Stratford Bards Cricket Club Home Page

Kineton lose, and all other Premiership matches are rained off. Top of the table is now wide open to whoever has the best run in. It could go down to the last Saturday...

Stratford Bards CC was formed in 1976 with a remit to play friendly village style cricket. Following the demise of Alscot Park CC, the Bards gratefully accepted the offer to use the facilities at Alscot Park from the late Captain James West in 1980. The benefits of the excellent wickets and picturesque setting have shown through. The club joined the Cotswold Hills League 1st division in 1990 and, after finding it’s feet and adapting to league cricket in the first season, duly finished runners up in both 1991 and 1992. The 1993 season saw a second league team entered in the third division of the Cotswold Hills League. In 1993 both teams finished third in their leagues and in 1994 both were runners up. In 1995 success arrived with the 2nd XI winning their league. Over the last few seasons both sides have consolidated their positions, with the 1st XI consistently finding a couple of sides just too good for them in their bid to reach that elusive Premier Division place.

Of course, now at the end of the 2001 season the first team has achieved that elusive position, having finished top of the first division, and gaining promotion to the Premier Division. So we now have more reason than ever to look forward to next season.

The club is more than just a league side. Friendly games continue every Sunday from April until September, and also on some Saturdays in early and late season. 20 over games are also played during the lighter months. We host many mid week afternoon touring games, and have a cricket week in late August. Winter nets are also held at the excellent facilities at KES in Stratford, and run from January until April each year.

The philosophy of the club remains that cricket should be enjoyed as a first priority, and whilst all Bards sides are competitive on the field, the game is played in good spirit and with social aspects to the fore when the game is over. The club caters for a wide range of ages and abilities, from quality club players to social cricketers. League sides are picked on merit, but other teams are selected to ensure that all those who wish to play, do play. There is a pavilion, with showers, bar, and a small kitchen, and the whole ground is set in a country estate where deer roam freely.

If your idea of cricket fits in with the above, and if you wish to play cricket in the environment described, please contact the club for details of how to join us.

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