A Brief History of the Club - 40 Years of Largo Cricket Club

Founded in the Railway Inn

Largo Cricket Club in its current form began 40 years ago this year in 1983, rising from the ashes of a team in the area in the 1940s and 50s. The idea was born in the Railway Inn in Lower Largo to form a team to play friendly fixtures around the local area, and generally to provide a club with a fun ethos for the locals of Largo, many of whom would have been newcomers to the game. Pete Norton Yorkshire bred, but now living in Largo, stuck notices around the village to gauge interest. Soon after, a pitch was sourced at Silverburn Park which, after some major work by the founding members of the club, the wicket fit to play on the 13th August, and Largo as a club was up and running.

Move to East Drive, Upper Largo

In 1985 Largo decided to look for a more permanent home for the following season and moved to its current home at East Drive, Upper Largo. To open the ground, Largo played the famous Freuchie Village Cup-winning side that made national news the year before, while also managing to bring former England Captain, Mike Denness, up to guest for Largo. Although East Drive is not the biggest ground it boasts a fantastic playing surface and has hosted may junior representative games.

Largo adopted Alexander Selkirk’s character of Robinson Crusoe batting as a club badge and incorporated the red, blue and yellow into the club cap. With the club thriving, the decision was made to join the local East of Scotland Cricket Leagues. Under captains Ian Barnes, Bob Mowat and Craig Walker the following years saw Largo rising quickly up the leagues and thanks to great work from individuals such as Dick Dakin, a new dedicated junior section (Largo Lions) was created for the club. In 1997 the senior playing members had risen to an extent that a 2nd league side was introduced into the East Leagues.

Cup success

The years to follow would be sprinkled with cup success in the form of winning the Small Clubs Cup in 2002 (a national competition now called the Challenge Cup, Largo also made the semi finals in 2003 and 2007), the Fife Cup in 2010 (finalists in 2004 and 2013) and the 2nd XI winning the ESCA Presidents Trophy in 2011. This success was mirrored in the league by the 1st XI progressing to ESCA Division 1 and employing overseas amateur players from Australia. The second Largo team progressed to Division 4.
In order to meet the growing demand for match day involvement, Largo started to use the pitch at Station Park, St Andrews in 2009. The club was now able to put out four regular league XIs each Saturday in the summer.

Like many sports clubs though, the recent years and change in lifestyles of members have prompted changes and the club has returned to its roots of two teams based in Largo. The original ethos of the club remains throughout with inclusion for all, newcomers welcomed in the club and the promotion of the club’s youth section continuing to be a vital part of the club’s present and future. Indeed, current Scotland opening bowler, Safyaan Sharif, and the present Scotland rugby captain, Jamie Ritchie, were Largo Lions. National age group successes were also gained by local juniors Ryan Brown (under 19s) and Hughes Gillin (under 15s). Ryan now plays for Heriots in Eastern Premier Division, while Hughes was made captain of Largo in 2021 and continues to score runs and take wickets.

Next steps

Thanks to great work by many over the years, the ground at East Drive has continued to be developed with permanent changing rooms and covers added to a view that is the envy of near all grounds in Scotland, making Largo a popular must visit ground for many in Scottish Cricket. With the club coming out of the COVID era where only restricted games could be played, Largo has now moved its league teams to the Strathmore and Perthshire leagues covering Fife, Dundee and Perthshire, and this year will be moving to coloured clothing and pink ball cricket for the first time.

In 2023, Largo CC after 40 years of existence and near 500 previous playing members under its belt, has a new president in Largo resident Ally Duncan, following in the footsteps of his dad Andrew who was also a president and founding member of the club.

To celebrate the anniversary there are a series of events and special games organised such as a dinner dance open to all pre-season and various special games including the famous MCC side coming up to play Largo at the end of August. All information on the plans for the club to celebrate this anniversary are on our website and social media channels. The club are currently looking into pavilion redevelopment as part of the legacy of their 40th year.

Largo started their 40th year with a victory over Breadalbane in 2023. With captain Hughes Gillin scoring a 145 not out, a league record. Let’s hope it’s a great year for the club and here’s to many more years of Largo Cricket Club thriving on the field and being an important part of the local community in Largo. Spectators more than welcome at the games.

To find out more about Largo Cricket Club, our anniversary and playing for our junior or senior sides, please visit our website or social media channels

Our summer training resumes at our ground at East Drive in Upper Largo after Easter:
- Largo Lions: P2-S6 Fridays 6.15pm-7.45pm
- Largo senior sides: nets every Wednesday from 6.15pm