Welcome To Ramsbottom Cricket Club

When Ramsbottom Cricket Club appeared on the cricketing scene in 1845, the Industrial Revolution had already gained a compelling momentum, and, by virtue of the wealth it was generating, was set to transform practically every aspect of the conduct of the game by the end of the nineteenth century. Through the creative vision the technical acumen and practical skills of its local inhabitants, Ramsbottom played a full part in this period of unparalleled industrial progress.

Notable among the founders were three members of the Stead family and two members of the Grant family, William Grant was the first President of the club in the year 1869-1874, initiating a stability in this most prestigious office which has seen only nine other holders in the following 150 years. The current President is Mr Pete Spencer.

In 1864 the club established Acre Bottom as its playing home, playing home games against teams ‘representing’ Accrington and Manchester. In the following thirty years, prior to entry into league cricket, opponents were found in Edenfield, Bacup, Haslingden and Bury.

The first groundsman, Roberts of Accrington, was employed for the first time in 1879-80.

Arthur Thornton of Saltaire was appointed Ramsbottom’s first Professional in 1881. His annual salary was £54.

In  October 1890 the club joined the North East Lancashire Cricket League. The forebear of the Lancashire League. Clubs affiliated were Accrington, Bacup, Burnley, Church, Colne, East Lancashire, Enfield, Haslingden, Lowerhouse, Nelson, Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall and Todmorden, with the addition of Rishton a month later.

Bury CC was admitted to membership in August 1892 and competed in the following two seasons before withdrawing.

In 1892 RCC joined the Lancashire League. It was not until 1921 that they won their first Lancashire League title and to date they have won the League title five times. (1921,1925,1974,1992,2010)

Todmorden was re-admitted in 1897 and since which time the composition of the league has remained unchanged notwithstanding the disruption caused by two world wars. The Lancashire League as we know it was born.

It was a much longer wait for the Worsley Cup – eventually winning it in 1939. Since 2001 RCC have won the illustrious trophy five times.

On the 23rd of June, 2002 RCC scored their highest total to date at Acre Bottom. A commanding 307-4. Professional Michael Clarke (past Australia captain) top scored with 178. The unfortunate opponents that day were Todmorden, who were then bowled out for 115.

On the 20th of June 2009 – fourteen year old Tom Parton became the youngest player to make his 1st XI League debut versus Bacup (14yrs 113days)

Kieren Grimsahw scored 437 runs including 3 centuries on the way to winning the 2022 Worsley  Cup competition.

Abstracts from RCC – Celebration