'We may not have ever had the means to offer what bigger clubs nearby can, but we do offer a big heart'

A village cricket club that's played on the same pitch since it was founded more than a century ago could be forced to find a new home.

Aisthorpe Cricket Club dates back to 1895, and since its foundation, it has played on the ground at Aisthorpe Hall in Aisthorpe, near Scampton.

However, the club was informed over the winter that it will need to find a new permanent home.

A statement shared by Aisthorpe Cricket Club Captain, Wesley Leak, on behalf of its members states: "Early records are patchy, but it is rumoured England great Fred Trueman once played at the ground while serving at RAF Scampton in the Second World War.

"In 1946, Dr Monteith, the owner of Aisthorpe Hall, resurrected the club, which was around the time our pavilion was built.

"Ever since, many committed members have served the club with many league and cup trophies over the years.

"However, our 131st year is undoubtedly the most threat this club has ever faced."

He continued: "We have always relied on the goodwill of Aisthorpe Hall to use our unique village ground; this year may well be our last there as the new owners unexpectedly decided to issue a termination.

"We have been given a reason, nothing of our doing, but it looks like our hands are tied."

Mr Leak continued: "I took over as captain last season, and I was proud to be able to represent the area which my Grandad farmed and my Dad, Steve Leak, grew up.

"Despite the league results, I felt there was a renewed enthusiasm around the club and hoped for that to grow over the coming years.

"As such, I could not see this club die on this news; we all met earlier this year and decided that Aisthorpe will still live."

He continued: "Therefore, we are still playing in the Sunday league this year, our temporary home being the West Common.

"We do not see this as our permanent home, and we’re determined to return to Aisthorpe or the surrounding area."

As it stands, the club's ground license will be terminated on June 21, 2026.

However, the hall's owners said they will see if there is another piece of land the club can use.

Mr Leak warned that there is "a lot of hard work and effort" ahead of the club this year.

He added: "We are hoping to have one or two last home games before our licence terminates in June, hopefully to serve as a celebration of the ground, which I think everyone can agree is a resemblance of old-fashioned village cricket.

"It’s far from perfect with our tiny old pavilion and our hilly outfield, but we didn’t mind; it made it a unique place to play.

"We may not have ever had the means to offer what bigger clubs nearby can, but we do offer a big heart."

He concluded that whilst it is a "tumultuous time" for the club, it will not be the end, and he hopes the club can "come out the other side still enjoying games of cricket and representing the area which the club bears its name."