A Brief History of dcc
Our Story
Steeped in a rich history of cricketing antiquity, Downend Cricket Club is located at a picture-perfect ground in the heart of the village. Boasting three senior teams, a midweek T20 team and
myriad youth teams, ranging from U9 to U19, our players span a range of abilities, with our 1st XI playing in the West of England Premier League 2, Having enjoyed an 11 year stay in the south wests top flight until 2021. We are now back pushing for promotion back to the top division.
Our home
We are proud to serve as a hub for the local community, both socially and as a club nurturing talent from a young age all the way through to adulthood. Established in 1893, DCC has a remarkable history and has
been called home by some of the most illustrious names in cricket, most notably, the legendary WG Grace, after whom our ground takes its name, The WG Grace Memorial Ground (WG).
We’ve also played host to some international superstars, including former Australia captain Allan Border, former England and Gloucestershire CCC players Chris Broad and WG Grace Richard Dawson, and current New Zealand all-rounder, Michael Bracewell.
In fact, legend has it that inimitable England pacer Stuart Broad was
conceived while his dad was churning out runs at Downend! We have also incubated county stars, including James Averis, Martin Ball, Craig Miles & Ian Cockbain, who tells us his success in the Big Bash and the PSL are thanks to the valuable lessons learned at the WG!
Former Players
Allan Border
Former Australian Captain & regarded by many as one of the best players to don the baggy green. Before he scored his 27 test centuries, he spent a summer peppering the church with leather at the WG.
Chris Broad
Former England Batter &
father of the fast-bowling
Stuart, Chris Broad averaged nearly 40 in Test, One Day International & First-Class Cricket including 50 centuries.
Michael Bracewell
The latest member of the Bracewell dynasty to represent New Zealand, he has come a long way since his season treading the turf of the WG but we are all so pleased to see him thriving now at the highest level of the sport.
The Present
Today the Club has around 250 members, including
over 50 senior players and 150 young cricketers, all of whom contribute to the great energy around our historic club. Players of all abilities are always welcome with our dedicated team of coaches
committed to providing high quality training throughout the year.
Children as young as 5 learn to love the game at DCC, with our All-Stars programme developing our next generation of stars and the addition of the Under 9’s in 2023 has been a real success
. These same players grow through our youth teams, all the way up to senior cricket, with a full fixture list of league, cup, and friendly matches, designed to suit everybody from the recreational cricketer to the next global star! Our success as a club is built on these strong foundations, with our 1st XI celebrating victory in the T20 Cup in 2022.