Carlton Cricket Club

Sport has also played an important part in the history of Carlton and its inhabitants. The rural sports fields, set in between acres of picturesque farmland, have been at the heart of the village for more than 150 years.

The earliest known reference to sport in the village goes back to 1867 when a cricket team from Carlton made only 33 runs against a team from nearby Lofthouse. Back in those days cricket was played on Dick Marshall’s field in the far side of Pitfield Road, now Ashton Crescent. He also gave the team a lift to away matches by horse-drawn wagonette for a shilling a head!

On the up

1922 saw a huge turn in the sporting fortunes of the village and twelve newly appointed trustees of Cartlon Athletic Club bought the current Town Street ground from Major Calverley of Oulton Hall. The new five-acre site was to embrace both football and cricket, a philosophy that still stands today.

The agreed price of £275, a substantial sum in the 1920’s, was a great investment for the future of sport in the village for generations to come. Construction of the new cricket ground was a mammoth task and the whole village got involved. Colliery owners, J & J Charlesworth, offered a welcome loan and funds were raised through house-to-house collections and special concerts. Building materials were brought in from adjoining villages, local farmers supplied turf and willing volunteers provided much needed labour. By 1926 the new cricket ground was ready for action.

Ken Oldroyd, 4^th generation owner of Oldroyd’s Farm and President of Carlton Cricket Club for 31 years has seen both the area and the cricket blossom during his reign.

“Carlton is a beautiful village with great people who really care about keeping up traditions. That’s what gives the village its charm”, comments Mr Oldroyd.

“My family has been living and working in Carlton for more than 70 years and I’ve seen many changes. In all that time sport has been an integral part of village life and the sports ground has stood strong - providing entertainment and a welcome drink or two to spectators!”,

A league of their own

A founder member of the Woodlesford and District League in 1893, Carlton Cricket Club has since moved to various leagues, enjoying many successes along the way. 

Recent victories including 14 Hepworth Cup wins and seven league wins illustrate the consistent strength of the first team, whilst with ten Wood Cup wins and seven championships, the second team has also served the club well.

In 1998 the Club joined the Central Yorkshire League and in their first season beat Methley to easily win the Jack Hampshire Trophy. The first team is now established in the Premier Division with the second team working its way up the Third Division.

Success at all levels

The Club also plays in the National Village Trophy, where the final is played at Lords, and has successfully reached the last eight on two occasions. 

Today five teams play on Carlton’s rural cricket field including three junior teams, indeed the Under 15’s team were league champions in 2004.

“We’ve built up three great youth teams and we’re always on the look out for new talent of all ages. In the old days local families such as the Wards, Taylors, Foxes and Sampsons all helped maintain the line of succession and many of these still play today which is fantastic for the club”, adds Mr Oldroyd

As well as the excellent cricket ground Carlton Cricket Club also boasts a recently refurbished clubhouse which is open every evening except Monday, Saturday tea time and Sunday lunch. Visitors are always welcome on match days when the bar is open all day. What could be nicer on a warm summer’s afternoon?

Private functions can also be catered for (cricket permitting) with a selection of buffets available for up to 70 people. 

If you would like further information about playing cricket for Carlton, becoming a member or private functions please contact the Club House on 0113 2821114 or e-mail  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .