Historic records held at Evesham library reveal the first mention of Harvington Cricket Club existing and playing cricket in 1893. There is no mention of the club before this time. Two games are recorded in 1893, one on the 17th June between Offenham and Harvington played at Offenham and one played at Harvington against Dunnington 24th June. Harvington lost the first and won the second.

It appears, therefore, that Harvington Cricket Club was formed in 1893. It is apparent from the records that in former years the village parson was often the team captain.

In the late 1960`s the club almost folded through lack of support but determined efforts by Max Byrd (a former club chairman) and Bob Russell (Current President) and many others revived it. In the 70`s combined efforts by the players provided finance to build the first pavilion for the princely sum of £3,000. At about that time a Harvington Skittles Team was formed with the aim of keeping the cricketers` meeting together during Winter months. This team still plays in the second division of the Evesham Skittles League and many players are still former cricketers.

The Club has progressed from playing social cricket on Saturdays and Sundays to a debut in the Morganite Crucible League, later joining the Cotswold Hills League in 1993, in which it still plays. From 1992 there was also an under 16 junior side playing in the Cotswold Hills league. thereafter, under the guidance of coach Trevor Knowles, the juniors increased to four sides by 2003.

By 1994, it was apparent that the old pavilion was beyond repair and the idea was muted by villager John Barrett to build something more suitable. Driven by the committee of the time and supported by grants from the National Lottery, Wychavon, the Parish Council and Harvington Cricket Club, the present clubhouse was built and officially opened in 1997 by cricketer Tim Curtis (Worcestershire and England). This has provided Harvington Cricket Club with a superb facility boasting spacious modern changing facilties, function room and bar, hosting many social functions, many not connected to cricket.

The modern day teams play in Division 4 & 6 of the Cotswold Hills League and play midweek and Sunday social fixtures.

Cricket is not the only sport enjoyed at Anchor Lane. In recent years, Harvington Juniors Football team have based themselves at the ground and boast one of the most succesfull squads in the area. They have recently been granted Development Club status by the FA. They currently have approximately 120 youngsters on their books and it is hoped there are one or two future cricketers in the ranks to continue the legacy.

 

Many Thanks to Robert Maude who spent many hours reading through archives to gather this information.