The 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 the club is still flourishing with a membership in excess of 400, a fixture list of 15-20 games each year, and plenty of tours, both locally and overseas.
The mid-week games, usually played on Wednesday afternoons at the Albert Ground, should be of particular interest as an opportunity to get extra match practice in the best conditions in Australia.
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 Annual Dinner, which falls during AFL Grand Final week and boasts an illustrious list of Guest Speakers.
Find out more about the XXIX Club in the video below, thanks to Blackbridge Cricket Club.
The benefits of joining the XXIX Club are varied and include home and international games and exclusive social events.
Fixtures and Tours
Approx 15 fixtures throughout the Australian season
Home fixtures played at the Albert Ground and the MCC’s new ground at Beaumaris (which allows day/night fixtures). Many of our members just play one to three games per year.
International cricket tours
In 2018 the club toured Malaysia for 6 days (based at Royal Selangor CC in Kuala Lumpur), and in June/July 2023 went on an Ashes Tour with 8 games across Spain and the UK and a visit to Lord's for the historic Test match. We have sent a squad to England for every Ashes series since 1989.
Fixtures against international touring sides
In recent years we have hosted Singapore Cricket Club, Hong Kong Cricket Club and the Cricket Club of India in Melbourne.
Regional tours/weekends away
In recent times this has included games at Puckapunyal, the Mornington Peninsula, Port Fairy, the Bradman Oval in Bowral and the Gold Coast.
Annual XXIX Club v MCC fixture played on the MCG
As well as a bi-annual XXIX Club v Cricket Club of NSW fixture historically played at the SCG or another prominent Sydney oval.
Social Functions and Events
MCG Test Match luncheons
Up to two luncheons exclusive to XXIX Club members and their guests, conducted during the Boxing Day Test (usually days 1 and 3).
Long Room Luncheons
Several XXIX Club ‘Long Room Luncheons’ held throughout the year in the MCC Long Room, which feature a guest speaker and are subsidised for XXIX Club members.
AFL match functions
One or two catered functions exclusively for XXIX Club members and their guests at AFL matches at the MCG through the football season.
XXIX Club Annual Dinner
The XXIX Club Annual Dinner each year, featuring a prominent cricket-related guest speaker entertaining around 300 members and their guests in the MCC Members' Dining Room.
Joining the XXIX Club
All MCC members and those Playing members on the waiting list are eligible for XXIX Club membership, subject to acceptance of a nomination form supported by a proposer and a seconder, each of whom is required to be a financial member of the XXIX Club of at least 12 months standing.
There is an entrance fee of $70 and the annual subscription is $70. For this you shall gain access to all XXIX Club events, as well as a club tie and a club cap (presented to you when you play your first fixture). The ground hire and catering costs associated with all fixtures are funded by the XXIX Club out of membership subscriptions. Members are kept updated of club lunches and other social activities via regular emails.
Members are urged to encourage others to join. We are particularly keen to swell the ranks of those whose interest in cricket is not confined to spectatorship.
Download the XXIX Club New Member Application Form (PDF).
Contact the XXIX Club
Please contact Matthew Stein (matthew.stein@visy.com.au) or Peter Petricola (peter.petricola@multiplex.global).
Please contact the MCC Functions Team (specialinterestgroups@mcc.org.au).
Please contact Daniel Howe (danielh@mcc.org.au).
Annual Report
View the latest XXIX Club Annual Report (Season 2024/25).
XXIX Club Committee and Governance
- Chair: Peter Petricola
- Secretary: Matthew Stein
- Treasurer: Mark Butler
- Committee: Mark Anderson, Matthew Curtain, Mark Dwyer, Phil Halbish, Glenn Hannah, Ashley Middlin, Tim Norton and Michael Sholly.
