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Where we used to Play: Agricultural Showgrounds, Frome
When Somerset County Cricket Club was formed in 1875 at Sidmouth CC following a match between the Gentlemen of Somerset and the Gentlemen of Devon it was decided that the Club would initially lead a nomadic existence.
Rather than committing to one home ground, the decision was taken to bring quality cricket to the whole of the South West by playing at venues across the region.
Because we are proud to represent the whole of the South West region, we will be taking a closer look at some of SCCC’s homes away from home over the next few weeks.
Today is the turn of Agricultural Showgrounds, Frome.
Although the history of the ground is likely to date back further, the first recorded cricket match at the venue took place in May 1882 between Frome and a United XI. The three-day fixture saw the home side come out on top by an innings and 41 runs.
However, this may have had something to do with Frome fielding 22 players! Another interesting side note is that Edward Grace, brother of the great WG Grace, opened the batting for Frome.
Somerset’s first appearance at the ground came in 1932 when we faced Northamptonshire in the County Championship. The Club played a further 17 First Class matches at the venue with the last game taking place in 1961 against Hampshire.
A look back through the scorecards of those matches shows that some of the finest players to grace the domestic game have taken to the field at Frome.
16 First Class centuries were scored at the venue. Frank Lee scored Somerset’s highest individual total with 151 against Middlesex in 1939. He also scored 112 against Worcestershire in 1934. The legendary Harold Gimblett also claimed two hundreds at Frome; 123 against Essex in 1935 and 119 against Leicestershire in 1948. Dennis Compton also secured three figures at the ground in 1939 when he scored 103 not out for Middlesex.
From a bowling perspective, it was a ground that Arthur Wellard appeared to enjoy. The Somerset seamer claimed 12 wickets in a First Class match on two occasions, against Northants in 1938 (12 for 128) and against Kent in 1936 (12 for 138).
Somerset’s final visit to Agricultural Showgrounds came in 1970 when we played our only List A game at the venue. Unfortunately for the spectators on the day, Somerset fell to a comprehensive 137-run defeat to Leicestershire in the John Player League.
We are proud to represent the whole of the South West, and our goal for 2024 is to have at least one Somerset CCC Member in every postcode area in the region.
Existing Members, in order to purchase at the special early-bird renewal price, simply head to your online account and click “Advantages”.
See everything that Somerset County Cricket Club has to offer and have a look at what’s new for 2024!
