Winsley Cricket Club was established in 1926 by the villagers and fixtures were established against other local town and village clubs. The current ground at The Downs was rented from the Knatchbull family who owned the Manor House and adjoining land. Eventually a pavilion was built and opened in July 1937, this was subsequently replaced in 1970 by a larger building. Interestingly the old pavilion was taken down and taken to the Poplars Inn at Wingfield where it was re-erected and still serves as a cricket pavilion today. The club continued to flourish with first Mrs Knatchbull and then her daughter, Miss Beatrice Knatchbull, being Club President. When eventually she sold the Manor in the mid 1980’s the new owner, Denis Gilmer, took her place. An enthusiastic cricket fan, he was a great supporter of the club.
In April 2003 the pavilion was set fire and destroyed. This proved to be a seminal moment in the Club’s history as the membership, led by an enthusiastic Committee, set to developing plans for a new clubhouse that would take the club forward. With a massive effort by members and friends, some grant money and generous gifts from other clubs in the area the new clubhouse was completed in time for the start of the 2004 season.
Sadly Denis Gilmer died shortly after the pavilion was destroyed, nevertheless his family remained very positive towards the club. To provide long-term security of tenure for the club negotiations were completed with the Gilmer family to acquire a part ownership of the ground. Since then we have re-laid the square, installed three permanent nets and greatly improved the playing facilities and clubhouse.
The club continues to go from strength to strength with a thriving youth section spanning from All Stars and Dynamos to U19s. The senior 1XI currently compete in WCCL Division 1 after a three year spell in WEPL Wiltshire. However the women's team won promotion to WEPL Women's Premier League in 2025. This will be the highest level of cricket ever played by Winsley CC.
