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Where it all began

Written by Dave Cogger - Chairman

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So let’s go back to where it all began, the 1880s. At that time cricket was extremely popular and was growing as a participation sport. In 1884 the first rules/laws of cricket were written and an England team undertook it’s first tour of Australia.

In 1885 five gentlemen from the village got together and discussed the possibility of forming a cricket team. Other men from the village soon became involved and so in 1885 “The Rodmersham Cricket Club” was formed. Their first game was recorded as taking place on 2nd June 1885 against a mixed XI from Newnham and Doddington and was played at Sharsted. The quality of the pitches were pretty ordinary, to put it politely, and nowhere near the bowling green standard of those of today. It was a two innings per side match which Rodmersham won, they scored 40 and 11 for one in their two innings and the opposition scored 20 and 23. The Rodmersham captain, a Mr Dixon, was the star of the show, scoring 17 runs and taking 7 wickets and 4 wickets in the two opposition innings. The writer would wish to dispel any rumours that may circulate in the Club that he was around in those times and had put himself up for selection for the inaugural game!!​

​​Further games then took place against many of the local villages, many of whom had their own teams. Rodmersham played their home games at a ground in Rodmersham Court Farm. Come the First World War, obviously cricket took a back seat, but the team started playing again in 1919. In the early 30s interest waned and from 1930 to 1932 the team was disbanded, but it re-formed again in 1933. The Second World War again saw cricket suspended, but the team got back together around 1948. It was during the 50s and 60s that the club began to grow and become successful. They were regular winners of the local Doug Wood cup and were now running two teams at weekends.

They moved from the farm and by the 1960s had played at King Georges Recreation ground and were now playing at Rectory Field in Rectory Road. The current ground was first mentioned as a possibility for a new home in records around 1965. It was not immediately available as it was a fruit orchard and needed to be cleared. The move was completed in the early 70s and at which time a temporary wooden pavilion was erected. This was eventually replaced with the current brick building in the mid 80s.

With the dawning of league cricket, Rodmersham entered the Mid Kent League in 1978, winning it for the first time the following year in 1979. They then progressed through the East Kent League, eventually entering the Kent Cricket League, which is where the adult 1st and 2nd XIs play now.

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Where we are now

As of the 2024 season, there is potentially cricket played every day of the week during the season. The Club fields the following teams:

 

Adult Section: 1st XI and 2nd XI who play league cricket and pre season friendlies from mid April until early September on Saturdays.

 

Sunday morning: Our Under 14 colts team play competitive league cricket against other local sides

 

Sunday XI: This is friendly adult cricket. A thoroughly enjoyable day with a good standard of cricket played under friendly rules on a Sunday afternoon. This invariably involves a barbeque, and a great atmosphere afterwards, it’s not uncommon for players to bring their whole families along.

 

Monday evenings: Our Under 16 colts team play competitive cricket against other local sides.

 

Tuesday evenings: Adult practice session and Under 16 and Under 14 colts practice sessions.

 

Wednesday evenings: This is a real social occasion for adults in the “Wednesday Whack”. 16 six ball overs, with no LBWs!!! It’s designed for those folk who’ve always fancied giving cricket a go but never have. As well as those who perhaps used to play, and now have a bit more time on their hands now the kids have grown up.

 

Thursday evenings: Our Under 12 colts teams play competitive league cricket against other local sides. In 2024 we ran three teams at this age group, and the reason for that is what happens on Friday nights.

 

Friday evenings: All Stars, Dynamos and Under 12 practice session. All Stars and Dynamos is an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initiative to give girls and boys an introduction to cricket. All Stars is for children from 5-8 years old. Dynamoes is for children from 8-12 years old, who then progress into Under 12 cricket from there. On any given Friday evening we average between 50-75 children at the ground having a great time learning new skills, taking part in games and running around in the fresh air.

For parents, guardians and family members it’s also an opportunity to wind down after a hard week at work. Our fully stocked bar is open along with gin corner, so what could be better on a lovely summer’s evening then downing a nice cold one, at one of the nicest, if not the nicest, cricket setting in the county while the kids are being entertained.

 

Our aim is to provide a safe and friendly environment for cricketers of all abilities and ages as well as those people who just enjoy cricket to come along and have a good time in a social setting. The Club is run in a safe and responsible way.

  • We are affiliated to the ECB

  • We are  fully compliant with the ECB “Safe Hands Management System” (SHMS), safeguarding protocols

  • We are ECB “Clubmark” accredited.

 

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The Club is run totally by dedicated volunteers, whether that be committee members, those of us who look after everything related to the pavilion and social side, or the ground crew who take tremendous pride in the wickets that they prepare. There is a vibrant social side to go with the playing side. For the first time in 2023 a group largely made up of our lady members took on the task of organising the first "Party at the Pavilion". Due to their hard work and dedication, even when venturing into the unknown, they have to be truly commended for putting on a great event. It involved 4 bands playing throughout the day, together with local companies displaying their wares at many stalls, inflatables and other children attractions and of course there was a bar, Pimms and cocktail tent. The event was attended by over 500 people. The whole scenario will be repeated in the summer of 2025, and it looks like becoming a regular two yearly event in the calendar. In addition to which the Club has "Ibiza nights" during the summer and quiz nights during the winter. The Clubhouse and ground are also available for external hire for social gatherings. As you can hopefully appreciate we have set up a club that plays a good standard of both competitive and social cricket across all age groups and abilities, together with a vibrant social scene all conducted in a friendly and family orientated environment.

So if this has whet your appetite and sounds like a place and a club that you'd like to get know, don't be shy, get in touch.

Our very own Chairman, Dave Cogger before he joined Rodmersham Cricket Club

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