Eastfield Cricket Club

About

Eastfield Cricket Club was founded and established in 1973. Competing in the RDCA, the Club found its home at Benson Oval in Croydon, where it remains to this day.

The Clubs first premiership was obtained in only its second year, with the E grade side winning in 1974/75. But it would be over 10 years before the senior club would again have premiership success.

In the meantime, the Clubs junior sides continued to develop and flourish, with premierships in the Under 12's in 1976/77 & 1981/82, and the under 16's in 1983/84. The second under 12 premiership made even better after the team completed the season undefeated.

The Clubs first 1st XI premiership finally came in 1987/88, with the team winning the RDCA's B1 grade competition. The Club also received its first significant individual award, with M. Pappas winning the Stuart Newey Medal for the RDCA best and fairest.

Over the next ten years, the Club experienced some difficult times, with senior numbers dropping significantly, and the disbandment of the junior sides.

It wasn't until the late 90's that the Club again began to gain some momentum, and this was soon reflected by the Clubs on field success.

With only two senior sides, the Club managed to win three successive premierships in the 1999/00, 2000/01, and 2001/02 seasons. This was highlighted by the Clubs second 1st XI premiership during the 2000/01 season.

In recent years, the Club has continued to develop, with the reintroduction of a 3rd XI, consistent performances by all the senior sides, and regular finals appearances.

In 2005/06, the Club enjoyed one of its best seasons, with the 1st XI missing out in the grand final by just 26 runs, narrowly missing promotion to the Wilkens Cup competition. Captain/coach Rob Henderson enjoyed a stellar season, comfortably winning the Clubs second Stewart Newey Medal, for the RDCA's best and fairest.

2006/07 was arguably the best in club history with all three sides playing off in grand finals. The 1st and 2nd sides narrowly missed out again, whist the 3rd 11, after not winning a game the previous season, took home the M grade premiership.

It didn't take the 2nd XI long to make amends for their grand final loss, with the side taking out the 2007/08 G grade premiership.

2008/09 would see the club build on its successful Milo program by introducing for the first time in 15 years, junior sides. Under 12s and under 14s took to the field in a very proud day for the club. Meanwhile the senior club began a rebuilding process with many young players joining the club and playing 1st 11 cricket as well as the introduction of a 4th 11 for the first time in club history. The second 11 continued its consistent form winning its second consecutive premiership.

In 2009/10, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI enjoyed great seasons with all 3 unlucky to bow out in the preliminary finals. The under 12/3 proved the success of our junior program by being runners up in a closely fought grand final.

While Eastfield remains one of the smaller Clubs within the RDCA, it is looking to build on recent success both on and off the field, and continue to be a strong, successful Club long into the future.