Welford Park Cricket Club
Cricket
We are a friendly, sociable and inclusive cricket club based on the Welford Park Estate in West Berkshire. We currently have:-
- 2 teams playing League Cricket in the Thames Valley Cricket League (Division 7A and Division 9A) (all games within 45 minutes drive of the club), - a social Sunday side, - a mid week Wednesday side through our association with Downlanders - a friendly Thursday night T20 team where every player will bowl at least 2 overs if they want to and bat retiring at 25'ish.
- an U13’s youth team playing in the Berkshire Youth Cricket League - Friday night sees Kwik Cricket coaching for primary school children and years 7- 8 supervised by ECB trained coaches and DBS checked members.
We would welcome new Players, Umpires and Scorers to the club plus of course visitors to the ground at any time when the gates are open.
To find us using What3words: ///withdrew.shampoos.surgical or RG20 8H
- Why did you pick your sport?
Ian Herrington – Club Treasurer, Groundsman and Fixture Secretary says:
Cricket and football were two sports that were “handed down” by my father. Football was always going to see QPR although some 15 years ago I became a local referee but Cricket was always the sport I played. I joined my local team Chalfont Saints when I was 10 leaving them when I went to university and then on my move to Newbury played business games at Welford Park. I saw a number of local grounds but after qualifying as a Chartered accountant I joined Welford Park C,C, in 1987 so this coming season will be my 40th at the club.
- What motivates you to get better?
At an age of 65 I can only hope to maintain my skills but I am far more focused one the creation of a junior section for the club. We have run Kwik cricket sessions for primary school children since 2001 but due to the small catchment area had not been able to put out age group teams. However with the increased interest after covid, 2024 saw the creation of an U13 team playing some local friendly games and then last season, 2025 saw the side enter the Berkshire Youth League finishing 2nd in their division. This side will continue into 2026 with plans the then create an U15’s side for these children whilst maintaining the U13’s as well
- Biggest success so far
Hopefully my biggest personal success is to come as I would like to record 100 half centuries for Welford Park, but I am currently stuck on 98 have recently achieved a 48 and a 49 not out but the club one the games before I could reach the personal target. For the club getting the youth sides up and running which will hopefully being players into the adult weekend teams.
- Sporting Hero?
Sporting Hero would have to be Ian Botham from cricket for the 1981 Ashes effort and Rodney March from football.
- Best sporting event you have watched on TV or live
Best sporting event from a club perspective would be batting with my son when he scored his first hundred in the league in 2020 as a 13 year also, although I did then run him out! Most magic thing to see was at Lords in 2019. Arriving at our seats we were opposite the crease line at one end and I remember saying to William (my son) “got a great view here of any runout” and surely enough that was the end that England won the world cup against New Zealand with a run out! Brilliant day, Brilliant win!