The XXIX Club was formed in 1956 by a group of MCC senior players of the day. Their objective was to foster cricket generally, but particularly in the country, by playing mid-week and Sunday games in addition to the normal Premier Cricket fixtures.
The concept was so successful that it is now celebrating its 52nd year and the club is still flourishing with a membership in excess of 300, a fixture list of 15-20 games each year, and every two years or so an overseas tour.
In recent years XXIX Club teams have visited England, south-east Asia, Canada, Singapore and Thailand. Everyone should go on at least one XXIX Club tour; they are highly recommended as a nice blend of holiday and cricket.
Another major activity each year is the XXIX Club Dinner, which is traditionally held during AFL Grand Final week in the Members Dining Room and is always an outstanding success.
The list of guest speakers over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” of Australian cricket, with legends such as Lindsay Hassett, Richie Benaud and Bill O'Reilly featuring in the early years and notables such as Greg Chappell, Mark Taylor and Adam Gilchrist in contemporary times.
XXIX Club Committee
President: Bill Stahmer
Secretary: John McCormick (Contact: 03 9830 2400 after hours)
Treasurer: Phil Halbish
Committee: John Anderson, Mark Anderson, Geoff Fidler, Charles Gore, Phil Halbish, Andrew Kent, Bob Lloyd, Michael Sholly and Stuart Stockdale.
"He wanted to field all the time, everywhere, and there were many moments when he appeared to be doing just that."
- J.M. Milburn
Overthrows (1975)
(Sir Learie Constantine)