Greatest Cricket Moments

First Post-War Major Match at the Vine, Sevenoaks — September 1813

1813-09-09Kent vs MCCKent v MCC, the Vine, Sevenoaks, 9-10 September 18131 min readSeverity: Mild

Summary

On 9-10 September 1813 Kent played the MCC at the Vine, Sevenoaks — the first post-war major match at the historic Kent ground and the start of the Vine's revival as a regular major venue. The Vine had hosted little major cricket since 1808; the September 1813 fixture marked its return to the front rank.

Background

The Vine had been hosting top-class cricket since the 1730s but the 1808-1812 period had seen it slip to village level.

What Happened

The Vine had been a major venue since 1734 but had hosted only village fixtures during the Napoleonic war years. The September 1813 Kent v MCC fixture was raised by John Bligh, fourth Earl of Darnley, as a deliberate revival. MCC fielded full strength; Kent included Tom Ray and the young John Bligh. MCC won by 47 runs after Beauclerk's 73. The fixture confirmed the Vine's continuing place in the major calendar.

Timeline

1734

Vine granted to Sevenoaks for cricket

1805

Last major match before wartime gap

9-10 Sep 1813

First post-war major match

Present

Vine remains in continuous use

Aftermath

The Vine continued as a regular major venue through the rest of the nineteenth century.

⚖️ The Verdict

The Vine's return to the front rank of major cricket venues after a five-year wartime gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vine still in use?▾
Yes — Sevenoaks Vine CC plays there today. It is one of the oldest continuously-used cricket grounds in the world.

Tags

#regency-cricket#underarm#the-vine#sevenoaks#kent#mcc#1813#iconic-moment

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