In the decade that Bridgnorth CC reached its own century, in 1939, difficult economic and social issues made running a leisure sports club a challenge. The decade began strongly with interest in the sport increasing, and the club's fixture list was as strong as it had ever been. But things faltered midway before the outbreak of WWII brought a fresh challenge.

The club owned a motor roller and, unusually in these days, covers, though these were often damaged by the town's children who found access to the ground easy. Apley Estates renewed the entrance gates from the Smithfield side in an attempt to curtail these incursions.

The match scores were recorded on tins in front of the changing rooms, before the 1934 season opened with a wheeled scoreboard providing all spectators and players a view of the game's progress. Deck chairs were also available for a nominal fee to watch from in front of the pavilion.

Social activities took on a greater relevance as fundraisers to meet the mounting costs, and the most successful proved to be the first Miss Cricket Club Dance of 1932. Two hundred people paid two shillings each and filled the Drill Hall in St Mary's Street to see Miss Audrey Lloyd 'crowned', receiving a sash in the club colours and a silver plated tea service.

The Bridgnorth District KO remained popular, but fewer teams entered even with four Bridgnorth players allowed. DT Dickinson, a local jeweller, provided a trophy. The club entered teams in other knockout competitions, reached the final of the 1932 Ludlow and Shifnal tournaments, before winning both in 1934.

A number of men from the military and the banking industry took important roles at the club, but at this time it was still the ordinary man who performed each week. Albert and Bill Gough, EW Smith, Piper, Rowley and Trewin were all established names, who were joined by Fred Whitney, Benson, Hales, Catterall, Marment and Sir Leonard Swinnerton-Dyer through the decade as they entertained some of the biggest clubs in the West Midlands.

Of the Goughs, Albert scored regular runs through the decade, whilst also setting records with his wicketkeeping. Bill was never far adrift in the run-scoring, proved effective as a bowler and had a safe pair of hands at slip. EW Smith was a bowler of some merit, but set a record for the highest individual score by a Bridgnorth batsman with an unbeaten 161 against Ludlow in August 1932. Piper had an effect in most matches as he proved handy as an allrounder and Rowley, able to bat anywhere in the top five, scored regular runs and developed from an occasional bowler to a regular wicket-taker.

Two of the game's greats played for the club during the thirties, at opposing ends of their cricketing journeys. Cyril Washbrook played for the first team aged 17 in 1931, and again the following season before joining Lancashire CCC as a professional in 1933. Sydney Francis Barnes played in 1938 aged 65, at the end of a distinguished career that began in 1895.

Games averaged thirty five per season and opponents were sought in the West Midlands rather than Shropshire, and many of the big guns of the day visited Cricket Meadow. Matches were still played on Thursdays and Saturdays, and there were games on Whitsun and August Bank Holidays when touring sides were hosted and knockout cricket became more popular.

The 1937 season had a tragic start with the sudden and untimely death of one of the club's star players, when Albert Gough died on 17th May following complications after an appendix operation. On a brighter note Washbrook made his Test debut at the Oval against New Zealand, and the club and the Mayor sent him telegrams of congratulations.

Barnes claimed the glory during the 1938 season, bowling 336 overs and taking 126 wickets for 875 runs. Arthur Marment also joined the club, and was seen by many as the best wicketkeeper the club ever had, although the outbreak of WWII curtailed his playing career.

The final of the Brignorth knockout of 1939 between Claverley and Apley was never completed as the second night in August was washed out and rescheduled for 16th September, but was cancelled due to the outbreak of the War.

The Bridgnorth Journal published a 'Special Edition' on Friday 1st September, giving full details on the arrangements for receiving refugees, many of which duly arrived from Liverpool and the Wirral. Everyone braced themselves for conflict and the cricket season came to a premature end.

WWII

The outbreak of World War II obviously affected cricket and other sports, but despite the lack of players and petrol rationing, Bridgnorth CC managed to continue throughout the War. Local gentry encouraged local clubs to continue playing and 'where necessary pool their players'. Claverley, Oldbury, Chelmarsh, Stanley, Willey, Highley, Chorley and Middleton Scriven joined Bridgnorth in reduced fixtures.

The club lost tenancy of the ground and the field was let for grazing the production of hay. Hard work by the members and the cooperation of Apley Estates allowed the ground to be used on Saturdays for matches, though the agricultural priority left the ground in a poor state.

Youngsters were given their chance with availability for teams decimated, as Owen Nicholas, Reg Reynolds and Paul Maun all began distinguished careers. Fixtures were supplemented by games against military teams who were stationed at RAF Bridgnorth at Stanmore, as well as games against the local Home Guard.

At the beginning of July 1945 Mr J Riseborough, the Town Clerk, informed the Council that the club had "now regained possession of the cricket ground".