Great Baddow Cricket Club has a long and proud tradition dating back to the first recorded game in 1791. After the Second World War, the Club moved from its old ground at Estric in Galleywood Road and began to play at their present home, Great Baddow Recreation Ground. (Read Andy Clarks A Brief History)
The Club have been a permanent fixture in the premier division in the Mid Essex Cricket League over the years. Occasionally we would see ourselves in Division 1, usually bouncing right back into the top division. GBCC has a long standing membership in our local cricket league.
In 1999 it became clear that the Club was not attracting sufficient young members to guarantee its long term survival. An ambitious Development Plan was drawn up in partnership with Essex County Cricket Club and Great Baddow High School. Subsequent Lottery funding was secured which allowed us to introduce grassroots coaching in the area. As a result our youth section thrived and allowed us to compete in the local Central Essex Cricket Board’s youth leagues. As of writing GBCC have no less than 150 youth players representing the Club, District and County at all ages.
Many of our youth members have and continue to go on and represent and establish themselves as regulars in our senior teams.
In the past GBCC have managed to fulfill fixtures for 4 league sides, but our recent history has seen a downturn in playing membership, but thanks to the efforts of David Byford and the Coaching Cohort, our numbers are once again increasing, so much so that in 2024, we once again had a 3rd XI take the field in competitive league cricket.
The Club currently competes in the Mid Essex Cricket League on a Saturday, with the First Team in Division 1, the Seconds in Division 7 and the Thirds in Division 11. We also have a Sunday XI and 20/20 XI with a full list of friendly matches against local clubs.
In 2024 Great Baddow Cricket Club launched their Women & Girls Teams, fulfilling their first all girls teams fixtures against local clubs. This is largely thanks to the increasing number of girls taking up cricket at youth level and the interest then being passed onto watching parents and family. With the numbers ever increasing, GBCC entered into various “winter” leagues for women teams (indoor of course). As of writing our hardball squad have secured at least a share of the League Title in the Chelmsford Women’s Indoor Division 2. A fantastic achievement.
Club members, family and friends also enjoy many social events throughout the year including a tour to Sussex and quiz nights. Our two major events are the family day when all the colts and senior members take part in a variety of cricket competitions on a Sunday during the season and the annual presentation evening held at the end of the season.
During the season, net sessions and coaching takes place at the Recreation Ground and during the winter regular coaching and nets continue at Great Baddow High School or Writtle Cricket Centre, Skeggs Farm.
The Club are fortunate to enjoy excellent cricket facilities both on and off the pitch at the Recreation Ground. The thriving social atmosphere is underpinned by the Great Baddow Community Association.