KINCUMBER AVOCA CRICKET CLUB
Our
Story
Founded in 1866
Kincumber Cricket Club, established in the mid-1860s, was one of the earliest clubs on the Central Coast. In 1920, it joined four other clubs to form the Gosford District Cricket Association.
Before 1919, games were social events played between local clubs and some teams from Sydney. Matches were either held in Davistown or Sydney, with the Kincumber side playing on a ground in Davis Avenue, Davistown, as well as the Kincumber Cricket ground (later known as Frost Reserve). The team, called the "Cucumbers," consisted of players from original local families like the "Frosts," "Normans," "Dunlops," and "Humphreys."
During the mid-1890s, cricket was mainly played socially, with matches scheduled against local clubs and Sydney teams alternately. Other local clubs during this time included Gosford, Wyong, Ourimbah, Yarramalong, Narara, and Jilliby. Teams from Erina, Wamberal, Noraville, and Wyee also participated. Formal Brisbane Water competitions took place in 1899-00 and 1906-07, with Kincumber finishing third out of six teams in both seasons.
1920's Gosford District Cricket Association
Our
Story
The Gosford District Cricket Association was established in 1920-21, and Kincumber club participated in the competition each season, becoming the inaugural winners. The following season, Narara and Ourimbah joined from the Wyong District, and Terrigal and Lisarow were formed. A second grade competition also started. First Grade of Kincumber clinched the Chapman Shield at the end of the 1929/30 season, marking a decade of dominance with seven premierships in ten years. A replica of the Shield now resides in the Sports Bar of the Central Coast Leagues Club. The trophy cabinet remained unchanged for the next thirty years, although Kincumber consistently remained competitive.
1950's Heazlett Park
In the 1950s, a competitive team representing the Avoca area joined the competition and played at Heazlett Park (Avoca Oval). Led by key players like Nev (Weary) Wilson, Bill Phillips, Jack Harding, Frank Martin, and George Rees, they reached the Grand Final in 1959/60 but lost to Gosford at Grahame Park. The following season, after the Kincumber and Avoca Clubs merged, the First Grade side secured the Premiership by defeating The Entrance in the final, which was affected by rain. It took another thirty-four years for the First Grade team to claim another title, which happened in the 1994/95 season.
1970's
During the 70s and 80s, the Club experienced significant success, particularly in the lower Grades. Under the captaincy of Terry Walters, they achieved back-to-back victories in the prestigious Prudential Cup in 1981/82 and 1982/83. This period saw the arrival of many talented players and charismatic personalities who still have a lasting impact today. Len Bowcock, a revered figure in Central Coast cricket, played continuously for an impressive 50 seasons. The Jarvis family boasts three consecutive generations of brothers—Les and Norman, Robert and Kevin, Scott and Dean—who have all played for the Kincumber/Avoca Club. The club has also been associated with notable players such as the late Bill Tobin, Don Scott-Orr, Dennis Campbell, Bruce Phillips, Brian Sawyer, Warwick Barr, Ian Moad, Rod Masters, Perc Henderson, John Geerke, Warwick Banks, Steven Milne, Frank O'Toole, and many others who have maintained a strong connection with the Club. In some cases, their sons have carried on this proud tradition.
1990's
In the early 90s, Ross Shepherd, Bill Lothian, and Mal Elliott joined the Club from Toukley after playing in Sydney's 1st Grade competition with Cumberland and Manly clubs. Their professional approach had a transformative effect on the First Grade side, turning them into strong contenders for the premiership. They won the Jack Gavenlock Shield three times out of six from 1994.
Around the same time, Bill Sawers joined the Club, bringing his captaincy skills and experience. Alongside a talented group of players, they dominated the Third Grade competition, securing five premierships between 1990 and 1999.
​
The 1994/95 season showcased the Club's depth as they achieved four out of six premierships (First, Second, Third, and Sixth Grade). The Fifth Grade team reached the semifinals, while Fourth Grade's Grand Final was washed out. This season marked the beginning of a period of dominance for the First Grade side, which lasted until 2011. They made 13 semifinal appearances, including eight grand final appearances and five grand final victories. Captains during this era were Stephen Milne, Daniel Rowe, Shaun Robertson, and Jamie Rowe
Junior development
Kincumber/Avoca Cricket Club has always prioritized the promotion of talented junior players to the senior ranks, particularly to provide them with valuable experience on turf. This approach, combining seasoned veterans with promising youngsters, has been instrumental in the Club's recent success and will continue to foster a strong pool of skilled players. Currently, the First Grade side boasts a significant number of local juniors, such as Scott Jarvis, Shaun Robertson, Dylan Robertson & Bailey Lidguard. The Club has also produced players who have represented at higher levels, including Chris Rogers (Australian Test Team), Leon Thompson, Shaun Robertson, and Daniel Rowe (NSW Country Team), Jenny Wallace (WA State Team), Mark Robertson (NSW Country Colts), Jamie Rowe (NSW Country & Australian Country Teams), and recently Scott Jarvis (Australian >40's team).
​
2000's + Erina Turf Wicket
In 2005, the Kincumber/Avoca cricket club, led by Mark Danckert, David Robertson, and Bob Jarvis, began preparing the Erina turf wickets. They also developed turf training wickets at the southern end of Erina Oval. Their dedication and efforts resulted in Mark receiving the "Curator of the Year" award from NSW country cricket in 2005/06. In 2011, Mark was also honored with a service award from the CCCA.
Under the leadership of Stephen Milne and his committee, the club focused on upgrading its facilities. A significant grant obtained by Rod Master contributed to the construction of a 4-wicket concrete training facility. New covers, an additional roller, a super sopper, and a mower for the turf wickets were acquired. The Frost Reserve nets in Kincumber were also improved through the efforts of Paul Koen working with the Gosford Council. These advancements led to the Erina Ground being regularly selected as the host for the first-grade grand final. Currently, it boasts the best facilities in Central Coast cricket
​
Present Day
''''