There has been a cricket club in Langport since at least 1838, although it has had a chequered history. At some periods it was joined with Somerton, as the Langport & Somerton Cricket Club; at others with Curry Rivel, as the Curry Rivel & Langport Cricket Club, and since 1946 it has been known as the Huish & Langport Cricket Club. (Reference Langport Heritage).
The earliest records of cricket being played in the Langport area are from 1838. There is a reference to a Langport club to be found in the Sherborne Mercury, 20 August 1838, although more research is needed to verify this.. Also there are reports from the Sherborne Mercury 1st July 1839, the Taunton Courier 3 July 1839, and the Somerset County Gazette, 6 July 1839, supporting this record.
However, the earliest real evidence of a match, is from 1839 against Taunton, as detailed: “Witness the Cricket Match appointed to be played between the Taunton and Langport Clubs. Numerous equestrians and ladies in carriages,” from the Sherborne Mercury, dated July 8th 1839. Also, from the Somerset County Gazette date 27th July 1839, “ Cricketing.—we omitted to record last week the result of match between the Sherborne and Langport Clubs. It gives pleasure to …”
We also know of a match played in 1858 found in Padwicks bibliography the ultimate source on cricket books – where there is a reference to a book by William James Tate called Old Somersetshire Cricketing Days, which covers the period 1853 – 1865, and which references the matches played by, amongst others, Langport.
Langport made history when they were all out for a duck in the year 1913, although there has been some debate on the actual date. Not a single player managed to score a run and equally amusing was that the Langport team were so unfortunate that they couldn’t even muster an extra!
Although Langport bowled well, getting Glastonbury all out for a total of 80 or 86 runs (dependent on which report is read), Langport’s incredible batting performance that day would make sure that the club goes down in history for being the first team to get bowled out for 0!
Research by a descendant of Albert Lisk (their Great Grandfather), who took 7 – 0 in the match for Glastonbury, uncovered a press cutting and scorecard of this match and from a descendant of the Langport No. 11 F.Barningham (Frank) who advised firstly, “ That he, in 1897, took 92 wickets for the club at an average of just 5.60 each wicket, for which was presented with a cricket ball at the time by a Major Creighton”, and secondly of a 1947 photograph of a benefit match played at Langport for Frank Lee of Somerset C.C. versus Langport.
The club reformed twice following the first world war of 1914/15 and the 1939/45 second world war.
On March 29th 1922 the new Memorial Pavilion was opened by famous Somerset C.C.C. Captain, Sammy Woods. This pavilion was built in memory of the Master and Old Boys of Langport Grammar School who were killed in the First World War. A Hamstone carved memorial stone placed above the front entrance door is inscription of “This Pavilion Was Erected in Honoured Memory of the Master and Old Boys Who Fell in the Great War” “DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI”
As reported in the Somerset County Gazette on the 21st July 1947, sadly its thatch roof was destroyed by a fire in 1947 – There is also an account of the fire that destroyed the thatched roof In the North –West end wall, where there is fitted a large Ham Hill stone carved with School badge, the “Portcullis,” and inscribed with the School motto, “CONEMUR,” (“Let us strive”)
It is also believed that at some stage matches were played on ground at Windmill Lane, Pisbury.
In April1946, a Meeting was held, after the club had been dormant during the war years. After discussion on the prospects prevailing in the neighbourhood it was proposed that a Cricket Club be reformed. Name of Club: Huish Episcopi Cricket Club, subscriptions were 5/- per member and for those under 18 years of age, 2/6 plus 1/- per match.
Following a meeting of the Old Boys, it was decided unanimously to let the Cricket Club have the ground on a yearly basis, commencing with a fee of £12, this was considered very reasonable and was accepted, the club having the power to sub-let.
Later in October 1946, the Club Name was changed to Huish & Langport, at the same meeting it was decided to run a second eleven, this additional team ceased to run in 1950.
April 8th 1948 – The members expressed concern for the future housing of club Motor Mowers and several suggestion were advanced. It was ultimately decided to attempt to arrange some temporary cover for the mowers until a shed could be built.
Extracts from the Club’s Archives 1950 – 1999 are shown here.
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