The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has returned from Cape Town after a historic first sporting exchange with its reciprocal partners, Western Province Cricket Club.
Nearly 70 participants travelled to South Africa for the tour, which featured competition across four sports – cricket, netball, bowls and squash – along with cultural and social events that strengthened the relationship between the two Clubs.
On the field
Our Women's Cricket team produced two memorable wins, including a thrilling final-over victory against a strong Western Cape Provincial side. Our Men’s team also went undefeated, with their tour highlighted by a T20 victory where they chased down 178 thanks to a blistering 93 from 37 balls by Charles Lill.MCC Netball impressed against strong opposition, registering one victory – a 39–30 win over Cape Peninsula University of Technology – and gaining invaluable experience against representative teams featuring national-level players.
The Bowls Section contested three competitive matches against WPCC, finishing on a high with a 62–53 win, led by current World Indoor Champion Jack McShane.
Our squash players enjoyed a mix of competitive and social matches, including doubles fixtures – a format not usually played at home – which they hope to bring back to Melbourne.
MCC and Cape Peninsula University of Technology netballers pose for a photo
Off the field
The tour began with a thought-provoking talk from South African author Andrew Russell, who spoke about the country’s history, Nelson Mandela’s legacy and the power of sport to inspire change. Each participant received a signed copy of his book.Members also enjoyed a day trip to the Stellenbosch wine region, with a fine dining experience at Tokara Wine Estate, and two events hosted at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground, where MCC and WPCC members came together to socialise and celebrate new friendships.
Strengthening ties
As the first sporting interaction between the two clubs, the tour not only delivered outstanding results on the field but also built lasting relationships off it. The MCC looks forward to continuing to strengthen this important partnership and exploring future opportunities for its Sporting Sections abroad.The MCC Sporting Sections provide opportunities for Members and non-members to connect through competition and sport. Learn more about our Sporting Sections and how you can get involved here.