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Cricket is Rochester’s oldest sport, dating back 150 years, and it was such a popular sport in the 1800s that it was a year-round event.

The first cricket match played in Rochester was in 1862, according to the Riverine Herald archives.

The article spoke about a player nicknamed ‘Tidy’ from the Restdown hotel for his ‘‘slogging’’ in the match against Rushworth.

On November 19, 1873, Rochester played and defeated Rushworth in a match at Corop.

One of the greatest names in Rochester cricket is Windridge; Samuel Windridge played in Rochester’s first team, and his excellent cricket skills were carried down to his grandson William Windrige (whom Rochester’s Windridge Oval is named after), great-grandson Frank and, now, his great-great-great grandson Corey Windridge.

On December 5, 1873, a school team was defeated by Rushworth school at Corop.

Twelve of the 22 runs were made by Harry Clarke, who later became one of Rochester’s best cricketers.

From 1936 to 1944, cricket in Rochester came to a halt due to the war.

The association reformed oDnce the war was over, with five teams: Holy Trinity, Ramblers, St Joseph’s, Nannella and Corop.

Holy Trinity won the premiership in 1945 and Nanneella were the premiers in 1946.

In 1947, the association had eight teams: Trinity, Ramblers, St Josephs, Elmore, Elmore RSI, Corop, Goornong and Nanneella.

In 1952, Rochester sent its first team to Melbourne Country Week.

In more recent history, Rochester’s famous Melbourne Country Week team of 1982 is one of the town’s biggest cricket achievements.

The players of the Rochester and District Cricket Association team won 19 games in the 1981-1982 season and took home three championship titles; the Melbourne and Bendigo Country Week and the Interdistrict.

The Water to Wickets event is now less than two weeks away and past cricket clubs, current cricket heroes, Rochester and district residents and people from all over Victoria are waiting in anticipation.

Former state players will start to arrive in Rochester on February 18 for the big Twenty20 match on the Sunday, which will see them play against the district side.

Tickets are available at Sportspower in Rochester, Echuca and Kerang.