History

1927: Club Formation

On 29 April 1927, Charles Duncan founded the Myrtle Park Cricket Club after parting ways with the St Barnabas Cricket Club. A constitution was adopted at the first annual meeting on 9 August, with membership fees set at 10 shillings and sixpence to fund the construction of a concrete wicket and purchase of equipment.

1928: Financial Struggles

A year later, the club faced a £34 deficit and launched fundraising efforts to stay afloat through the difficult Depression years.

1929–30: First Premiership

The 1st XI won the B Matting grade premiership — the club’s first ever title and an early sign of its competitive spirit.

1933–38: Growth and Change

Players like Oscar Smith, Don Mathieson, and Jack Denny became club stalwarts. In 1935, the club moved to what became Macleay Park, and by 1937–38 it had officially become the North Balwyn Cricket Club, nicknamed the “Red Robins.”

1939–45: War Years

World War II saw 37 members enlist, forcing the club to abandon its 3rd XI but showing the strength of its community spirit.

1943–50: Post-War Recovery

Jack Hubert’s record-breaking 92 wickets and 656 runs in 1943–44 stood out, while the 1st XI shared the 1949–50 A Turf premiership with Yarra Falls after a washed-out final.

1951–67: A Turf Success

The club won A Turf premierships in 1951–52, 1955–56, 1964–65, and 1966–67, building a strong reputation and consistent finals presence.

1962–63: First Pavilion Built

The council constructed the club’s first pavilion at Macleay Park, which served members for more than 40 years.

1967–68: Patronage of Sir Robert Menzies

Sir Robert Menzies became club patron, offering generous support over the next three years.

1977–82: Milestones and Independence

The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1977 and, by 1981–82, the cricket and baseball sections became independent entities.

1984–85: Return to Senior Turf

After 18 years without a title, the 1st XI won a premiership and earned promotion to Senior Turf (Dunstan Shield).

1991–97: Growth and Recognition

The club expanded its junior program and was named Best Administered Club in 1991–92. It celebrated its 70th anniversary with a gala at the MCG in 1996 and published The History of the North Balwyn Cricket Club the following year.

2006–07: 80th Anniversary

The club marked 80 years with a gala at Greenacres Golf Club, celebrating eight decades of community cricket.

2007: New Pavilion Opened

A new state-of-the-art pavilion was officially opened at Macleay Park on 25 November, replacing the original 1962 structure.

2008–09: Record-Breaking Season

The club’s best-ever season saw premierships for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th XIs, plus the U16, U12, U10, and E Grade Veterans teams.
2011–12: Super Semi Final Sunday
The 1st XI won the A Turf premiership, and a record 11 teams reached the semi-finals — five senior and six junior sides.

2012–13: Facilities Upgraded

New training nets were installed at Macleay Park, improving the club’s training environment.

2016–17: Dunstan Shield Triumph

The 1st XI claimed the Dunstan Shield for the first time in 51 years, with many Life Members and past players in attendance.

2016: Ground Improvements

The synthetic wicket and surrounds on Macleay 2 were upgraded, further enhancing the club’s facilities.

2018: 90-Year Celebration

On 24 February 2018, the club celebrated 90 years of community cricket with a major event at MAIA, honouring its proud history and future ambitions.