History

Oswald Van Moer (1947 – 2005)

Started by Mr. Oswald “Ossie” Van Moer (1947 – 2005) in 1984, Mechelen Cricket club, commonly known as MCC, developed into an engine behind spread of cricket in Belgium.  Ossie has been an important figure in Belgian cricket for almost 30 years.  One of the first Belgians to qualify as a Level One coach, he was instrumental in the re-forming of the Belgian Cricket Federation, and was elected president in 2004, overseeing Belgium’s successful promotion from affiliate to associate member status of the ICC.  Ossie sadly passed away after a swift but courageous battle against cancer on November 30, 2005, aged 58.

Ever since, the club is known as “Ossie’s Own” and continues Ossie’s culture of hospitality, the proud club traditions of honesty and fair play.

MCC, over the last 23 years, has developed cricketing relationship with clubs from all over Europe. Teams visit MCC from Holland, Germany, France, Luxembourg and UK on annual basis while MCC has fixed annual trips to the UK (one to watch out for), Germany, Holland and Luxembourg.

MCC is one of the only three cricket clubs in Belgium which have their own ground, pavilion and integral car park. MCC is the only cricket club, in Belgium, with full fledged separate changing rooms for home and visitors with elaborate shower facilities.

With over 30 playing members MCC has a teams which represents the club in the first divisions of the BCF league. Over all about 40 games are arranged during the season which include the league games (approx 13) and numerous friendlies. Indoor practice sessions start as of the first week of January and run till the last week of March followed by daily outdoor practice sessions on Wednesdays running from April till end September.

Ossie's own bunch on Ossie Memorial day 10/09/2006

MCC team on Ossie Memorial day 2006

MCC is also the melting pot of cricket playing cultures. Members of different nationalities (Belgian, British, Sri Lankan, Indian, Pakistani and Dutch) represent the club on and off the pitch. Membership is open to all, irrespective of their cricketing capabilities or skills!