History of a century-old cricket ground

A NEW book has been published on the history of the Lyons Lane Cricket Ground – home of Appleton Cricket Club.
It has been produced by Appleton Cricket Club and details the history of the ground from 1908, when the now defunct Stockton Heath Cricket Club commenced playing there.
The book goes further back, however, providing details of a possible Roman occupation of the land, of the Lyon Family, who used to live at Appleton Hall and on whose land the cricket ground was first established.
Stockton Heath Cricket Club played there from 1908 to 1939 when the Second World War put an end to most local cricket.
But the book details how the ground was used during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
From 1954 it was the home of the Radiation Cricket Club until 1976 when the present Appleton Cricket Club was formed from an amalgamation of Winwick Cricket Club and the Radiation club.
A spokesman for Appleton CC said the book would appeal to club members, past and present, local residents, local historians, cricketers everywhere, previous users of the ground and friends and descendants of previous users.
The 28-page book is printed on glossy paper and it is illustrated with photographs. The front and back covers show colour photographs of the present ground and pavilion.
Copies of the book are available for £4 from Graham Whibley on 01925 263712, from Alan Rogers, secretary of Appleton Cricket Club, on 01925 266316 and from Grappenhall Community Library on 01925 268077. Arrangements are also being made for sale by Warrington Library on 01925 442889 and Stockton Heath Library on 01925 261148. The book will also be made available in electronic form.
A second section of the book, dealing with the history of the ground, during its use by Appleton Cricket Club from 1976 to the present date, has been produced in draft form, and hopefully will be published before too long.
Pictured: The cover of the new book