Boughton & Eastwell Cricket Club

Boughton & Eastwell Cricket Club has a long history going back to 1798, but the village in which the club is situated has seen cricket played even earlier. MCC's archives at Lords show the first ever recorded cricketers' luncheon was held in The Flying Horse, the public house on the village green, in 1747, hosted by the then landlord, Mr Hobday, who is commemorated by the row of cottages opposite the green. The match, the details of which are also in MCC's archives and copied on a display in the bar of The Flying Horse, was between the Gentlemen of Eastwell Park, and a local XI.

The club is lucky enough to be able to play on a well-kept village green, at Boughton Lees, with views across the Downs above Wye. The wicket and green are maintained to a high standard by club members in their spare time and the pavilion has a certain rustic charm. All these delights can be found after a drive of about 10 minutes on the A251 from Ashford towards Faversham, just past Eastwell Manor.

There is a full and varied fixture list, on Saturdays, Sundays and some week-days, with both league and friendly matches, some of which have been played for well over a century or so. Fixture lists are displayed on the club notice board outside the pavilion and in The Flying Horse. They contain details of the club officials, who are always pleased to hear from potential new members.

Boughton & Eastwell Cricket Club was a founding member of the Lords' Ashford and District Cricket League, which is sponsored by the sports suppliers, Lords, but the league does not dominate the season. The majority of matches are long-standing friendly fixtures with teams around the area and visiting touring sides. That means there is ample opportunity for players of all levels, abilities and ages to be selected. The club is particularly keen to give young cricketers the chance to play and develop.

There is an annual tour, at present to Suffolk, where the club has strong fixtures against good opposition, playing at excellent venues.

Outdoor nets are held from the end of March and run throughout the season on Tuesday nights, from about 6 p.m. Selection usually takes place on Tuesdays, after nets, with the captains cogitating over a pint in The Flying Horse.

During the winter the club competes in indoor cricket competitions, and in the early spring there are indoor nets to prepare for the summer.

The club has always drawn players from a wide background, with people from all walks of life combining because of a common love for the game. The club spirit is high and new members are warmly welcomed. Although it is always helpful if players are available every week, those who are available, but on a less regular basis, are just as valuable, and should not feel discouraged.

There are many vantage points from which matches can be watched; there are benches strategically placed around the green, and The Flying Horse has seats and tables outside so spectators can bask in the sun whilst watching, amongst others, the landlord, Richard Jones, continuing a tradition over 200 years old, of playing cricket at Boughton.

Boughton & Eastwell CC have an existing site at www.boughtonandeastwellcc.co.uk

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