Cricket in Addiewell
Cricket is not generally associated with Scotland, but was popular in West Lothian in the late 19th century, when many local clubs were formed.
Addiewell Chemical [i.e. Oil works] Cricket Club, c.1900.
John Kelly. All rights reserved. S1. 94.
Cricket in Addiewell
The White Star Cricket Club was formed in Addiewell in 1870, and their games were played at Bents Station.
In 1874, a second cricket club was formed, but common sense prevailed and the two clubs amalgamated, calling themselves Addiewell Chemical Cricket Club - 'Chemical' after the 'Chemical' or Oil Works.
Cricket was widely played in West and Midlothian at the time, with clubs in West Calder, Fauldhouse, Bathgate, Armadale, Linlithgow and other towns and villages. Even after football became very popular from the 1880s onwards, the game of cricket survived in Addiewell.
The club's name changed to Addiewell Cricket Club and a new playing field was acquired at Campbell Street, near the Oil Works. About 1903, the pitch was moved to Mains Park, south east of the station, and remained there for the rest of the club's life.
A disastrous fire in 1930 destroyed the pavilion, but volunteers soon built a new and better brick-built pavilion which was officially opened in 1932.
Among the many well-known players associated with the club through the years were Tommy Sultan, John Rutherford, Alex Hanlon and Harry Scott, who displayed considerable skill with bat and ball.
The site of Mains Park, Addiewell Cricket ground, has disappeared under the Bonded Warehouse.
On Thursday of last week the annual game between Addiewell and Burnvale clubs took place on Mains Park. Burnvale club has not engaged in any play this season, as most of their players are on active service, and this placed them at a disadvantage. A pleasant game was enjoyed, the scores being Addiewell, 79; Burnvale, 30.