Anyone for Cricket?

Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club has recently published its latest history ‘Towards 70 Years of Methodist Cricket in the Midsomer Norton Area – Memories, Statistics, Reports and Miscellaneous 1949 – 2017.

The Club was formed by members of the former Redfield Road Methodist Church Christian Endeavour after the 2^nd World War. The first available scorebook dates from 1949 although games were played earlier than this, starting off in Farmer Stevens’ field in Underhill Lane before being offered a home at Midsomer Norton Grammar School, now Norton Hill School, down at Charlton Cross Roads (where St. Benedict’s School is now).

Whilst the former Standard Works cricketers used the proper square up by the former Somerset school canteens, the Methodists’ first job on a Friday evening practice night was to roll out a strip on the rugby pitch for the following day, hence some unpredictable deliveries! When the opportunity came to move to the field behind the school, scores, bowling and fielding began to improve. The Club are very grateful to the School authorities for their continued support in providing a square, changing and tea facilities.

The Methodists, although Founder Members of the Bass Charrington North Somerset Midweek League from 1963 until it ceased in 1999 after Michael Gilson died, used to play Saturday friendlies.  The Club this year is competing in Division 10 of the Bristol & District Saturday League and is looking forward to a warm and rain free summer!

Regular Reports of the team’s progress appear in the local press and can be accessed through the League website.

Keen players, male and female, young and mature, from any church or none are welcomed who like to play cricket in the right spirit. In the first instance, please contact Stuart Green (Team Captain) on 01761 419396 or Jim Eyles (Club Captain) on 01761 418938 for further details. 

Supporters are welcome at matches especially Midsomer Norton Life readers!

‘Towards 70 Years of Methodist Cricket in the Midsomer Norton Area – Memories, Statistics, Reports and Miscellaneous 1949 – 2017 is a limited edition and may be purchased from Jim Eyles, John Baker or David Shearn, price £8 or £10 if posted.

Names and contact details may be left at the Methodist Centre in the High Street (01761 - 410450 - mornings only).

Welton Rovers continue to enjoy a good season in the Western League First Division, yet they are without a win since December 23rd. It’s not all doom and gloom for the Green Army as a weather ravaged fixture list has seen Welton play only twice in the month of January, leaving the team 6th in the League table.

More importantly, the talk of the Town is Welton’s trip to National League South side, Bath City in the Somerset Premier Cup. Whilst the County Cup isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, the prospect of taking on such an illustrious local rival, even if they field an understrength side, brings with it local bragging rights, along with a continued interest in Welton Rovers season.

Up at Norton Down, Midsomer Norton’s 1st XV made a mixed start to their Western Counties North league campaign. A very successful December saw Nor go unbeaten, pushing themselves towards the top of the table. January has not been so kind however, with a heavy defeat away to league leaders Coney Hill and a couple of wash outs due to the very poor weather. This leaves Nor in 6th place, at the time of writing, with two games in hand on Old Richians who sit four points above them.

The seconds and third teams are both sitting in the top halves of their respective leagues and continue to offer a good standard of rugby for the aged veteran or the up and coming prospect.

Boxing Day saw a very well supported Presidents vs Chairman's match, followed by the usual festivities in the bar afterwards. The club also hosted the annual Hibbards Hero's memorial match, in memory of Mike Hibbard, a very well respected former youth coach. The occasion gives the opportunity for a large number of former players to pull out their kit and relive their past glories.

The junior section continues to thrive and this year's under fifteen's are all but done with fundraising for their tour which will see them travel to a festival of rugby in Holland. The club wishes them well. The Colts are also enjoying their season under the guidance of coaches Chris Rawlings and Chris White. Hopefully their successes will continue to produce senior players of the future.

Anyone interested in playing, at any level or age, is more than welcome. Please see club website for contact details.



If this report has wetted your sporting appetite, tune in to Somer Valley FM every Tuesday at 6pm on 97.5FM for all the latest news from our local teams. Saturday Live, broadcast from 4pm every Saturday, provides live match updates for Welton Rovers, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club and Midsomer Norton Cricket Club, along with a host of our other local and professional teams.