Wanstead and Snaresbrook Cricket Club

Wanstead Cricket Club was founded in 1866.  Records of the early years of the club are virtually non-existent but the 1866 date is traditionally accepted.  The first ground was on a piece of land near George Lane Station behind the Fir Trees public house and the club was known as Woodford.  A decade before the foundation, the railway line from London to Stratford had been extended to Loughton to service the new housing estates being built in the area.  This created a huge demand for sports clubs.

One of the earliest cricketers of note was C A Absolom who represented Cambridge University, Essex, Kent and was a member of the fifth English team to visit Australia in 1878 / 79.

The club moved to its present ground in Overton Drive in 1880 and was re-named Wanstead. The new ground is situated in what was once the garden of Wanstead House. In 1883 the Stratford Express reported that "the place of honour must undoubtedly be awarded to the Wanstead Club, both for the importance of its engagements and the quality of cricket it produces."

A second XI was added in the 1890's and a third XI soon after 1900.  At the time of writing (2010) the club runs six Saturday sides and two Sunday teams.

By the summer of 2002 the Juniors' section of the club extended to more than 300 boys and girls.

In 2001, after the gap of about 100 years, Wanstead raised a successful Ladies' team which now competes in regular league cricket, becoming champion of the North London League in 2009.

One of the must famous members was JWHT (Johnny Won't Hit Today) Douglas.  He was selected to play for the MCC in Australia in 1911 / 1912.  To mark this selection a celebration dinner was held at Frascati's, when the six course meal cost 10/6d per ticket.  Johnny also became the first President of the Club Cricket Conference.

More interesting information about Douglas is to be found by clicking this website on local history.

Other members who represented Essex around this time were M Raison, R H Robinson, C H Douglas, O R Borradaile and A S Johnston.

During the First World War, the club lost a large proportion of its members on active service but continued to function throughout the war.

The club flourished after the end of hostilities, with many more members being selected to play for Essex.  These included Tray Grinter who made his reputation as the best bat in club cricket, HHM Morris, P Campbell, BJ Swyer, GM Locks and R Sheffield.

During this period a considerable increase in honorary membership occurred and there was a growing interest shown by spectators. At times the ground was almost filled to capacity.

In 1936 permission was obtained for cricket to be played on Sunday afternoons after 2 pm.

During the Second World War cricket continued to be played, although on a diminished scale. Many players returned on leave to find relaxation and enjoyment in the club's activities.

Following the war years the club gradually regained its strength.  All club matches were in those days "friendly", there being no leagues in the South of England.  Indeed, when the Evening Standard began publishing a Club Cricket Merit Table in 1952 for all major clubs in the South East, the committee was at pains to point out that "the allowing of our name to be included in the table does not mean that the club is contemplating Ieague or competitive cricket."  The club still managed, nevertheless, to be top of the merit table in its first year and again in 1962, 1963 and 1964.

The year 2006 saw further consolidation with the merger of Wanstead with neighbours Snaresbrook, to form Wanstead and Snaresbrook Cricket Club (incorporating Snaresbrook Football Club).

Specific mention must be made of Barry Knight and Fred Rumsey who both won honours for England, Fred becoming a fine opening bowler.

Many Wanstead members have represented Essex, the Essex 2nd XI, the Club Cricket Conference, and the Essex Board XI, and continue to do so to this day.  In 2003 Tony Palladino was a regular selection for Essex. In recent years Mervyn Westfield, Maurice Chambers and Kishen Velani have all played for Essex. 

The Herons Under 15s became National Champions in 1993, and the club won this championship again in 2001, 2003, and 2010.

James Foster of Wanstead made his Test debut in India (2001) and has played several ODI matches.

Several younger players have appeared in England colours for their age groups.  Notable among them has been Kishen Velani, who made his Under 19 debut at the age of 16!

In October 2002 Wanstead provided 5 of the 15 cricketers selected for the first intake of the Essex Cricket Academy.

2010 saw Arfan Akram, 1st XI captain, selected for the Unicorns to play in the Clydesdale Bank 40 National League, against county opposition.

Further international honours followed in the winter of 2010/2011, when Maurice Chambers played for the England Performance Squad in Australia and for the Lions in the West Indies.