Three teams and juniors play weekly from May onwards on the Green and Coaching sessions for juniors are held on Sunday mornings on the Green during the season.
INTRODUCTION
For many generations the sport of cricket has been played in the village of Evenley. In past years the cricket square was situated within the land of Rectory Farm. Today this is now a small housing development called Church Leys, which was built in the 1970s. Cricket has since moved to be played on the village green, which now has an excellent reputation as one of the best wickets within the South Northamptonshire leagues.
THE STRUCTURE OF E.C.C.
Evenley Cricket Club is organised by its own management committee, which comprises playing and non-playing members of the club. They meet on a monthly basis to have informal discussions about topical issues, which range from sponsorship, fund raising and social events through to more tactical discussions about selection and the organisation of the club.
THE TEAMS
Evenley has two cricket teams, each playing within one of South Northamptonshire's four leagues.
The First eleven has played in this league for many years and has won the Premier League Championship seven times since 2000 and finished as runners up three times. The standard of cricket is high as far as village cricket is concerned, and is most certainly competitive, throughout the divisions. The Second eleven has progressed very well over recent years, having risen through the divisions as the club has become more successful and attracted more players. It was promoted to Division One for the first time in 2013 and has mainly operated from this division. We also have a mid-week team, playing in the Buckinghamshire mid-week league. This team is mix of junior members, a few younger adults and a few "seasoned" campaigners. This team helps to develop some of the younger players for the future.
Weekly indoor net practice sessions run pre-season (usually starting around March) and continue with outdoor net practice on the village green throughout the season.
There are also a few friendly matches on a Sunday afternoon; this is a lesser standard of cricket, played with less emphasis on competition and more on having fun and enjoying the sport. The Sunday teams accommodate a wide variation in ability and age!
The teams enjoy a great social scene, gathering for a drink with the villagers after the game in the local pub, The Red Lion, as well as organising regular curry and quiz nights. There is also a very active junior section.
JUNIOR SECTION
The junior section has been operating since 2005. The club provides regular junior coaching on Sunday mornings during the season on Evenley Village Green. In 2009 the club joined the South Northamptonshire Junior League at U13 level, this meant competitive fixtures during the season for our U13 squad of players. Our youngsters also enjoy competing in Kwik Cricket competitions, and in recent years we have also become a popular centre for the ECB coaching programmes, All Stars and Dynamos. Of course, success and enjoyment for all will continue to be dependent upon an increasing number of adult players and parents committing to coaching, umpiring, scoring and being a taxi service for away games.
THE MATCHES
All matches played are based on limited overs cricket, the first team and second team playing 40 over matches on Saturdays and the mid-week team playing 20 over matches on Wednesdays. Usually, fixtures are arranged so that each of the first and second teams takes it in turns to play a home fixture on Evenley Village Green. Most opposition comes from the local surrounding villages, although this does encompass the odd village from slightly further afield, who are attracted to the well organised South Northamptonshire League. Teas are part of the match fee, which (pre-pandemic) are held in The Red Lion, Evenley.
Most matches (weather permitting) are supported by friends and residents of the village, so please come along and watch the teams whenever you can. The pub is always open on a Saturday afternoon. Matches start at 1.30pm on Saturdays and mid-week fixtures start at 6.30pm.
MEMBERSHIP
The club is always on the lookout for new members. This is in both a playing and nonplaying capacity, and is open to both male and female members of all ages. You can have an involvement in the club of some description, small or large. Every year there is an A.G.M. held in the village hall in February, which is open to all.
For those who are keen to be involved in an active way, there are several options. The club is always looking for new players and new committee members. In addition, the club is seeking umpires, scorers and junior coaches.
For those of you who would prefer to support in a less involved manner, there is the opportunity to sponsor a match ball, become a Vice President of the club, or support our regular social events ranging from BBQs to the end of season social get together.
Commercially, if you have a business or venture you would like to advertise, you are welcome to take advertising space, for a small fee, in the Fixtures booklet delivered throughout the village pre-season and advertised online, via the club website at www.evenleycc.com
CONTACT US
If you are interested in the cricket club, in whatever form, and would like to know more about us then please do not hesitate to contact us for more information through our website:
For further information please contact the club’s Player’s Representative, Chris Scott: (07778) 213050 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
