Background

EBCC was founded in 1865, playing its earliest cricket on a plot of land known as The Shay, behind the New Inn. Later a field was leased on its present South View Road site which was part of Lord Savile's estate.

Development moved apace and the sloping field was leveled out creating an embankment view over the playing field area towards the Pennines. Dressing rooms, scoreboard and tea pavilion were erected and in 1933 a clubroom was opened to complete the facilities.

Modern amenities have replaced the early functional buildings and an automated scoreboard, well equipped dressing rooms, a comfortable modern tea pavilion and licensed club lounge have established East Bierley as a well furnished sports and social venue.

The Cricket

Early cricket was very successful as we won the Bradford and District Cricket League in 1895, 1898 and 1899. Entry to the renowned Bradford Cricket League in 1912 saw us challenged to repeat former glories but we dropped out of the league for the three years of 1925 to 1927. Then after being runners-up in the Heavy Woollen Cup in 1927 we returned to the Bradford League in 1928. Our first success came in 1944 when the 2nd XI won The Priestley Shield.

EBCC's 1st XI recorded its initial success in 1981 but then achieved in great style in taking the Bradford League double of Division One Championship and a Priestley Cup win to round off a remarkable year. We have won both several times since then and our honours boards relate the success consistently achieved in the last 30 years by both 1st and 2nd XI teams.

EBCC achieved fame in 1979 when it won the National Village Cricket Championship at Lord's - the pinnacle of our success.

The Bradford League is recognized as a premier competiton. History shows that many great cricketers have played the game at this local level. International legends such as Jack Hobbs, Len Hutton and Learie Constantine are among these. East Bierley has been served by several great players who achieved the highest level. In 2009 our 1st XI will once again be led by Gavin Hamilton of Scotland, England, Yorkshire and Durham. Our 2nd XI will seek to keep up recent years of success led by Matt Anderson.

Junior cricket is a priority at EBCC and we have teams at under 11, under 13, under 15 and under 17 levels with a qualified, vetted coach. Success has been achieved at these levels too along with local and national achievements at senior indoor cricket.