Essex County Cricket Club

Pictures show county cricket match 100 years ago

58 minutes ago Share Save Lewis Adams BBC News, Essex Share Save

Essex County Cricket Club Essex County Cricket Club played its first ever game at the County Ground 100 years ago

Century-old pictures that show Essex County Cricket Club's first match at their ground in Chelmsford are being shared for the anniversary. The images have been retrieved from the club's archive to mark 100 years since the side took on Oxford University at the County Ground on 20 June 1925. Prior to the stadium opening, fixtures were played in Brentwood and later taken on tour across Essex and east London. Chief executive Dan Feist said the ground gave fans and players alike a "unique feeling of closeness" to the action.

Essex County Cricket Club The County Ground offers a capacity of 6,500 today, a far cry from the days of wooden chairs lining the pitch

The club formed in 1876 as a result of a meeting held at the Shire Hall in Chelmsford on 14 January. But it was not until 49 years later that Essex found a permanent home in the county town. It has gone on to make plenty of history since.

Essex County Cricket Club Mr Feist said the stadium had become a focal point for cricket fans since 1925

Graham Napier rewrote the record books by hitting 16 sixes in a T20 innings in 2008, smashing his way to 152 not out, off just 58 deliveries. A 20-year-old Alastair Cook scored 214 for Essex against Australia in Chelmsford in 2005. And crowds were able to witness an iconic performance by Simon Harmer in 2017, taking 14 wickets against Middlesex as Essex charged towards winning the County Championship. There have also been tear-jerking moments, including when legendary run-scorer Graham Gooch retired in 1997.

Essex County Cricket Club Essex has won the County Championship eight times

Mr Feist said: "Every club, player, member, spectator and staff member need a focal point. "Over the years, Chelmsford has become exactly that for so many." He said those involved with the club could not forget its "nomadic existence" prior to playing at the County Ground.

Essex County Cricket Club Essex drew the match against Oxford University

Essex County Cricket Club The match was played across three days on 20, 22 and 23 June

"As many players have said over the years, Chelmsford may not be Lord's, but it is their home," Mr Feist added. "Each section of the ground fosters lasting memories of aspiration, enjoyment and enduring friendships. "Quite simply, it is a ground at the very heart of the communities it serves."

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