For decades, Essex played their big games right here, twenty-five times in total. Come rain or shine-actually, sometimes the rain made them move! In 1958, Castle Park was so soggy, even the ducks had started their own cricket league, so the match came here instead. In 1966, another game’s first two days were washed out there, so day three sprinted over to Garrison A to finish up.
Not just for county stars, this ground has a bit of military muscle, too. Today, the Army plays matches here. The last Army clash on record was in 2008, when they took on Huntingdonshire-a real standoff, I imagine, minus the tanks. And now, the wonderfully named Real Oddies Cricket Club graces this turf, keeping the tradition alive.
So, if a ball comes your way, try to catch it-extra points for not spilling your tea!
