Greatest Moment

1984 - Gomersal's first Heavy Woollen Cup final victory.

Local Hero

New Zealander Tony Blain - the club's first overseas star, signed in 1983.

Bizarre Fact

In 1863 'XXII of Gomersal & District' played a special fixture against a United England XI.

Village Vicar's Club

The first sign of cricket in the village was in 1863.

On August 14th, 15th and 16th, 22 cricketers of Gomersal and district (including several county players) starred in a match against the United England XI.

The date of the club’s formation is uncertain, but the majority of sources indicate that Gomersal St. Mary’s Cricket Club (as the club was then known) was founded in 1881 by the village vicar, Rev. R.F. Taylor.

Church Link

The new club played its matches near the Wheat Sheaf Inn, on a field also used by the local football team – also founded by the sports-mad clergyman.

This church link is significant, and is repeated across other clubs in West Yorkshire in beyond.

Colliery Site

In 1892 the club was re-formed and moved to what became its permanent home - Oxford Road.

This had previously been the site of the Little Gomersal Colliery.

Some members remember this as the official birth of the club, as the Centenary was celebrated in 1992.

Later sources also demonstrate the difficulty the club has had in dating its formation.

Ground Purchase

On the eve of the Great War, Gomersal were able to field a women’s cricket team.

From 1921 onwards, the club engaged in fundraising in an effort to buy their ground.

The club devoted many years to this and finally, in 1929, it had enough money to make the historic purchase.  

Changing Names

In 1927 the club decided to change its name from Gomersal St. Mary’s Cricket Club to Gomersal Cricket Club.

The club had always been financially solvent, so when a decline in profits was encountered due to falling membership, the club was concerned.

Members thought of ways to increase income - one of the suggestions being a bar.

The president, however, decided that the best way to move forward was a door-to-door canvass of local households.

Young children were also encouraged to play cricket at the club.

Nissan Hut as Tea Room

The years following the Second World War saw many changes.

The end of the War for Gomersal Cricket Club meant a new tea room. The club bought an ex-army Nissan hut to serve as a tea room.

Following the purchase of the tea room, Gomersal continued to develop their ground.

In 1962 a bar was opened in the Nissan hut. The club then decided, in 1974, to open a new clubhouse and changing rooms.

Heavy Woollen Silverware

After coming so close so many times in the past, finally in 1984 Gomersal became Heavy Woollen Cup winners for the first time.

1992 marked the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Club. No doubt this event led to lots of nostalgia – and thoughts about the future.

In 1993 Gomersal celebrated their first place finish in the Central Yorkshire League but they didn’t stop there!

After a long, hard season, Gomersal managed to retain their title as Central Yorkshire League 1st Division Champions.

Into the Bradford League

After lifting the Central Yorkshire League’s Premier Division title in 1999, Gomersal had the confidence they needed to make an application to join the Bradford Cricket League in 2000.

After joining the League, they quickly gained promotion to the top division.

The seasons that followed witnessed a rollercoaster ride for the club.