The Hunter Valley Cricket Council was formed in 1923. The inaugural meeting of delegates was held on 5 October, 1923 when it was resolved to form a Council consisting of the associations of Hunter River (later Maitland), Cessnock, Singleton, Newcastle and Upper Hunter, for the purpose of advancing the game in the north'.

The driving force behind the establishment of the Cricket Council was legendary Maitland cricket administrator, Reuben Argyle Dransfield. The structure of the Council was designed to provide a model to the NSWCA for the organisation of Country cricket in other parts of the state.

The Council drew up the rules for the John Bull Shield competition to be conducted amoungst affiliated Associations.The trophy for this competition was a 'handsome sheild' valued at fifty pounds, generously donated by David Cohen & Co, the proprietors of John Bull flour and baking powder products.

In the first season of the competition the John Bull Shield was won by Singleton. Apart from a lapse for a period between 1937 and 1946, the Shield has remained over the years the prestigious focal point competition amoung affiliated Associations in the Hunter and acknowledged as one of the principle district competitions in NSW Country Cricket.

In the 1926-27 season the Council introduced a Colts competition. This was conducted successfully until 1933-34 when it lapsed. Reintroduced in season 1958-59 it has continued ever since proving to be a breeding ground for some outstanding cricket talent, many of whom have gone on to play first class cricket. In 1969-70, the RA Dransfield Trophy was presented for the annual Colts competition.

In the early seventies the Council introduced an Under 16 competition and in 1983 assisted in the formation of the Hunter Valley Junior Cricket Council. Since that time the under age competitions have been conducted by the Junior Council. More recently the Council has played a critical role in the development of Womens cricket across the region.

Part of the Central Northern Cricket Zone, the Cricket Council continues to play a major role in the management of cricket in the Hunter Valley and the implementation of CricketNSW programs.

The Council trusts you enjoy and gain benefit from the contents of its website.