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Antwerp Cricket ClubFounded in 1892, Antwerp Cricket Club is the oldest cricket club in Flanders, as old as Royal Antwerp Football Club (with its famous roll number 1) which later broke away from the cricketing section. More than just a bastion of tradition, however, Antwerp CC has fast become the premier club in Flanders, a force to be reckoned with in the national league and a major centre for the game's development and promotion in Belgium. Antwerp CC's Rumst Cricket Ground has been hailed the most charming in Belgium and regularly plays host to touring sides from all over Europe and beyond. Antwerp CC also stages all major international matches and tournaments played on Belgian soil. Membership The game of cricket owes much of its appeal to its unique mix of tradition and competitive spirit. Played around the world by people of the most diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds, cricket brings together a broad spectrum of peoples in a context of mutual respect and gentlemanly contest. Things are no different at Antwerp. Our body of members comprises a diverse mix of ages, nationalities, and levels of experience and ability. Our members come from all over the world, including England, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Canada and New Zealand. Far from just an "ex-pat" club, however, Antwerp Cricket Club is proud of its large contingent of Belgian players in both the adult and junior competitions, some of whom have been recruited to the national side. We welcome new recruits of all levels, from complete beginners to former Test players, from youngsters to golden oldies. Events Antwerp CC is the scene of a number of high-profile events throughout the season, the highlight being President's Day when Antwerp celebrates its favourite member, former Test centurion and President, Jack Richards. Once a year, the former England cap captains a side against the Chairman's XI. As the climax of the Antwerp CC season, the match coincides with a commemorative dinner and the award of the prestigious President's Trophy. Competition Of course, as a member of the Belgian Cricket Federation, Antwerp Cricket Club's main objective is to play competitive cricket and deliver a consistent performance in the national competition. Antwerp fields teams in the national league, BCF sixes tournament and the Bob Parker Memorial Twenty20 Cup. But while the pressure is on during league matches, the majority of Antwerp's fixtures consist of social matches against other sporting and social clubs, always played in an atmosphere of friendly contest. Antwerp Cricket Club plays host to several international sides throughout the season from as far a-field as England, France, The Netherlands, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, Germany, USA and even Afghanistan. More often than not, these events end in a lively evening around the barbecue accompanied by the odd glass of Belgian beer. Visit the website: www.antwerp-cc.be
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