St Helens Rugby and Cricket Ground
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
St Helens Rugby and Cricket Ground is a world famous spectator sports venue in Swansea, Wales. It is used for both rugby and cricket.[1] [2] This is home of the "All Whites", Swansea RFC, and of Swansea Cricket club. It is owned and operated by the City and County of Swansea council and is also used to host the local annual Guy Fawkes night fireworks display. [3]
Prior to re-development in 2005, the venue could hold an audience of 10,500 seated. The famous east stand, which provided cloisters over part of Oystermouth road has since been demolished and replaced with a metallic structure unloved by locals. The tallest flood light stand in Europe is in St. Helen's Ground. [4]
[edit] Rugby
Between 1882 and 1954, this was an international rugby centre. It was here that Swansea RFC defeated New Zealand 11-3 on Saturday 28th September 1935. Thus becoming the first ever club side to beat the All Blacks. It was also here that Swansea RFC defeated world champions Australia 21-6 in November 1992, when Australia played their first match of their Welsh Tour.[5]
Between 1919 and 1952, St. Helens was also the home of Swansea Uplands RFC until the club sought its new home in Upper Killay. [6]
[edit] Cricket
It was in this ground in 1968 that Sir Garfield Sobers hit the first ever six sixes in one over in first-class cricket.[7] Sobers was playing as captain of Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan.[8]
Glamorgan County Cricket Club also play here.
