Interesting BBC cricket article

[ExistentialWanderer]

Watching it on BBC news this morning. West Indian players playing for Lancashire sides. Accrington, Burnley and Nelson all get mentions. Mentions the days of top class pro's are long gone, as are the crowds. I remember the hype when Shayne Warne signed for Accrington (I think) and played at Lowerhouse. It was an interesting watch.

[SurreyClaret99]

Great programme and as a Nelsoner great to see some familiar faces and places!

Here's the link for the programme if you missed it

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b097bl89" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Inchy]

I saw the clip on BBC news and I am interested to know was it just the lancs league attracting these world class cricketers or were they going to other leagues across England?

It's before my time so have no idea

[SurreyClaret99]

I saw the clip on BBC news and I am interested to know was it just the lancs league attracting these world class cricketers or were they going to other leagues across England?

It's before my time so have no idea

I'm not sure Inchy - I'm going to send the link to my dad later and will ring him about it. He used to play for and be captain at Nelson so he may know.

[ExistentialWanderer]

I'm not sure Inchy - I'm going to send the link to my dad later and will ring him about it. He used to play for and be captain at Nelson so he may know.

Please do. I am intrigued. I remember the latter days of cricket when local clubs had pro players, but was very interesting to see it went way back to the 60's.

[CleggHall]

Please do. I am intrigued. I remember the latter days of cricket when local clubs had pro players, but was very interesting to see it went way back to the 60's.

Earlier still, Learie Constantine played at Nelson 1928 onwards well into the 1930s. Professionals were especially common in the Central Lancs League and Lancs League, other leagues also had them but less so. Rohan Kanhai was at Ashington in the north east and they even named a pub after him!

[oswyclaret]

Believe there is a programme on bbc 4 tomorrow eve all about it!!

[ClaretPope]

1930 BBC 4 Monday.

[arise_sir_charge]

Lots of leagues had pros but the Lancashire League seemed to attract the very best names and with it the biggest crowds. It’s why it is so well known throughout the world.

A lot of players made more money playing LL than they did with their first class clubs.

In that prog it shows Learie Constantine getting paid £800 for a summer and says he was the best paid sportsman in England at that time including footballers etc. Remarkable really.