MCCC-Club_History

Club History

Records show that Maesteg Celtic Cricket Club was first formed during the immediate years following the First World War and home matches were played on "Cae Tinker" ( now Oakwood Estate) adjacent to the present complex.

It wasn't until the General Strike in 1926 that the Miners Welfare Scheme came to the aid of Celtic sportsmen and the Cricket, Rugby and Bowls clubs, as we know them today, were born.

The local sports- minded colliers levelled cinders and slag heaps and provided a cricket pitch on which matting was used, with no grass at all on the so- called outfield.

Although those early days were difficult, in the 1930's a pavilion was provided and a cricket square was laid away from the rugby playing area.

The Club continued to experience many ups and downs in this period but, nevertheless, Celtic Cricket Club had now become firmly established and during the Second World War a full programme was maintained against some very strong services teams. Due to some considerable success against these sides, Celtic were encouraged to apply for, and subsequently obtained admission to the South Wales and Monmouthshire Cricket Association where they were soon to make their presence felt by winning the " South Wales Daily Post Cup" in 1946.

Interest in the game in the lower half of the Llynfi Valley, together with good coaching, culminated in Celtic winning the 1b and 1a Divisions in successive seasons in 1957 and 1958.

Far from satisfied with this achievement, they proceeded to set a new League record ( which still stands at present ) by winning the First Division Championship ( the Dan Radcliffe Cup ) four seasons in succession from 1962 to 1965. Since then they have won the Championship in 1970 and again in 1978.

During this time the Second Eleven, not to be outdone, won their league on seven occasions - in 1964 and 1965, four successive years ffom 1967 to 1970 and again in 1972.

Apart from these league successes, Celtic has won the Welsh Knock- Out Cup three times in 1975, 1977 and 1980, the Intermediate Welsh Cup in 1998 and the League Cup in 1972 and 1991 and also a number of 6 a- side tournaments. On one occasion they beat a formidable Glamorgan County side in the final of the S.W.C.A. Competition after having triumphed over Somerset C.C.C. in the semi- final.