White Coppice Cricket Club is in the small hamlet of White Coppice.
The area was once home to a large mill and also has some very unusual features nearby.
Firstly, the cricket club provides access to the moors around Heapey and Rivington.
Just above the ground is one of the UK’s only creeks. This runs down the hill and is worth a visit.
There is also a remarkable panorama from the middle of the pitch, surrounded on all sides by steep-sided hills.
The club was originally established back in 1875, though it hasn’t always been a smooth ride.
Several years ago, the club came under serious threat of closing down.
In 2017, a player exodus contributed to the club losing every game – in fact, it was part of a 28-game losing streak.
At the same time, our second team folded and at one point, we were only able to field seven players in a game against New Longton 2nds on June 15th, 2017 – the official minimum.
A month later a team that included several debutants and two ice hockey players was bowled out for just 19 in a game against Withnell Fold.
White Coppice didn’t forfeit a single game in 2017 – earning the nickname ‘the club that wouldn’t die’.
However, it proved a turning point and after returning to winning ways in 2018 a Sunday team was launched in the following season.
Over the last three seasons, a new committee has worked together to rebuild the club.
The club is marking its 150th anniversary in 2025 by launching a campaign to raise £150,000 to safeguard its future for generations to come.
You can donate to the fundraising campaign here: https://gofund.me/a3ccf0ac
