CLUB HISTORY by Steve Quinn for "A Century of Cricket" The Eastern Cricket Association 1903-2003 (Colin Martin)

Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club had its origins with the Adult Deaf Cricket Club, founded in 1881 by a Mr. Muir, who was elected the first secretary and held that office for three years. The first ground was the Military Reserve in South Melbourne, later, the club would play at Royal Park and then Jolimont Park from 1938 onwards. Later, they would move to Fawkner Park and finally to their present home ground, Hays Paddock, in East Kew.

Not a lot is known of the early history, but it is believed that the club is the oldest sports' club in the world catering for deaf participants. Name changes were numerous; in 1986 the club name was changed to Kew Deaf CC, and in 1999 it was changed again to Melbourne Deaf CC. It was in season 1978/79 that Adult Deaf entered two teams in the Eastern Suburbs Cricket Association - one turf and one matting - and in their second season the club achieved success, winning the E Grade Turf premiership. Their opponent in the final was Heathmont, unbeaten during the season, and after being 5/35 at one stage in the second innings the Adult Deaf got up to win. Captain, Peter Jurgenstein, made 107, Malcolm May scored 88, and Len May and John Parsons contributed to the victory.

In 1981 the club celebrated its centenary and to mark the occasion they invited the West London Deaf CC to play a match in Australia. It was a walkover at the Wesley College ground in Prahran with Adult Deaf CC batting first and making 307 and then dismissing their opposition for 34 in the first innings and 57 in the second. Peter Jurgenstein made 107, Frank Aldridge 83 not out, Malcolm May took 8/7 in the first innings and 3/10 in the second, and Steve May took 7/18 in the second innings.

The club has been very successful over the last ten years, winning five premierships, one runner-up, and being semi-finalists twice. It has adopted the 'gorilla' as its logo and recently introduced its own website (melbdeafcc.com) with details of all club's activities and match results.