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GREAT YELDHAM AND DISTRICT CRICKET CLUB

The Cricket Club in the village of Great Yeldham in Essex, England, has endured a fragmented history. Within living memory its activity has been sporadic, despite the Parish Council's provision of a large, flat and very favourable sports ground.

Research by a 1990s President, Tom Simpson, uncovered a June 1897 scoresheet which indicated that Great Yeldham defeated Halstead in a supposed 'inaugural' fixture but reliable records are rare.

Resurgent enthusiasm for sport was created in the mid 1960s when new building expanded the village poulation. The one football team, Great Yeldham United, was supplemented by a second team and the Sports Ground Committee Secretary (author) led the re-formation of the Cricket Club which was soon followed by new tennis, karting and mixed hockey clubs. The majority of players lived in or very near Great Yeldham. Cricket success grew, youth and evening second team games were introduced but the momentum was not sustained through the late 70s and the Club faded.

The next re-formation contended with the growth of a league structure but, after success in the 1980s, the Club confidently plunged in for 1993 to do well, although players were gathered from a wider catchment. An exciting high point was an ambitious tour to Australia where six matches were playedin 1989/90. Clive Stewart, the then Chairman, arranged the event and reproduced detailed scoresheets for the Club newsletter.