The Middle Years

In the next era, a Nissan Hut was used to provide refreshments for 27 years until a Concrete Garage was purchased with only a side door. This remained as the Tea Hut until we opened our present Pavilion in 1994. The Concrete Garage is still standing and is now being used as a Groundsman's Store.

A new wooden Pavilion was purchased in 1958 for the princely sum of £335-10s-2d.

Water was carried from Cockroft Fold every match day by two players with a couple of buckets for tea and washing up.

The Tenant Farmer at St. Ives from whom we rented our ground for £12 per annum gave us £5 back as a Patrons Donation. We also had an agreement with the Council that we could not be turned off the ground, or have our rent increased without the Councils permission.

In 1974 the Main Road was widened outside the ground, taking away part of the field. However, we were compensated by receiving additional land on the far side of the ground. The seating on the roadside wall was provided by the contractors who carried out the changes, they provided the wood and Len Falkingham provided the metal brackets.
It was also in 1974 that the Second XI started a run of 5 consecutive League Titles, 1974 1975 1976 1977 and again in 1978.

In 1977 metal posts were erected with wire connecting them so canvas sight screens could be hung from them. The Second XI were once again League Champions and also Runners Up to Crossroads in the Keighley Cup Final.

In 1978 both First and Second XI's won the Keighley Cup Final. The Second XI Winning the League Title also.

In 1979 the Club Members decided on a change of direction by joining the Bradford Central League, due to the unfortunate demise of the West Bradford Cricket League. This proved to be one of the most successful periods in the Clubs history.
The Second XI winning the League Championship in this the Clubs first year in the League.

In 1980 with the Club still in the Second Division, the First XI reached the Waddilove Cup Final, being narrowly beaten by a then, very established Bolton Villas side from the First Division. From then on the Club went from strength to strength, winning numerous League and Cup honours both at First and Second Team level also with several appearances in the Yorkshire Champions Trophy.
With both teams in 1980 winning the 2nd Division League Title, it meant that the Second XI had won Seven Consecutive League Championships, a marvellous achievement by any standards.

For the 1981 season it was a case of trying to survive in the 1st Division, but unfortunately the 1st XI were relegated and both teams found themselves back in the 2nd Division.

In 1982 both Teams did the double by winning the 2nd Division again. This time in gaining promotion, the Club remained in the First Division until leaving the League.

In 1983 the First XI were Losing Keighley Cup Finalists to Denholme.

In 1985 both Teams again managed to win their respective Finals in the Keighley Cup.

In 1986 the First XI Won the Keighley Cup against Oakworth.

In 1987 both teams made appearances in their respective League Cup Finals. The First Team came Runners Up to Bolton Villas in the Waddilove Cup Final and the Second XI came Runners up to Thackley in the Thrippleton Cup Final.

In 1988 the Second XI were Winners of the Thrippleton Cup against Jer Lane.

In 1989 the Bradford Metropolitan District Councils asking price for the Cricket Field and adjoining wooded area was £21,000. The logic behind this price was the fact that the club was buying a Sports Field. It was quickly pointed out to them by the Clubs President, that when Harden Cricket Club took it over, it was nothing more than a meadow and it was the Club who had made it into a Cricket Field. Thus the price was then reduced to £15,000.
A local businessman heard we were looking to buy the Field and offered his assistance in the form of an interest free loan of £11,500 over 5 years. The loan was paid back in 4 years mainly through organising Sportsman's Dinners.
In this year also, All Three Teams winning their respective Leagues, meant that this was probably one of the most successful years in the Clubs history.