A Brief History of the Real Oddies Cricket Club

 Founded in 1991, the Real Oddies Cricket Club (ROCC) was born from a shared love of cricket and community at the iconic Odd One Out pub in Colchester. Known for its quirky charm and vibrant atmosphere, the pub didn’t just lend its name to the club—it shaped its very ethos: a place where community cricket is played with passion, camaraderie, and more than a touch of eccentricity.

What began as a friendly side, playing purely for the joy of the game, has since grown in both skill and ambition. Today, the Real Oddies proudly compete in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Cricket Championship, fielding teams in both the Saturday and Sunday divisions. Notably, we remain the only pub team in the league setup—a testament to our unique origins and enduring spirit. Beyond league cricket, we also enjoy midweek evening T20 friendly matches, offering a relaxed yet competitive environment for players and fans alike.

Steeped in cricketing heritage, Garrison A first hosted first-class cricket in 1924, when Essex faced Gloucestershire. Over the years, Essex played 25 first-class matches here, with the last coming in the 1972 County Championship.  One of the most remarkable chapters in its history was written by Yorkshire and England great Geoffrey Boycott, who scored not one but two double centuries on this very ground against Essex – in 1970 and again in 1971.

Today, we are proud to be its current custodians for club cricket. From league battles in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship to relaxed midweek T20 friendlies, the Real Oddies continue the long tradition of cricket on this fine field.

 At the heart of Real Oddies Cricket Club is a simple but powerful belief: cricket is more than just a game—it’s a force for bringing people together. True to our name, we're proudly eccentric in spirit—unafraid to do things differently, to laugh at ourselves, and to put character and camaraderie above stuffy tradition. The club was born around a table in a pub, and that same relaxed, sociable energy still runs through everything we do.

We are a community‑driven club first and foremost, built on the energy, generosity, and spirit of the players, families, volunteers, and supporters who make this place what it is. That means we open our boundaries and our pavilion doors to everyone—regardless of age, background, or ability. Whether you’re picking up a bat for the first time or have played for decades, you’ll find a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment here. This ethos has been recognised by Colchester Council with the ‘Compassionate Community Champion’ award, a tribute to how deeply we value partnership, empathy, and real impact beyond the boundary rope.

Ultimately, Real Oddies Cricket Club exists because our community chooses to support it. And in return, we’re committed to being a club that supports our community—every season, every weekend, for every member.

Awarded Compassionate Community Champions by St Helena & Colchester Council

Marking our 25th anniversary by uncorking three ales from The Harwich Town Brewing Co 

Our famous appearance on Cricket AM:

- Part 1

- Part 2

- Part 3