St. Andrews Cricket Club is one of the oldest clubs in Norfolk.The exact origins of the club are unknown
but records show that a team was playing at St. Andrews Hospital in Thorpe at the end of the 19th century.
In post war days the club played matches against many of the hospitals in East Anglia region and some
of Norfolks biggest club's, such as Norwich Wanderers, they were regular visitors to the picturesque bowl
shaped ground in the shadow of the hospital.
In 1980 the club joined the Norfolk League and secured promotion from Division 6 at the first attempt,
finnishing runners up to Hindringham. The following season the placings reversed as Saints won the
division 5 championship.
The rest of the decade was, one of struggle for the club and in 1987 there was news when the club were
given notice they had to leave their ground. This signalled a nomadic period, league games were played
at Eaton Park in Norwich, in 1988 and 1989 and then at Barkers Lane, Sprowston in 1990. From 1991
all fixtures were played at the current ground at Little Plumstead and the word Hospital was dropped
from the club's name. Despite the off field problems, things picked up on the pitch culminating in a
never to be equelled1989 season. The club won every game, clinching the Division 5 title with a record
number of points and 19 year old Andrew Browning broke the Norfolk League run record. Single
handedly he destroyed bowling attacks and was selected as league batsmen of the year at the end of
season after racking up 1117 at nearly 70.
The club continued to slowly climb the divisions since then, finnishing runners up to Happisburgh in
Division 4 in 1995 and winning Division 3 in 1999, when only a last day defeat at Winterton prevented
another 100% campaign being completed.
Further trophies have been won by the club in Sunday and midweek competitions, although in recent
the emphasis has been placed on friendly cricket only on Sundays thus allowing youngsters a chance
to develop their skills.
In the winter of 2003 the club faced yet another ground crisis due to the imminent building work and closure
of Little Plumstead Hospital. Fortunately, due to the kind assistance of Thorpe Parish Council, the club were
able to secure a return to the parish after 17 years away, and accept the offer to play at Dussindale Park with
effect from the 2004 season. Finally, the club were able to offer members and opponents alike modern facilities
off the field.
Like all clubs St. Andrews have been indebted to the contributions of several stalwarts and there has
always been a very friendly atmosphere, both of which have allowed the club to overcome the setback
of losing a ground and start the third century of cricket in good shape.