Cricket Clubs
Northamptonshire County Cricket Club
County Ground
Wantage Road
Northampton
NN1 4TJ | map
Northamptonshire
Tel: +44 (0) 1604 514455
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The earliest known references to cricket being played in Northamptonshire date from 1741, although it is believed that the sport probably arrived in the county during the 17th century. Northamptonshire County Cricket Club was officially formed at a meeting in Kettering in 1878. The foundation was based on an existing organisation that dated back to 1820, which would make Northants the oldest county in the current County Championship if this could be verified as the launch of the county club. After achieving some success in the Minor Counties Championship the club joined the County Championship in 1905, making its debut against Hampshire in May 1905. Despite a good bowling attack, the weakness of the team's batting made the going tough in the early years. The arrival of Sydney Smith cured this problem and in 1912 and 1913 they finished second and fourth respectively. During the 1950's the team was always a strong contender, having adapted to the more professional post war game well. Unfortunately, the team has not been able to make the final breakthrough and win the County Championship, despite finishing as runner-up on four occasions. The club has won major titles in the form of the Friends Provident Trophy (as it is currently known) in 1976 and 1992, and the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1980.
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