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Cricket in the Hawkesbury region is more than just a summer pastime — it’s a sporting tradition that stretches back well over a century. From dusty paddocks to well-manicured ovals, generations of cricketers have picked up bat and ball in the Hawkesbury, forging not just a strong sporting culture, but a sense of community that continues to thrive today.
A game with deep roots
Cricket was being played in the Hawkesbury as early as the mid-1800s, with informal matches between local settlers, soldiers, and workers taking place on open fields and common land. As the twin towns of Windsor and Richmond grew, so did organised cricket.
The Hawkesbury District Cricket Association (HDCA) was formally established in the early 20th century and remains the governing body for local competitions today. Clubs sprung up around townships and rural communities, with rivalries developing between Pitt Town, Richmond, Windsor, Kurrajong, Glossodia, and Colo Heights.
Homegrown champions
The region has produced its fair share of talented players too. Among the most celebrated are Ken Hall, Stephen O’Keffe, Peter Forest, and more recently Ryan Hicks, the Australian U19 wicketkeeper who grew up playing cricket in Western Sydney and represented Hawkesbury in junior competitions before rising to international fame.
At club level, the Hawkesbury Cricket Club has been a fixture in the NSW Premier Cricket competition, representing the region at the state’s top level of amateur cricket. The club has been instrumental in developing elite talent while maintaining strong community ties.
Local cricket competitions today
Cricket in the Hawkesbury continues to thrive through the Hawkesbury District Cricket Association (HDCA), which organises a range of competitions each season, including:
- Junior Cricket (ages 5–16): Mixed and girls-only teams across multiple grades.
- Senior Cricket: Multiple grades played on Saturdays, with two-day and one-day formats.
- T20 Social Comps: Midweek and twilight games for more casual or time-poor players.
- Representative Cricket: The HDCA fields junior and senior rep teams in inter-district competitions.
Clubs active in current HDCA competitions include:
- Richmond Cricket Club
- North Richmond Cricket Club
- Wilberforce Cricket Club
- Freeman’s Reach Cricket Club
- Pitt Town Cricket Club
- Bligh Park Cricket Club
- Glossodia Cricket Club
- Riverstone Cricket Club
- Schofields Cricket Club
- Box Hill Cricket Club
Fields of play
Cricket is played across a wide variety of grounds throughout the Hawkesbury region, including:
- Richmond Oval –
- McQuade Park
- Bensons Lane (Owen Earle Oval)
- Home of the Hawkesbury Grade Cricket Club in Sydney Grade Cricket Competition.
- Woodbury Reserve, Glossodia
- Turnbull Oval North Richmond
- Woodlands Park - Wilberforce
- Oakville Oval
Most fields are maintained by Hawkesbury City Council in collaboration with local clubs and volunteers. Recent upgrades to lighting and turf have allowed for more evening and women's cricket to flourish.
The spirit of cricket in the Hawkesbury
Cricket in the Hawkesbury isn’t just about scores and silverware — it’s about community connection, lifelong friendships, and grassroots development. Many players start their careers in the region’s junior competitions, only to return as coaches, umpires, or club presidents years later.
The sense of pride in local cricket is palpable every Saturday during summer, with players of all ages in white kits taking to ovals backed by mountain views and country charm.
A legacy that keeps growing
From backyard cricket to Sydney-grade showdowns, cricket in the Hawkesbury continues to adapt and thrive. As clubs welcome new players, invest in better facilities, and grow junior and female participation, the future of the game in the region looks bright.
In the Hawkesbury, cricket isn’t just part of summer — it’s part of who we are.
