Dunmow CC - Club History

Dunmow Cricket Club was formed in 1895, although rumour has it that cricket was played in Dunmow long before the club came into being. From those early days, when cricket was played on common land, then rented and public owned land, the club has grown in stature and are now the proud owners of their ground in St Edmunds Lane, Great Dunmow, a picturesque setting if ever there was one.

Those early matches were played on Parsonage Downs, until a move to Newton Hall, now the home of the Helen Romanes School, just after the First World War. The club remained at Newton Hall unti the outbreak of the Second World War. During this time, a new pavillion was built and the ground developed to become one of the most attractive in Essex, luring teams like Chelmsford, Bishops Strotford and Saffron Walden on a regular basis.

During the war, the owner required the field for ploughing to help with the nation's food supply. So, after the war the Parish Council offered the club use of the Recreation Ground, but for reasons unknown this was unpopular. Soon after, in 1949, the club were offered an area of land just off Braintree Road and plans were made to develop it, including drainage work, levelling, seeding and turfing. Work was finally completed in 1951 and the official opening of the new home was 11th May 1952 and a match between Gents of Essex and a President's Xi, which Gents of Essex won.

An invitation to purchase the ground was made in 1960 by the then owner, which was successfully completed. Now the proud owners of their own ground, the club could make firm plans to build for the future. A new pavillion was bought in 1965 and despite looking a little old and tired at times, still stands today.

A cricket week was first launched in 1970 over four days, but has now become a real feature of the club's calendar, covering a period of seven days and a traditional Bank Holiday fixture against Cardiff Wanderers, who have been known to field the occassional West Indian international!

An application was made in 1972 to join the Mid Essex League and later, in 1978, the club entered the Two Counties League, where it continues to play with distinction to this day. With a growing playing membership, the club were soon able to field two competitive teams on a Saturday, with the second Xi playing their fixtures in the Herts & Essex League.

Having celebrated its centenery in 1995, the club is now well on its way to the double hundred. Playing membership is healthier now than at any stage in the club's history, with the prospect of three Saturday sides on a regular basis in 2007, a Sunday Friendly Xi and a thriving colts section, known as the Dunmow Dragons, which has over 120 members from ages 8 to 15.

Two successful promotions in 2005 by the respective Saturday Xi's and a terrific year for the U15's demonstrated the massive potential and promise that exists in the club, although that good work was undone in 2006 with relegation for the 1st Xi and in 2007 with relegation for both Saturday teams. 

With its own desirable and attractive ground, the future of the club is in safe hands however and a number of strong and enthusiastic teams will no doubt meet the challenges ahead.