Etchiongham & Fontridge Cricket Club

chingham last had an active cricket team in 1939, when the start of World War Two brought play to an abrupt end. After the war the cricket field was not brought back into use and the village lost a great sporting tradition. In early 2006, a group of cricket enthusiasts decided to revive the tradition of a Cricket Club.
The new Club now has in its possession several artifacts, minutes of meetings and games dating back to the 1920's, When the Club was known as the "Etchingham & Fontridge Cricket Club", keen to maintain a link with the original Club, the new Club has been given the same name as the original Club.

The original Club was formed by Mr. W. F. Foster, who later became President of the Club. A pavilion was erected in 1920, and as the number of playing members increased, a 2nd eleven was formed. Records show that Colonel Hornblower was elected Chairman in 1934, with Mr. H. H. Howard as Secretary. By 1934 Mr. J. Gorwyn had become Captain of the 1st team.

The newly re-instated Club uses the previous club name to maintain a link with past tradition, and ensure a vibrant village game with access for everyone who wants to be involved, either as a participant or spectator. The Club is pleased that Lionel dengate agreed to serve as Honorary Club President, Lionel was secretary to the Club in the 1930's.

The Club does not yet have a suitable Cricket Field in the village, so for the time being all matches have to be away fixtures.

It is planned to start a youth section, using Queen's Garden for the first youth training sessions, dates and times will be advised here when arranged.
Practice sessions take place every Tuesday at the Robertsbridge Cricket Club, 7pm.

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The team after the match on Sunday June 4th 2006

The team (from left); Mike Shillabeer - James Webb - Jason French - Matt Neve - Steve Tooke - Anthony Burke - Martin Kneller - Matt Degenkolb - Greg Kneller - Chris Bradley - Olley Smith - James Studholme.

Matt Neve's Grandfather (#) and Great Grandfather ($) played for the team in the 1930's, see picture below.

The team from the 1930's
Back row; Horace Chandler -- ?? -- ?? -- ??
Middle Row; Ernie Hallett -- Ernest Mewett ($) -- *?* Dunball -- Barrow? -- ??
Front Row; Stevens? -- Eddie Mewett (#) -- W. Lavender

(#) ($) see picture of 2006 team.

Can you name any of the other players?
If you can, please e-mail the names of those you can positively identify.

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