Cricket may have been played at Cuckney in the 1850's but the first record of a match can be found in the Mansfield Recorder dated 1897. The article gives details of a game between Cuckney and Woodhouse Primitives. The score sheet makes for fascinating reading

In those early years, Cuckney had two 'friendly' teams playing on Saturdays, augmented by a mid-week eleven. Arthur Dernley appears to have been the original club secretary. Up until the start of World War II, the cricket team was part of a Sports Club which also played tennis and bowls. Some 'senior' local people still remember farmer Kay keeping the outfield short by grazing his cattle, and flattening the wicket with a monstrous roller drawn by a horse 'wearing rubber boots'!

During the War the ground was taken over by the Army, who installed a searchlight and anti-aircraft battery. Afterwards, the tennis and bowls sections were not revived, but Wilfred Hill started up the cricket club again for the benefit of returning servicemen.

Cuckney played 'friendly' cricket until 1961, when we joined the Bassetlaw League, and in 1979 the club also entered a team into the Mansfield & District Sunday League. During the 80's and 90's we regularly entered the National Village Cricket Competition, reaching the area final on two occasions and featuring in both the Daily Telegraph and the Cricketer Magazine.

Two Cuckney players may hold a unique record! Whilst on tour in Wales in the 1980's, 'spin doctor' Les Smith took a hat-trick in which every victim was stumped by Robin Barlow. Does anyone out there know if this has been achieved before?

Cuckney Cricket Club was always part of the local community, drawing players from the village and surrounding communities. Recently, however, the demands of providing players for five teams at the weekend has necessitated drawing on talent from further afield, including overseas. Nevertheless the club remains at the heart of Cuckney village and always endeavors to retain a friendly local atmosphere.

(Thanks to Reg Hovington and Bob Little)