“PRIVATE PROPERTY”
Granted, many public access cricket grounds around Australia display a brazen “KEEP OFF” sign on the edge of a roped-off wicket square, but this sign imposingly plastered on a power pole is a step further. Inherently over thinkers, the last thing a cricketer needs before play is to second guess if they’re breaking a trespassing law simply getting to the ground on time for a warm-up. That said, it’s all part of the quaint experience at Camden Park.
An hour from the centre of Sydney, and about forty minutes from Bowral, Camden Park cricket ground is indeed private property. Located deep inside Belgenny Farm – established by Lieutenant John and Elizabteh Macarthur in 1805 – it is not easily accessible. The property originally used by the Macarthurs for early pioneering of Merino wool production, wheat growing and dairying, it is home to Australia’s oldest working farm buildings. The ground itself is not listed on any street directory, or online maps. Something of a secret, its mystery and unique appeal extends well beyond the windy dirt road that leads to its entrance – that is of course if you arrive in time for play; it’s not uncommon to get stuck at the cow crossing for longer than a standard drinks break.
The ground, home to Australia’s travelling I Zingari club, hosted its first game of cricket in the early 1900’s. A flood washed it away in the late 1920’s and it was not until the 60’s that the then property owner requested the club to redevelop a cricket ground. Its present site was selected amongst the bushland, and the ground is now home to more than twenty matches a season.
Cricket grounds are famous for their quirks - St Lawrence ground with its famous lime tree in the outfield
Unlike a football pitch or a basketball court, which is limited by strict dimensions, cricket grounds around the world are renowned for their quirks and oddities. At The Home of Cricket, Father Time gazes lovingly upon the 2.5 meter slope running North-South, while the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury is most famous for a lime tree that once stood inside the boundary rope. Camden Park is no exception. The ground appears suddenly amidst the native gums as a relatively flat expanse but is renowned for one feature; its boundary-side slope, colloquially known as the twelfth man. The slope, which runs right the way around the ground to some extent, is exaggerated on the pavilion side. Resembling something of a NASCAR Speedway, it denies many a well-struck drive from reaching the boundary. Batsmen are left scrambling for a measly single here after seeing their shot roll up the slope, take a look at the boundary and think better of it, returning the waiting hands of a fielder in the flat portion of cow corner.
The twelfth man: the boundary runs right up to the top of the slope
Retrospective cries of “run ‘em boys!” echo through the idyllic Australian setting all afternoon at Camden Park, from giggling – if slightly sympathetic – teammates; no batter has left without being stung by the twelfth man at least once.
Bowlers’ game, cricket…
Looking back to the pavilion: photo - IZA Australia
Beyond the slope and even Camden’s own picket fence – which extends around the outer side – cows happily graze. Often the bovine contingent (who will not heed requests to move from in front of the small sight-screen should the grass there be particularly appealing) is the largest of the crowd. Private property, remember? That said, the local farm dog; a border collie/ kelpie cross wanders around the pavilion from time to time. Always keen for a scratch in-between naps, she will quickly put a smile back on the face of any despondent cricketer.
Out cheaply? No worries, the farm dog will put a smile on your face
Understandably proud of the history at Camden Park, the pavilion and kitchen display a raft of historical photos and scorecards, from both before and after the ground’s redevelopment. Included in the collection is one of a young Bradman heading out to field at Camden, his legacy extending well beyond the SCG and into the local and community cricket sphere of his home state.
Private property though it may be, Camden Park cricket ground is for everyone. Welcoming, charming and uniquely Australian, it holds a special place in the hearts of all who have been lucky enough to play there.
Just don’t expect to “save ‘em” any time soon.