Barnes Common Cricket Club (BCCC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century of community cricket.

Founded in 1976 and originally known as The Dwileflonkers, the club played its first official match on the private ground of Lord Northbourne near Deal, Kent.

Managed in its early days by cricket-loving couple Steve and Lynn Page, the team's spirit of fun and camaraderie still lives on today, writes club president Peter Eaton.

By the 1990s, the club had secured Vine Road on Barnes Common as its permanent home ground.

Cricket in Barnes dates back even further, with historical records suggesting matches were once played near The Green and The Pond.

As Barnes grew in the late 19th century, the pitch was moved near Scarth Road and later closer to Barnes Railway Station – where a converted railway carriage served as the dressing room.

The benches dedicated to the BCCC founders (credit: Barnes Common).

BCCC plays a relaxed form of non-league cricket, affectionately known as "taverners" cricket.

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Players range widely in ability and matches are mostly held at home on Sundays.

The club also has a long tradition of tours, including trips to Shropshire, Dorset, and even overseas to Holland, India, Australia, the West Indies, Ireland and Italy.

In memory of founders Steve and Lynn Page, a pair of benches now sit along the Vine Road boundary.

Barnes Common said: "Although just a short distance from bustling central London, the Vine Road pitch sits nestled into the leafy Common, now managed so wonderfully by Barnes Common Limited; a unique, almost rural setting for cricket matches in London."

The club is also looking for new players who enjoy competitive yet friendly cricket.

BCCC say the club's flexible, non-league format suits all kinds of players.

Interested in joining?

• Contact Club Captain Johnny Ludlow: [email protected]
• Or get in touch with Treasurer Phil Hayes: [email protected]
• Or speak with President Peter Eaton: [email protected]

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