RAWTENSTALL CC 1882 - 1900

The year was 1886 and cricket was about to move into Rawtenstall. 18 years previous the Reedsholme club had been formed.They did not possess a pitch and all the fixtures had to be played away. A ground was made at Higher Constable Lee and the club changed its name to Crawshawbooth, a professional was engaged for the 1883 season at 30 shillings per week.The Bacup Road ground was now ready, professional WH Wall from Bacup laid the ground during the close season. A man and horse were sent from Higher Constable Lee to mow the grass. Two professionals could be employed because they undertook a bigger task like looking after the ground, coaching the players and performing miracles on match days. Rawtenstall's first duo was George Hardy and WH Wall.

Rawtenstall's first match was a defeat by 12 runs at the hands of Bacup. JE Howarth was Rawtenstall's first captain and he gave a long and loyal service to the club including being treasurer from 1886-1912. Fred Pickup from Weir village soon joined the club being a tower of strength to the team, his fine batting usually as an opener placed him among the most distinguished batsmen to grace the club.

In the second season two milestones were achieved, the first century was registered, 139 by Hardy versus Heywood. The more remarkable feat of an individual taking all ten wickets - Mc Ilvennas versus Radcliffe. In one match versus Oldham at Bacup Road, Rawtenstall were all out for 9 runs with only 3 players getting on the score sheet.

In the winter the old pavilion was built at a cost of £80. The next few years were quiet in which Rawtenstall were in the process of building a useful side. 1884 was the clubs first really magnificent year both on and off the field. In April a 3 day fete at St Mary's school raised £962 which helped them with their financial worries. Professionals RE Hardstaffe and T Nicholson were prooving to be the best pairing to date especially bowling. The grand finale came at Church and the team left for the match in an old stage coach pulled by four horses. The team was accompanied by a large following of supporters. The game was won, Arthur Taylor scoring 75 being the seasons top score and the victories homeward journey had commenced. They were accompanied by Rossendale Borough and Goodshaw Bands, the torchlight procession came to an end at the Queen's Hotel in Rawtenstall.

That season out of 26 matches, 17 were won, 2 lost and 7 drawn. The total points came to 41 which was a record at that time. The wickets were shared between Hardstaffe (98) and Nicholson (81) and the 17 other wickets to the remainder of the bowlers. The main run scorers were Fred Pickup (418), Hardy (350), Nicholson (314) and Arthur Taylor (267).

The next four years were very constant with the club finishing in third place every year. It was Nicholson's last season and it was down to Hardstaffe and he bowled with brilliance this led to being called up for his county Nottinghamshire v Derbyshire in which he scored 60 runs.

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