The Mount Clear Cricket Club has been in existence for more than 100 years, joining the A Grade competition in 1949. The Eastern Oval was their home ground, and later minor grades used White Flat. In 1981, all grades moved back home to Mt. Clear, with first and second eleven using the University Oval.
The club merged with the Ross Creek Cricket Club in 1958, to help comply with the condition of affiliation with the Ballarat Cricket Association stating that first eleven teams could not compete unless a second eleven could also take the field.
The merger proved very fruitful to the club with the acquisition of Allan Spratling and 7 Tuddenham brothers. Allan went on to be president of the club for over 40 years, while the Tuddenham family is a famous one at Mt. Clear due to their skill and competitive spirit.
During the first 20 years of A Grade affiliation the club experienced sustained success, competing in 15 finals series, winning 6 premierships. In total, the club’s first eleven has competed in 39 finals series for 22 grand final appearances and 12 premierships. This represents a culture of success for over 50 years that the club is keen to see continue.
The culture of success was further developed with four 1st XI premierships between 1997/98 and 2007/08. Mt. Clear has participated in 10 of the past 12 finals series in ‘A’ Grade. Players from this era are still involved with the club and striving for further success. In all grades, the Mt. Clear cricket club has won in excess of 50 premierships.
In 1949 the club only had one team. A decision to continue to promote and foster junior grades has enabled Mount Clear to become a very strong club with five senior and three junior teams.
The current squad of players come to a club with a proud history and opportunity to continue to grow the reputation of Mt. Clear with a culture of success and enjoyment.
Club Mission Statement
To promote the game of cricket, and to provide opportunities for club members to enjoy participation in the game and associated social interaction.
Guiding Principles:
- Strive to become, and be recognized as, one of the pre-eminent clubs in country Victoria.
- Be recognized within the Ballarat Cricket Association for successfully balancing fierce competitiveness and sportsmanship………….. hard but fair.
- Maintain, and take pride in, our reputation as a club that welcomes and promotes family involvement.
- Prudently manage the financial affairs of the club.
- Provide the best playing and social facilities practicable.
- Provide opportunities for players of all ability levels to improve their skills through access to accredited coaches.
- Recognize that the future of the club is dependant on the development and maintenance of a strong junior section.
- Continue to attract both playing and non-playing members, and provide them with opportunities to actively participate in the management of the club.
- Accept that the club has an obligation to participate actively and constructively in the affairs and management of the Ballarat Cricket Association.
- Promote friendship and fellowship amongst members, guests and opponents.