Old Ampleforian Cricket in the Valley

OLD AMPLEFORDIAN CRICKET IN THE VALLEY

During these strange times there is nothing quite like the sound of leather on willow in the Valley. We were very lucky that over the last year we have still managed to host the Old Amplefordian and Emeriti Cricket Clubs here on the spectacular Match Ground. Whilst our traditional style of hospitality in the Pavilion may have been affected by Covid, the atmosphere around the boundary was fantastic. Over the May Bank Holiday in 2021 there were picnics galore, with Fitzherberts, Codringtons, Philips, Ainscoughs, Craigs, Walkers, O’Kellys and many more cricket dynasties all reliving Exhibition matches from decades past, some in spectacular style. The OACC Chaplain was never far from the ground and Fr Edward’s binoculars were out in force, accompanied by excellent match commentary.

Future Ampleforth cricketers were known to invade the pitch during tea, and we look forward to both men’s and women’s sides representing the Old Amplefordians in the future. Cricket is synonymous with the Valley, with our Pavilion and grounds being unrivalled in the North. The introduction of a new tournament pitching the Old Amplefordians, Old Gregorians and Old Aysgarthians against each other was a brilliant addition to the calendar. We look forward to cricket continuing to go from strength to strength, with the accompanying warmth and support of so many past and present Ampleforth cricketing families.

If you are interested in supporting the future of cricket at Ampleforth please contact Emma Craig in the Development Office – emma.craig@ampleforth.org.uk