The AGWI (American Gulf & West Indies Oil Company) Cricket Club was formed on 10th January 1927 in their first season playing 17 games in New Forest League and finishing a credible second. Their total expenditure for the first year is stated as £27-4s-11d. The original home ground was in Fawley opposite the school, now the by-pass. But they moved to Netley View where the AGWI social club was built in 1929
In or around 1936 Esso brought out AGWI although it was 4 or 5 years before the refinery name changed.
The new club at Holbury was purchased and first game of cricket played there in June 1937. The inaugural game was against a Hampshire eleven which was repeated for the sixtieth year celebration in 1987. As far as we can tell the name team Esso was used from around 1944. Amalgamation with Fawley Cricket Club happened around 1954 and the team name change to Esso Fawley.
In 2003 the refinery handed over the club and grounds to the members on a 21 year lease for annual peppercorn rent, and is now known as the Waterside Sports & Social Club. At this point the team name was reverted to Fawley. Next season will be our 83rd year.
Fawley Cricket however started in or around 1870 and was played in a field on the road to Ashlett. Alan remembers a concrete wicket with coconut matting and the very small thatched pavilion. His Father played as did his neighbours, and his Uncle was umpire.
with thanks to Alan Sturgess.
