Unveiling the Untold Secrets: 300 Years Of Mitcham Cricket - Relive the Glorious Journey

Cricket, considered a quintessentially English sport, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. One such historic hub of cricket is the picturesque town of Mitcham, which has witnessed and contributed to the growth of the sport for an astounding 300 years. Embark on a captivating journey through time as we uncover the fascinating milestones and triumphs of Mitcham Cricket Club.

Exploring the Origins

Mitcham Cricket Club traces its roots back to the year 1724, when a group of passionate locals formed a cricket team. With the first recorded match taking place in the lush green fields of Cricket Green, Mitcham, cricket enthusiasts were instantly hooked. Little did they know that their love for the sport would continue to thrive for centuries to come.

Legendary Players

Over the course of 300 years, Mitcham Cricket Club has been home to numerous talented players who have made their mark in the annals of cricket history. From the hard-hitting batsmen to the skillful bowlers, Mitcham has produced several legendary players who have represented not only the club but also the national team. Legends like John Slade, Harry Drake, and Amelia Harper have left an indelible legacy within the cricketing community.

300 Years of Mitcham Cricket: From 1685 to 1985, the story of cricket at the world's oldest continuously in use cricket ground in Mitcham, Surrey, England.

by Amanda Wilson (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	718 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	100 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Moments of Glory and Triumph

Mitcham Cricket Club has witnessed several moments of glory throughout its long-standing history. From thrilling victories against formidable opponents to outstanding individual performances, these moments have etched themselves in the memories of cricket fans around the world. The club's triumph in the prestigious Surrey Championship in 1921 still stands tall as an extraordinary achievement.

The Impact on the Community

Mitcham Cricket Club has not merely been a place for sporting enthusiasts; it has also been a cornerstone of the local community. The club's deep-rooted connection with the town of Mitcham has fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity among its residents. Generations have come together, both on and off the field, to celebrate the spirit of cricket and strengthen the bond within the community.

The Evolution of the Game

As cricket evolved over the years with changing formats and rules, Mitcham Cricket Club adapted and thrived. From the traditional Test matches to the exhilarating limited-overs cricket, the club has kept pace with the dynamic nature of the sport. The influence of the club in promoting cricket at the grassroots level has been instrumental in nurturing future talents and inspiring the next generation of cricketers.

Preserving Mitcham's Cricketing Heritage

The enduring love for cricket in Mitcham has led to a concerted effort to preserve its rich heritage. The town has established dedicated museums and memorabilia centers that showcase the club's proud history. Walking through the corridors of Mitcham's cricketing legacy, visitors can witness iconic photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that encapsulate the essence of this 300-year-old sporting institution.

The Future of Mitcham Cricket Club

As Mitcham Cricket Club embarks upon its fourth century, the future for the club appears bright and promising. The dedicated players, passionate supporters, and unwavering commitment of the local community ensure that the club will continue to thrive for generations to come. With state-of-the-art facilities, coaching programs, and international collaborations, Mitcham aims to remain a powerhouse in the cricketing world.

From its humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of the town's identity, Mitcham Cricket Club's extraordinary journey spanning 300 years is a testament to the undying passion for cricket. The club's legacy, with its legendary players, moments of triumph, and deep-rooted connection with the community, has truly immortalized Mitcham in the realm of cricket. As we celebrate 300 years of Mitcham Cricket, let us cherish the centuries of history, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit of this remarkable sporting institution.

300 Years of Mitcham Cricket: From 1685 to 1985, the story of cricket at the world's oldest continuously in use cricket ground in Mitcham, Surrey, England.

by Amanda Wilson (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	718 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	100 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Originally published in 1985 by the former 'Sporting Mayor' of Mitcham, Tom Higgs, this reproduction brings to a wider audience the booklet that has since gone out of print and is no longer on sale.

A rare old print is cited by the author that, in 1685, there was "Crickette on Ye Olde Meecham Green". This booklet charts the progress of cricket on Mitcham's Cricket Green, from early newspaper reports in 1736, up to 1985.

The family of the late author has kindly given permission for his work to be reproduced.

Nelson watched cricket at Mitcham, as referred to in this extract:

John Bowyer, a left-handed batsman, was one of the five Mitcham men who were in the Surrey team which defeated England at Lord’s in 1810. He continued playing the county until 1838 when he came back and stood as umpire for Mitcham for a further thirty years. It was to Bowyer that Lord Nelson gave a shilling “to drink confusion to the French” when he paused to watch a match in progress on the Green whilst on his journey to Portsmouth to join the “Victory” for the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Australian cricketers practised at Mitcham on their first tour of England, as told in this excerpt:

The year of Southerton's death (1880) marked another early association between Mitcham and Australian cricket. Unlike the way in which international tours are now so highly organised, the Australians arrived in this country in 1880, under the leadership of W L Murdoch, with an incomplete fixture list and faced considerable difficulty in arranging matches. The Surrey authorities were very helpful to them and arranged practice facilities on Mitcham Green preparatory to the first Test Match in England played at the Oval on 6, 7 and 8 September of that year.

The chapters include:

and Foreword
Bowyer & Sherman
Mitcham Play At Lord’s
Mitcham Men go to the Oval
James Southerton
The Australians come to Mitcham
Cricket and the Green
The Golden Age of Mitcham Cricket
Three Great Mitcham Cricketers
Herbert Strudwick
Andrew Sandham
The Pre-War Years
Philadelphia on the Green
The 1914-18 War
In Between the Wars
Burn Bullock
The Wednesday Eleven
Tom Ruff
Ladies on the Green
Crisis!
The 1939-45 War
The Post-War Years
Johnny Miell
Bob Parker
The Association of Cricket Umpires (ACU) Formed
A Transitional Period
Brian Ward
Alf Turnbull
Pat Batty
A Major Change
The Championship Years
Surrey (Decca) Cup
1000 wickets for Swaby
Fourth Championship Win
Sports Council Grant
The Future
Echoes From The Past
The Green in 1685