According to local historian Andrew Hardcastle cricket was played in Shelf as early as the 1850s. In 1856 a team called Shelf Victoria was playing matches at the back of the Shoulder of Mutton Inn.
Other local teams which appear at around this time include Ovenden United, Overden,
Mixenden, Sowerby, Copley, Coley and another called Royal Alma, Thornhill Bridge,
who played on the Black Bull Inn field.
This means that the following sign, on display currently at the clubs ground, is probably incorrect!
UP FOR THE CUP! 1896 - HALIFAX PARISH DEBUT.
Shelf made their first appearance in the areas oldest competition in 1896. That year also saw also saw the competition organisers update a ground inspection report which had first taken place in 1891.
Shelf were still playing in the field behind the Shoulder of Mutton Inn. The ground was described as a large square field which was, evidently, well looked after. It had a good pavilion and a little seating.
WAS SHAW A SHELF AMATEUR 1897 - HALIFAX PARISH CUP CONTROVERSY
In the 1897 Halifax Parish Cup, Southowram St. Annes lost to Shelf in the Preliminary round, largely thanks to a score of 56 plundered by an all-rounder named J. Shaw, who won the rounds batting prize for his impressive score.