Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship

A warm welcome from our Chairman

Although the original concept of the league was created in 1974 with a single fixture format, the league was truely formed in 1975.

Between 1975 and 1983 there was considerable movement of teams both in and out of the league. However, there remained a strong twelve team organisation with second teams until the complete reorganisation of the league in 1992.

Of the original 8 founder members, Brewood, Cannock, Fordhouses, Milford Hall, Rugeley, Stafford, Wightwick & Finchfield and Wombourne, only Stafford had departed at this time. Subsequently, Market Drayton, Cannock & Rugeley, Penn and Himley joined. The latter three clubs were to dominate the league during the 80's and early 90's.

The league went through active progression from 1983; 3rd XI fixtures were introduced that year and Knock-Out competitions commenced in 1986.

The most successful clubs have been Fordhouses, who won 8 league championships until they were promoted to the Premier League (see below) in 1999, and Penn who won 8 league cups in 10 years until they also departed to premier league cricket in 1999.

Although some modifications have been necessary with the growth of the league following its expansion in 1992, the rules have generally remained fairly constant. The expansion involved incorporating both the Star League and the Wolverhampton Works League effectiveley increasing the 12 club, 24 team, 2 division set up to a 90 team, 8 division organisation. Today we have 39 clubs, 82 teams and 7 divisions.

Notable changes have included the introduction of neutral umpires, professional/overseas players, some amendments to overs and bonus points, duty of care and stricter disciplinary codes as the competition becomes more apparent allied to relegation and promotion issues. Unlike many leagues we have not applied fielding restrictions.

Prior to our link as the Staffordshire feeder to the Birmingham and District Premier League in 1999 the league had a superb period of success at representation level, winning the Midland Club Cricket Conference inter league cup in 1993, 1997 and 1999.

Since 1999 we have lost Fordhouses, Penn, Penkridge, Himley, Wednesbury, Wheaton Aston and Beacon to the Premier League. Added to that Cannock went to the Premier League via the Midland Clubs Championship. Notably, Cannock have already won the Premier Division and Himley in three successive seasons of promotion became runners up in the Premier Division and won the League Challenge Cup.

The league has, over it's 28 year history, been stable in it's organisation and administration by ensuring change takes place for the correct reasons and to keep pace with the overall changing philosophy around it.

Many excellent players have graced our grounds including International, First Class, Minor Counties and Youth representatives.

The league is pro-active in cricket development, coaching and assisting clubs to 'raise their standards'.

The challenge now is to continue with the excellent progress that has given many of our clubs the opportunity to operate at a higher level and subsequently denuded the league of its strength. We will continue to strive to raise the standards of our member clubs which significantly includes teams from all of our promoted premier league clubs plus Wolverhampton, Smethwick and Cannock.

Sadly we have been unable to attract a sponsor while lesser leagues have managed to do so, but careful financial management has ensured no diminution in organisational standards.

Tom Waterhouse
Chairman

Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship have an existing site at www.staffsclubcricket.org.uk

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