A unique cricket match between the villages of Bures and Great Bentley in Essex, UK, spanned an incredible 112 years. The story of this extraordinary game, which began in 1845 and resumed in 1957, has become a cherished part of local history.
The match originally started as a friendly competition, with the prize being a barrel of beer. In 1845, Great Bentley batted all day, scoring over 300 runs, but the Bures team never got a chance to play. Remarkably, it was decided that Bures could have their innings 100 years later.
In 1957, the match resumed with great fanfare. Players and spectators arrived dressed in 17th-century costumes, traveling in horse-drawn carts. They used old-fashioned cricket equipment, including traditional stumps and bats, and played with underarm bowling, staying true to the match’s historical roots.
Dennis Walter, an 87-year-old cricketer from Halstead, shared his memories of the day. “When we discovered the old documents about the match, it felt amazing to revive something so unique,” he said. Dennis scored more than 300 runs during the game, and Bures eventually won by two wickets.
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Dennis and his wife, Anne, hold the memory of that day close to their hearts. “We felt like we were part of history,” Dennis said. “Anne made the teas, and we both look back on that day with so much fondness.”
This remarkable game stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of cricket and community in these villages, making 2025 the 180th anniversary of this historic match.
