Cregagh Cricket Club
Grounds: Gibson Park Avenue, Cregagh Road, Belfast
Club Colours: Gold & Black
Formed: 1906
1st Team League: Division One; Section Three
2009 Club Chairman: Stuart Catterson
2009 Club Captain: Graham Watt
2009 Hon Secretary: Ms Nicola Bell
Web address: www.cregaghcricketclub.co.uk
Often proclaimed as an “unfashionable” club, entering its 103rd year, Cregagh Cricket Club has a very interesting history.
Back in 1906, Mr. J. W. A. Hamilton, who was an elder within the McQuiston Church on the Castlereagh Road, brought together a small band of men one summer’s night, resulting in the formation of Cregagh Cricket Club.
The Gibson Park ground which is still the clubs home had been used by the church for the benefit of the Helping Hand Bible class. The class would meet every Sunday under the guidance of Mr. Hamilton.
The First World War had a massive impact on the club, and cricket was played during the conflict, when hostilities ended the members had one thing on their mind, to establish Cregagh Cricket Club within the NCU in honour fallen friends. For the next three years from 1920, the remaining members achieved their goal. The ground was bought from the McQuiston Memorial Church and renamed ‘Cregagh Memorial Recreation Ground’ and memorial gates were erected as a reminder of the proud tradition. Unfortunately the gates are no longer in place but a memorial plaque sits within the pavilion.
The Cregagh Clubs first cup win on note was the Junior Cup in 1934 and then again in 1936. Then in 1938 the club won promotion from the Senior Qualifying League and established Cregagh as a senior club within the NCU. Cregagh eventually won the Senior League One in 1945 and then again in 1947, quite a rise in less than 40 years. The club made their only appearance in the 1944 Senior Cup Final, losing to Waringstown in the final. The 40s and 50s seem to be a successful time for Cregagh as they boasted players like Jimmy Woods and two players going on the represent Ireland - Frank Fee and Charlie Corry. The junior club was also a success with the Graham Cup being won at this time too.
The 60s and 70s were hard times in Northern Ireland and especially for a Belfast based club. Cricket was not proving as popular in the area. However the Graham Cup was won again in 1970 by the juniors and the 1st & 2nd XI’s both won their leagues in 1975. The ‘Troubles’ which effected life in general in Northern Ireland also dealt a cruel blow to the club when former Graham Cup winner and 1st XI captain Harry Blair was blown up in a house explosion in Belfast by the IRA. A trophy was named in Harry’s honour and is maintained to this day in honour of one of our finest home grown talents.
Towards the late 80’s it had looked like Cregagh were on the rise, the 2nd, 3rd and mid-week XI all won their leagues at various points. In 1991 Cregagh won Division 1 Section 3 and returned to Section 2 for the first time since the 1970’s. After a dreadful decision surrounding their professional, Cregagh found themselves relegated into Section 4 of the first division. The club found it difficult to hold onto their best talent and therefore the club struggled. It took 4 seasons for the club to get out of section four and I understand that two people were vital in the difficult times over the turn of the new millennium – Ian Kerr and Philip Walker dragged the club through that period which at one stage threatened the very survival of the club
The centenary season in 2006 saw an upturn in fortunes as a 3rd XI and youth section were re-started, something missing from Cregagh for a considerable number of years. These bold steps by the new committee have paid rich dividends since with the 3rd XI having won their league once and the Minor Qualifying Cup twice, the 1st XI returning to Section 3 in 2008 (achieving their highest league finish since the mid 1990s) and the 2nd XI securing promotion to Division 2 Section 2 which will also see them compete in 2009 at their highest level since the mid 1990s. Add to this a youth section with 65 members in 2008 ,Under 15 and Under 11 sides competing in league and cup plus strong links with the local schools and the future of this once illustrious East Belfast club appears to be in better shape than for many years.
With this much stronger foundation in place and a hard working and ambitious committee the immediate goal is now to build on the recent successes and restore the 1st XI to Section 2 while also continuing to provide the young people of East Belfast with the opportunity to play cricket. Bring on 2009.
Club Training / Coaching
Monday from 6.15pm – senior club night
Tuesday from 6.45pm – junior club night
Thursday from 6.15pm – senior club night
Friday evening – junior club matches
Saturday – senior club matches