal with the local pub, The Hunsworth.