A Brief Club History

Portishead Cricket club has had a long and varied history. The starting point begins in 1852, being on our club badge. The trail apparently ends there, Bristol Library, Taunton Records, Weston and Portishead councils have no record of cricket being played here in 1852. The first recorded game was in 1848, between the 'Gentlemen of Portishead' and 'Bedminster'. In 1887 the name of the club was changed to 'Portishead Cricket Club'. The earliest score card that could be found was 22nd July 1892. Match reports continue throughout the early 1900's but it seems these were on a adhoc basis with no real structure.

The club has had four grounds in it's time. The first was in Gas House Lane, (Old Mill Road), the second in Tinker's Field, (Down Road), then the club moved to what is now called the 'Old Cricket Ground, opposite the Albion Hotel on Bristol Road. In 1954 the move was made to the Lake Grounds and play started on half of the present playing area, that had been raised about 4ft. with aid of ashes from the Power Station to aid drainage. When the rest of the ground was also raised the club took over the whole playing area. At this time Sunday games only were played and a tent was erected for players to change in.

The strength of the club was increased greatly by the decision of the Portishead Optimists in 1958 to amalgamate with Portishead and to form one club, playing Saturday and Sunday Cricket.

In 1964 on the 18th June the 'new'pavilion was opened. Originally ladies were not allowed in, of course this rule was soon overturned, when the ladies, outraged, walked out and went to the little tea shop which stood near the boating lake in those days.

In 1973 Portishead joined the Bristol and District League in Division 3 and in 1976 were promoted to Division 1. In 1981 the bar was opened in the pavilion.

Portishead continue to play their home matches at this most scenic of cricket grounds.