Melbourne Club History

Melbourne Cricket Club started as a village side playing in Gibson's field behind Deanery farm opposite Melbourne School. The square was roped off after play, but the outfield was a dairy field; this meant there was keen competion for close catching positions and that it was possible to be more heavily clapped after diving for a catch and missing it than if you'd just caught it cleanly. By the 70's Melbourne were playing on a new purpose built playing field at the east end of the village, shared with footballers rather than cows. At this time we were "very well served" as someone put it, having a doctor, a vicar, and an undertaker on the field at the same time. One of the players seemed less happy, he looked at the undertaker and said "If I got knocked down and needed some attention, I won't want to see you." "Don't worry," came the reply "you won't see me."(none of his customers ever did). Over the years Melbourne have played in many Cup competitions including the Canon Hedley, Major Walker, Ashwin, Dunnington 6-a side, and Craven, some successfully. Melbourne play in the Foss evening league and had played Saturday cricket in the East Riding Independant League for many years, but joined the York Vale League in 1998. Recent Honours include YVCL Division 4 Championship in 1999, YVCL Division 5 Championship in 2005 and in 2006: the YVCL Division 4 Championship, the Foss CL Division 2 Championship, the Craven Cup, and Howarth Timber Cup.