Billericay Cricket Club
Founded in 1875 the Club spent its first 25 years playing on Laindon Common. Up to the First World War the Club used a field near the present Billericay School and then a field just behind the Roman Catholic Church in Laindon Road.
Little cricket was played during 1914-1918 and regular cricket recommenced at the Laindon Road ground in 1919. Following one more season at that ground the Club moved to a picturesque field off the Mountnessing Road. The three acres field was to provide a pleasant location for 75 seasons.
In 1955 the Club first considered the prospect of purchasing the Mountnessing Road ground. After an abortive attempt in the 1960s it was not until 1972 that the ambition was finally realised.
In 1966 Toby Howe, President of Billericay Cricket Club and a member since 1930, purchased the ground on the understanding that the Club would purchase at a later date. The Club purchased the ground in December 1972 at the same price as paid by Toby years earlier. It is only right that the magnificent ground, currently used by the Club, bears his name as, without his intervention, it would not have been possible.
By the 1970s what with poor practice facilities and the advent of League Cricket the Mountnessing Road ground was being outgrown. The brief was given to find a new ground.
The search for a new ground proved quite difficult. The Club was running many sides so, apart from putting a strain on the square at Mountnessing Road, extra pitches had to be hired most match days.
After abortive attempts during the 1980s, in 1992, we were approached by developers and a new ground at Blunts Wall Road was decided on. The Club would vacate the Mountnessing Road ground after the 1995 season.
On May 3rd 1996 The Toby Howe Cricket Ground was officially opened by Mickey Stewart OBE.
The ground in Blunts Wall Road, just behind the Billericay Football Ground, provides two county size pitches, a magnificent clubhouse with indoor nets, good parking facilities and outdoor nets.
The pitches are maintained by a full-time groundsman provided by Essex County Cricket Club who also use the ground for County Second XI and junior County XI fixtures. This has provided good class cricket for spectators. As recently as the 2005 season a certain young player, Alastair Cook, produced a delightful century against a formidable Kent Second XI at the ground.
On 21st June 2000 The Toby Howe Cricket Ground also accommodated a Nat West Trophy 3rd Round fixture between Warwickshire CCC and the Essex CB XI.
Billericay Cricket Club puts out four Saturday sides - each performing in their respective divisions of the Shepherd Neame Essex League. Occasionally the Club puts out a Saturday 5th XI playing home fixtures at Lake Meadows.
Additionally a Sunday XI also has friendly fixtures - mainly at home. A Veterans XI has regular mid-week fixtures, with occasional Sunday fixtures throughout the season. Colts cricket at various ages is also active for coaching and competitive matches.
More information about the Club can be viewed on our Web Site:
www.billericaycricket1875.co.uk
Spectators are always welcome at all Billericay Cricket Club and Essex County Cricket Club fixtures