Ordsall Bridon Cricket Club is a volunteer-run, community cricket club in Ordsall, Retford. Originally part of the Bridon Ropeworks site, the club has been active in Retford and based at the current location since 1937. The first team had their most successful spell during the 1980s, winning the Bassetlaw league 1A title on six occasions.
This success drove the formation of the junior section and it has produced numerous players that have gone on to play for the senior side. The 1990s saw the side become one of the founding members of the Nottinghamshire Premier League. Although the Ropeworks closed in 2004, and the site is now a housing development, with three senior teams and over 100 junior members, Ordsall Bridon Cricket Club is a thriving local concern, and is at the heart of the Ordsall community. The club creates opportunities for many children and young people to participate and excel in sport, including the most disadvantaged children in our community, some of whom have had the opportunity to play at County level. The Chairman, Gareth Jones, has been part of the club for 51 years and is a local leader of cricket in the county of Nottinghamshire. Part of Retford’s rich sporting heritage, former England cricketer Kevin Pieterson even played for the Ordsall Bridon in 2001!
The club is proud to host the England and Wales Cricket Board’s ‘All Stars Cricket’ — a brand-new initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board aimed at providing children with a great first experience in cricket. With an emphasis on being fun and active, the course is safe, fully accredited and delivered by our experienced and qualified coaches. All children age five to eight, both boys and girls, are welcome to participate in the All Stars programme, which takes place on Fridays from 11th May at 4.30pm.
Friday night cricket for Juniors (aged eight and over) begins on Friday 6th April at 5.30pm. This ranges from quick cricket and basic skills training for the younger children, to full hard ball net sessions and coaching for the older groups. These are fun family sessions and food and refreshments are available from the bar and barbeque.
The first home fixture of the season sees the 2nd XI take on Bawtry CC on Saturday 21st April at 1.30pm
This all takes place at Ordsall Bridon Cricket Club, All Hallowes Street, Ordsall, Retford.
Although the club has much success, the pavilion which hosts teams and matches has seen better days, and the club’s volunteers are actively fundraising for a new building. There are a number of ways in which you or your business could support this important part of local history. These include:
- Support your local team by attending matches, or becoming a club member;
- Donating raffle prizes;
- Sponsoring an advertising board at Ordsall Bridon Cricket Club;
- Sponsoring a match ball.
For more information about the All Stars programme, the club, or sponsorship and support please visit our website at www.bridon.play-cricket.com, or contact Gareth Jones at gareth@martha1946.plus.com or on 01777 701403.