Inaugurated in the 1959/1960 season, the Darlington Social Cricket Club plays some 22 games per season on the picturesque 'village green' - Darlington Oval - against teams from other social clubs as well as company teams and sporting clubs. The typical Sunday afternoon game see team gather at the oval for 11:30 for a 11:45 start. Matches consist of each side bowling 40 x 6 ball overs. The first ball each batsman faces is a "free ball" and he cannot be dismissed apart from being run out. Bowlers are restricted to a maximum of five overs each, in fact in most cases everyone bowls 4 overs each -hence everybody participates. The Club has approximately 30 playing members and some 20 social members plus their families. Each player participates in about 8 to 10 games each year, and with some members being over 50, it takes some a week or so to recover. At around 2:30pm each match day (or at the completion of the first innings) an institution of the DSCC takes place – the afternoon tea. It is a time-honoured tradition that following each match a barbecue is held at The Darlington Pavilion or one of the DSCC member’s homes. The highs and lows of the game are relived. Fines are an integral part of the proceedings, with dropped catches and magic moments featuring heavily. Those playing in the match are expected to attend the barbecue and, as with all DSCC function, this includes families! But the barbecue isn’t limited to players on the day; all DSCC members are encouraged to attend each and post match gatherings and other social occasions. The DSCC is a unique and wonderful social group that thrives on the participation of its families, the more the merrier!
