I very much doubt there are many grounds are like Thornton Watlass.
The square lies on the Village Green, right in the centre of the village of Thornton Watlass. There are six trees within the playing area, a good few white road markers, and road signs – and this is all within the field of play, which means if you hit any of them you simply carry on. The road is also part of the ground, and crosses, perhaps inconveniently, right behind the bowler’s arm. The boundary is denoted by the hedge and the wall of the The Buck Inn.
The local rule is that the game just carries on if the ball hits any of these items in the field of play.
A tip to those driving there to watch a game (as stated on the club website): “Please do not park in front of the pub as your car will be in the field of play”.
This summer teams form across the world played in the Golden Oldies Festival and Thornton Watlass was one of the grounds to hold matches. From all accounts the visitors all enjoyed their visit to this unique ground.
