ACROSS THE COMMON


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Introduction
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The Early Years
Turn of the Century
1900-1920
Between the Wars 1921-1939
The Middle Years
1946-1974
League Cricket
1975 Onwards
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The Next Century
1996-2010

ARTICLES:
The Grass Roots
by KEN TAYLOR
The First 100 Years
by TOM MORGAN
Our Own Ground and it's Amenities
by ARTHUR BARTON
Our Life Members
by ARTHUR BARTON
The Club Game
by CHRISTOPHER MARTIN-JENKINS
From Nairobi to Nottingham
by BASHARAT HASSAN
Salutations
West Country Tours
Youth Cricket
And Don't Forget the Groundsman

Pelsall Cricket & Sports Club

THE EARLY YEARS

Having played a few matches the previous season, the Walsall Observer recorded what appears to be Pelsall Albion's opening match of their first full season. dated May 16th. 1885 It notes that Pelsall Albion played at home against Walsall St. Marks and the team comprised of H. Sheargold, F. Snape, J. Arms, A. J. Lloyd. W. Rowley, F. Mills. J. Haywood, C. Lowe, R. Gormans, T. Lloyd. J. Edwards. Albion won the match 75-64, the top batsmen of the day being W. Rowley (31) and H. Sheargold (27). The match was played on what was known as The Railswood Farm ground. In actual fact, this was to be the Albion's ground for the next 25 years. Reference to Pelsall Albion then began to be fairly common in the newspapers of the day. Games were recorded against rivals still encountered today, such as Bournville, Hammerwich and Walsall Y.M.F. The 1887 season opened at Railswood with a game against Christies on May 28th. Albion dismissed Christies for a modest 5 all out, thanks to some good bowling by G. Breeze (4-3). Albion went in to bat and for the first time in their existence exceeded the hundred barrier, making 125 runs. Top batsman of the day being J.Stackhouse (68 n.o.).

The highlight of the 1896 season was the match at Railswood against Netherton Peep of Day, when the home side recorded their first ever two hundred plus score. They won the match 208-36, the main scorers being T. Dilks (68), J. Dilks (Capt.) (93). E. Owen (28) and Price (25). Top bowler of the day was E. Owen (4-11). July 22nd. 1899, was an important date for Pelsall Albion. A report in the Walsall Observer states: - On this occasion the new pavilion was used for the first time, and the Albion officials are very grateful for the patronage and pecuniary assistance of all who have subscribed towards the erection of this useful accessory to the cricket field.

"The Pelsall Victoria Brass Band was in attendance under the able conductorship of Mr. E. Rowley and played a nice selection which was listened to with much pleasure by the spectators".
To celebrate, Albion played Bloxwich Wesley and won the match 34-20, the bowlers being in good form, J.Stackhouse (6-10) and H. Breeze (4-9).

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