HISTORY

Pascoe Vale Central Cricket Club (PVCCC) was formed in 1928 as one of the four founding members of Essendon District Cricket Association, alongside Aberfeldie, Ormond and Keilor. 

In the club’s early days, matches took place at grounds by the Maribyrnong River, behind the Cross Keys Hotel in Strathmore and at Raynor Reserve in Oak Park. In 1968, the club took up residence next to the swimming pool in Oak Park, off Pascoe Vale Road, which has been our home ever since.

Until the early 1980s, the league played all its matches on concrete pitches, covered on Saturdays and practice nights by hessian matting, which the players (some reluctantly!) carried out, pegged down, rolled back up and put away each session. 

In 1988, PVCCC celebrated 60 years – its diamond jubilee. To mark the occasion, Councillor Rosemary Kerr of Broadmeadows City Council (now Hume) was the guest of honour as we unveiled a new honour board and officially opened the new club rooms.

PVCCC has always been known for its competitive character and strong social tradition. We’ve enjoyed success on and off the field ever since our early days, when we only had two senior sides. We’ve always taken pride in being a ‘family club’ where the code of behaviour off the field is as important as civility on the field. The club nurtures its younger players, encouraging the older brigade to show the way and protect our name and values. 

As Melbourne’s north grew with migration and new suburbs, so did our club, becoming the largest and most successful club in the league. We now have six senior sides, three junior sides and a women’s team. 

Committee members, executives and social organisers are part of the backbone of our club. Players of all ages are encouraged to join our committee, provide proper governance structures and guidance, and help important fundraising efforts. 

Among our many club legends, Frank Morrison looms large, serving 17 consecutive years as club president – a record only beaten by current president Paul McCann, who has been at the helm for 25 years and counting. Paul and former presidents Herby Dick, Doug Miller and Ralph Barron all have sons and grandsons playing at the club.

On-field successes include: 

• Wally Manders’ three consecutive A Grade club batting averages

• David Ford’s eight A Grade bowling averages in nine years, including a competition average

• Ian McCann’s run in the 60s and 70s, which saw 13 years of senior bowling averages only interrupted the once, by Colin McKay

• A total of six competition averages

In recent years, club captain David Barron has won seven bowling averages, including a competition average. Winners of both senior batting and bowling averages include Doug Miller, Ian McCann and George Bolt. 

PVCCC boasts a wonderful social record, hosting successful dinner dances over most of its 90+ year history and a range of club room functions, as well as trips away, country club visits, double-wicket competition days, Santa Claus for the kids at Christmas and the immortal selection night barbecue. 

We are proud to be a family club that ‘takes no prisoners’ on the field each week. A club where your grandmother is welcome but your best batsman better watch out. We win our fair share of competition averages, the occasional flag (or three) and are always competitive. 

“We play to win, but will always buy you a drink when it’s over.” – Phil McCann, Club Captain 1982-1984, Club President, 1986-1988