We know of at least one match played on the grounds of Hulne Abbey at the end of August 1853, played against the Northumberland Club of Newcastle. It was held as part of a wider festival type event with a horticultural show also held. The wickets were drawn at 6:30 and the Newcastle team were victorious. The Northumberland & Durham Gazette states the ground was "made by order of his Grace the Duke of Northumberland", perhaps revealing the ground was used more often. Either way, there was a very large attendance for this match.

Though we can't ascertain the exact site, it was probably directly adjacent to the abbey ruins.