Miskin Manor Cricket Club
Cricket was first played at Miskin Manor in 1882. The same field (then named Ynys Parc and later to be changed to Glyn Parc) has been the venue for matches ever since and must surely rank amongst the most picturesque of cricket grounds in South Wales.
Miskin manor was purchased by David Williams, Esq. during the mid-nineteenth century and he did much to develop the grounds and gardens. He was followed by his son, Gwilym, later to become His Honour Judge Gwilym Williams, who used Miskin Manor as his family home. It was his sons, Rhys and Justin who constructed the cricket ground out of a hayfield.
During the 1914-18 World War cricket was discontinued at Miskin and it is believed the game was not resumed there until 1927-28. Unfortunately, the manor house itself was almost totally destroyed by fire in 1922 and all the early cricket records were lost.
By the early 1930’s the Miskin Club had developed considerably. The ‘Miskin team’ had gained a formidable reputation but facilities were limited; changing and catering were accommodated in temporary tenting, while the scorers toiled in an old toll-house purchased by Sir Rhys.
No cricket was played during WW2 because most of the members were on active service, with five members losing their lives in the conflict.
In 1946 came the return of many members from active service plus an influx of newcomers. The Club was reformed with Mr. Rhys Jenkins as Club Chairman and Mr. W. Gurnos Jones as Secretary. Changing and refreshment facilities were again provided for in a marquee and somewhat primitive equipment was used for the maintenance and up-keep of the ground.
The Club’s finances were extremely limited. However, enthusiastically led by their Chairman, the members were united in their efforts to erect a fitting memorial to their fallen friends. Sufficient funds were raised to build a pavilion which is still in use.
On the field of play the considerable reputation in earlier years was being quickly restored. With the improved facilities, the players were able to pit their strength against stronger clubs who were being encouraged to play at Glyn Parc. Viv Williams registered the Club’s first post-war century in 1948.
In 1948 the Club became affiliated to the Glamorgan County C. C. which led to the resumption of home fixtures with a representative County XI, an arrangement which continued well into the 1950’s.
In 1953 Miskin won the Coronation Year Knock-Out Competition sponsored by Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre R D. C. and, in the same year, the Pontyclun Cricket Knock-Out Cup Competition was launched and ran for 15 consecutive seasons. Miskin won the Cup more times than any other club which took part in the Competition.
In the late 1950’s three young members of the Club were selected to play for the Welsh Secondary Schools and in 1958 the First XI enjoyed its best season in the recorded history of the Club up to that time. The premier side finished the season undefeated and won the Pontyclun Knock-Out Cup for the fourth year in succession.
In 1962 the first tour of South Devon was made and such tours have continued without interruption ever since. Initially, four games were played but were increased to six following the opening of the Severn Bridge.
The 1970’s opened with the Club making considerable extensions and modifications to the pavilion and general improvements to the ground.
After his death, Trevor Thomas’s family donated £500 to the Club and as a tribute to his services for the Club and with ‘T M’s’ expressed wishes in mind, an appeal fund was launched which led to the erection of a permanent score-box. It was officially opened in August 1977 when Miskin entertained a team headed by Tony Lewis (former captain of both England and Glamorgan County CC.)
Whatever achievements had taken place in the past, 1977 must surely rank as the most illustrious season in the history of the Club. Both the First XI and Second XI won their respective Divisions in the Gwent C.C.A.L.
In the Village Championship, Miskin won their way into the last 16 (from 835 entries) and won the South Wales Zone final. Fired with enthusiasm, some 300 supporters travelled to Coalpit Heath, near Bristol. to cheer them to victory but in the next round they were beaten by Cookley, who went on to win the Championship.
In 1978 Miskin joined the more formidable Welsh Cup Cricket Conference.
Today the club is a mainstay of local sporting excellence with junior and ladies teams playing as well as the more traditional men’s sides.
More information about the club and a more detailed history can be found at their website
For more information about the history of the community of Pontyclun please visit our online museum