Preston Cricket Club (Lancashire): Latest News, Matches, Players, Schedule & Records
Preston Cricket Club of Lancashire is among the historic and respected club sides in English cricket. Based at West Cliff in Preston (South Meadow Lane, PR1 8HX), the club has roots going back to the early 19th century and continues to field multiple teams across senior men’s, juniors and community cricket. The club competes in the Northern Pyramid league structure and plays home matches on the West Cliff ground. With a passionate local membership and ambition to perform on the field, Preston CC remains an important pillar of Lancashire club cricket.
Recent News & Club Developments
In recent months the club has seen developments both on and off the field:
- The club’s senior 1st XI competed strongly in the 2025 Northern Pyramid Premier Division, finishing as runners-up. In the 22-game season they won 13 matches, lost 6 and had 3 no-results, amassing 177 points.
- Off the playing field, the club continues to promote its inclusive ethos, welcoming players of all ages and abilities, and emphasizing community engagement through its home ground at West Cliff.
- The club has also reaffirmed its commitment to its young players and to providing strong facilities and coaching pathways — acknowledging that sustained success at club level depends on nurturing the next generation.
- Membership and participation remain strong, with multiple open-age teams, junior sections and social cricket opportunities reinforcing the club’s role in the local sporting community.
Match Performance & Schedule Highlights
Recent Performance
The 2025 season was a strong one for Preston CC’s 1st XI. According to league records, they ended the season placed second in the Northern Pyramid Premier Division with 177 points. This indicates a high level of consistency across a full season of 22 matches.
Their 2nd XI also saw improvement, playing 23 matches in 2025 and winning 11 of them. This upward trend shows the club’s depth improving across the squads.
Key Upcoming / Recent Fixtures
While a full fixture list isn’t publicly detailed here, some league-schedule structure emerges from the league website. Typically the 1st XI will play 22 league games in the Northern Pyramid Premier Division. For example:
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Season (various Saturdays) | Various Lancashire clubs (e.g., Lancaster, Fylde, Morecambe) | Home (West Cliff) or Away | Northern Pyramid Premier Division |
| Sunday fixtures | 3rd/4th XI or Sunday team matches | Home or Away | M&S Palace Shield Sunday League |
Supporters should keep an eye on the club’s official match-report feed for updated fixtures, results and venues.
Key Players & Squad Highlights
Preston Cricket Club’s strength lies in its squad balance and club structure. Some values and player highlights include:
- The Captain and senior figures of the 1st XI lead from the front and set standards both on and off the field.
- Emerging players from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs bring fresh talent into the senior squad. The club’s investment in juniors and training nets (on Tuesday and Thursday evenings) shows commitment to long-term development.
- The club actively encourages players of all abilities — from starters, social cricketers through to Premier Division competitors — making it possible for late bloomers or returning players to integrate into the squad.
- Strong coaching and practice sessions at West Cliff ensure players can improve technical skills, fitness and game awareness.
Club Records & History
Preston Cricket Club has a rich heritage:
- Founded in 1821. This makes the club one of the oldest cricket clubs in the region. They initially played on locations such as Penwortham Holme and Penwortham Marsh before settling at West Cliff in 1859.
- They joined the Northern League in 1953 and achieved top honours in years such as being joint champions in 1967 and outright champions in 1970 and 1983.
- West Cliff has also hosted first-class fixtures — five Lancashire County Cricket Club first-class matches were held at West Cliff between 1936 and 1952.
- For the 2025 season the club’s 1st XI record (13 wins, 6 losses, 3 no-results) demonstrates a strong performance in the Premier Division.
- The 2nd XI’s performance is improving, showing growth in depth within the club structure.
These statistics underscore that Preston CC continues to be a competitive force in Lancashire club cricket.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges
- Sustaining high performance across all senior teams is difficult: with many clubs vying for promotion and retaining talent, Preston must maintain depth and development.
- Fixture congestion, weather interruptions and player availability (especially for weekends) remain logistical issues for any club.
- Facilities, training nets, maintenance and upgrading grounds always require attention and resources. Although West Cliff is historic and established, continuing investment is needed to meet modern club-cricket demands.
Opportunities
- With recent success and high league placement, the club is well-placed to push for championships and higher honours.
- The strong pathway for juniors and multiple senior teams allow for internal promotion, less reliance on outside recruitment, and stability.
- Community engagement, open age cricket and social inclusion remain strengths, helping the club attract new members and local support which often translates into sponsorship and volunteer resource.
- Improved performance by the 2nd and 3rd XIs means the club can better manage player turnover, injuries and maintain consistency across squads.
Looking Ahead & What Fans Should Watch
For supporters of Preston Cricket Club, here are some take-aways and things to watch:
- The club should target capturing the Northern Pyramid Premier Division title in the coming season — given their runners-up status in 2025 they are in a strong position.
- Keep an eye on emerging junior players stepping into the 1st XI. These talents often drive long-term success.
- Monitor home fixtures at West Cliff — particularly big Saturday games — as these often provide strong support and atmosphere.
- Engagement off the field remains important: club events, social cricket evenings and junior programmes help strengthen the club’s future as much as 1st XI results.
- Stay updated on results of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs — strong performances there reflect the club’s overall health and bodes well for senior success.
Conclusion
Preston Cricket Club (Lancashire) stands as a vibrant, historic and ambitious club in the English club-cricket scene. With its 1st XI finishing near the top of their league in 2025, strong club culture, investment in juniors and community, and a platform of good facilities at West Cliff, the club appears poised for continued success. While challenges such as maintaining squad depth and infrastructure remain, the opportunities are significant. For fans, players and local supporters alike, PrestonCC offers a compelling blend of tradition, performance and future potential.
As the next season approaches, the club’s aim should not only be winning titles but reinforcing its standing as a community hub where cricket thrives — from juniors to senior players, and from social members to league competitors.
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