History of Eastry Cricket Club

Cricket has been played in the village of Eastry for over 200 years, with the earliest recorded game being played against Sandwich in 1785.  Records would suggest that a club was formed in the village in 1812, although it is not clear where the club played their early fixtures.  However, the 1785 game against Sandwich was advertised as to be played at Eastry Down for “HALF A GUINEA A MAN”. 

In the 1820’s, a member of the MCC, living at Updown House, Mr Jack Bayley, is known to have set up his own cricket club, with a match against the MCC in July 1828 recorded. This may well have been played on the pitch in front of Updown House, where the club plays regularly today.

During the early days, cricket was used as a social gathering for estate workers, normally on a Saturday afternoon, and was often made into a family occasion, with references to spectators not uncommon.

As far as can be ascertained, cricket has been played at Updown since 1828, although not necessarily continually, the ground being ploughed up and used for agricultural purposes during the second world war bringing a temporary halt to the club’s activities.

The ground is currently owned by Mrs M Montgomery with whom a long standing association has allowed cricket to be played uninterrupted for many years.  Mrs Montgomery has two grandsons who are very active and valuable members of the club.

The Club Today

The membership of the club is in the region of 25 adult members and 10 junior members. Unlike recent years, Eastry’s younger cricketing generation are plentiful, very talented and very keen.  Whole cross sections of Eastry families are represented on the field and we are always happy to welcome new players from in and around our village.

The Club runs both Saturday and Sunday XIs, Captained by Chris Adam-Reynolds and Mike Green respectively. Our young players have performed admirably as have our senior members! 2 seasons ago Aaron Friend scored his maiden 100, against Worth A on a Sunday then he followed this last season with another against Worth. With the likes of Will Montgomery, Kevin Deveson, Graham Phebey, Dickie Swain and Will Kenton all having high scoring innings regularly, then with the all rounders such as David Waring, Roger Hill and Harry Kenton all chipping in their batting contribution, the runs have flowed.

On the bowling front, the leading wicket taker has been Roger Hill, while old campaigner David Waring has plugged away too.  But the emergence of the young bowlers Harry Kenton, Gareth Friend and Matt Deveson all taking wickets weekly has been very pleasing.

In the outfield the Eastry side has been transformed! Spectacular catches are taken, boundaries are stopped and the ball is returned to over the stumps from the deep reaches of the ground like an Exocet! – the fielder will either be a Kenton or Friend…

We at the club like to think the game is about enjoyment and friendship – which the Chairman, Kevin Deveson and Vice-Chairman, David Waring, have always maintained throughout their time playing for Eastry. However, over the coming seasons it is possible that we may rejoin a local league to set a challenge to our younger members.

Additionally, a number of social events are held each year: A Quiz Night; An Annual Dinner (with pantomime duo!); An Annual Six A-Side Competition; 2007 Cricket Tour to Eastbourne.

If you are interested in playing, or would just like to come and visit us at Updown then please do. You can contact us by using the contacts page which will give you our details.

Kevin Deveson, Chairman.

David Waring, Vice Chairman.