Cricket has a rich history in the Yorkshire region, from recreational levels all the way up to the professional and international game. It’s estimated that the county has over 700 cricket clubs showing how it underpins local communities and culture. At one point, Yorkshire is said to have had more cricket clubs than the whole of Australia! From grassroots to the pinnacle of the game, passion for the sport is unrivalled in Yorkshire compared to the rest of the UK. Every weekend during the summer, thousands of amateur players represent their clubs to compete for league and cup trophies. Are you looking to get involved and update your cricket clothing and equipment? In this article, we’ll outline some of the best amateur cricket leagues in Yorkshire if you’re moving into the area or want to reignite your love of the game.
Bradford Premier League
The Bradford Premier League has widely been regarded as one of the strongest amateur cricket competitions in the country. It’s a historic league dating back to 1903 and is an official ECB Premier League, comprising a first and second team competition each with a premier division and 3 divisions below. Woodlands CC were the champions in the Premier Division in 2022, closely followed by New Farnley CC and Townville CC in third. The league is home to teams from all over the Bradford region and is a good option if you’ve played a decent standard of cricket before.
Airedale-Wharfedale Senior Cricket League
If you’re looking for something more casual but still challenging, the Airedale-Wharfedale Senior Cricket League is one of the most popular leagues in the West Yorkshire region. It stretches from Collingham and Linton CC near Wetherby in the East to Skipton CC in the West and includes many famous clubs in the North Leeds and Harrogate region. There is a thriving junior competition associated with the senior league and this sees many up-and-coming stars learning their trade in junior and eventually senior cricket. Notably, Harry Brook came through the ranks at Burley-in-Wharfedale CC and is now one of England’s most promising young players.
Huddersfield Cricket League
Another strong league in West Yorkshire is the Huddersfield Cricket League. Founded in 1891, 44 clubs battle it out across 7 divisions. Clubs such as Honley CC and Scholes CC have a rich history and the league is blessed with many spectacular grounds in the region and across the Pennines. If you’re moving into the Huddersfield area then your local club is likely to play in this league.
Yorkshire Premier League (North/South)
There are two Yorkshire Premier Leagues, one in the North and one in the South. These are official ECB competitions and have some of the best amateur players in the region. There was one County Premier League until 2015 when it split into two leagues as it’s seen today. The Premier League North contains clubs such as York CC, Scarborough CC and Harrogate CC and many village teams in the lower divisions. The Southern Premier League is home to famous clubs such as Sheffield Collegiate CC and Wakefield Thornes CC, again with many village teams in the lower divisions down to Division 9.
