Eglinton Cricket Club celebrates 90 years as the heart of the village

Eglinton Cricket Club has been more than a sporting venue—it has been a community staple for almost a century.

From hosting international matches, to winning its first North West Senior Cup in 1944, Eglinton Cricket Club has built an impressive list of achievements.

The club has brought legendary cricket alumni to Eglinton such as Scott Huey, Nigel Thompson and Stuart Johnson.

In 1997, the club also led the Australian team to the small village for a match, marking a key event in the club’s history.

Despite their numerous trophies to date, the club has given Eglinton more than a run of successes, it has created a community.

The club is celebrating its 90th anniversary since relocating from Killaloo to Eglinton Village in 1936.

Situated in the main street of Eglinton Village and six miles from Derry City, the cricket club offers more than just its pitch.

The club extends its facilities to the community with having a members’ bar, function room, and a club house.

As one of the oldest clubs in the North West, Eglinton Cricket Club serves as a pivotal hub for the sport, events, and locals’ enjoyment.

Eglinton Cricket Club started in 1936 with only men’s first and second teams.

It later expanded on this in 1984 with a third men’s team, followed by the ladies division ten years ago.

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These members swung the club into success with nine victories of the North West Senior Cup and three victories of the North West Senior League to date.

The club is now made up of a variety of different ages, genders, religions, and experience, offering different divisions for youth teams as well.

The club currently has the first, second and third men’s teams.

It also has the ladies team, under 18, under 15, under 13 and under 11.

Today it has brought together different members of the community and local schools for these teams, including Eglinton Primary School and Broadbridge Primary School.

In a recent interview, treasurer of Eglinton’s Cricket Club, Scott Mitchell, described the importance of the club in the Eglinton Community.

Mr. Mitchell spoke of how throughout the week, the club offers matches and training, but also facilitates other events.

He described that the club runs darts, a community quiz of around 70-80 people, bingo of around 60 people attending, and Eglinton Motors Club.

Mr. Mitchell said the club’s schedule intensifies during the summer months, adding that, “We can’t keep up with the demand.”

Mr. Mitchell said the weekly events, “Do great things for the mental health of the community.”

With tailored divisions and different events for all ages, Mr. Mitchell explained that, “The club has given locals an avenue to get out to be active, and make lifelong friends also.”

President of Eglinton Cricket Club, Alan Montgomery, similarly spoke on the club’s journey towards future success.

Mr. Montgomery said that, “Eglinton Cricket Club has a deep history and we are looking forward to a bright future.”

With plans for expansion and a larger indoor training facility, Eglinton Cricket Club is focused on continued growth in the heart of the community.

Further information on the club and the running events can be found on the North West Cricket Union website or on the Eglinton Cricket Club Facebook page.