A.C.C. - A brief history of the Club

Since 1885 Audley Cricket Club has officially played it's matches close to the present ground, Kent Hills, in Audley.  Though the first recorded match played by an Audley team took place at Booth's Field in Mill End some forty years before. That first game was played against a team from Rode Park and, according to a reliable source, ended in fighting (there is speculation that a right arm 'toffee' bowler named Dodd was the instigator - obviously no relation to one of our former Chairmen).

Audley C.C. circa 1886, a year after the first official match

During the 1870's the team moved to a new ground behind the Late Shop, known as Leddie's Field, in the middle of the village and they stayed there until 1885, when they moved to Kent Hills.

In the early 1900's a small hut was added and a refreshment cabin was constructed during the 1920's. A new refreshment room was later built on to the side of the changing rooms.

1946 saw Audley become champions of the Senior B section of the North District League but were not promoted to the Senior A section.

The 1952/3 season saw the first professional cricketer at the club - H. Hancock.

A decade later the rent of the ground was £10.00 per annum which was paid to the farmer, who in turn rented it from the County Council. The Club was not allowed to develop or extend the buildings only replace existing ones.

In 1961 the farmer wanted his field back (there was obviously a youth policy and he couldn't get in the team) but in 1962 the club bought a field next to the club for £3000 and the farmer was happy to have that in exchange for the land that he owned.

By 1963 a new pavilion had been built with help from the Lords Taverners & Playing Fields Association. The all important bar was added a year later.

The pavilion was refurbished and extended in 2002. 

For the information of Mr. G. Roberts and anyone else who is interested: 

more details of the history of the Club will be added at a later date.

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