CLUB HISTORY
The History of the Everton Districts Cricket Club
Everton Districts Cricket Club began in 1971 as a sub-committee of the Everton Districts Australian Rules Football Club, playing out of Mott Street, Enoggera until the 1974/75 season. In 1974, the cricketing arm broke away to form its own identity, later becoming Everton Districts Cricket Club Inc.
From the late 1970s to 1980, the club operated on Brisbane City Council land at Blaker Road, Oxford Park. However, development restrictions and rezoning to open space halted plans for a clubhouse.
In 1980, the club began negotiations with the Council to secure land at West Chermside.
After three years of negotiations, Brisbane City Council approval was granted to transform a disused, vermin infested rubbish tip in Chermside West, into what would become the home of the Everton Districts Cricket Club. The site was cleared of rats, snakes, spiders and other pests and in November 1984, the first bulldozer commenced earth moving, marking the beginning of years of volunteer led transformation.
Over 1,000,000 yards of fill were moved, and $150,000 of club funds were invested, an effort that would have cost over $1 million commercially. Some areas were raised by more than 60 feet, all through volunteer labour.
After almost two years of excavating, levelling and construction works, plus countless hours invested by volunteers donating their time and skills, the Everton District Cricket Club was officially opened on November 11th 1986.
At that time, the club had one field, a turf wicket and a modest clubhouse, but an enthusiastic team of committed volunteers and a steadily growing player base.
Part of the opening celebrations included a batting display by club member and future Australian Cricketer, Stuart Law.
With a new home ground, clubhouse and facilities to call their own, under the leadership of John Manson as President, the club's Committee wasted no time in setting to work on the tasks of recruiting new players, increasing the club's exposure in the community and planning for bigger and better things. Rumour has it, the occasional refreshing beverage was partaken of during the committee meetings - a traditional still maintained to this day.
Everton Districts Cricket Club was raring to go!
The club expansion continued with the addition of training nets, a large storage facility and in 1988 development of a new, purpose-built clubhouse and two additional fields commenced.
Key figures, John Manson, Jim Neibling, Peter Gallagher, Rod Gibson and Bill Willett, alongside many dedicated members, led the development of the complex. Their legacy lives on through the naming of the ovals and clubhouse.
After nearly eight years, since the start of the club's initial construction and thousands of hours from tireless volunteers, the new club house, additional fields and fully expanded sporting facilities were officially opened as the John Manson Sports Complex on March 1st 1992!
In honour of the dedicated Committee members who had spearheaded the cause, the original club field was renamed to the Jim Neibling Oval and the two new fields, developed as part of the expansion, were named the Peter Gallagher and Rod Gibson Ovals. The new clubhouse was named the Bill Willet Pavilion.
It was a true celebration of community and reward for so many years of hard work, for all involved.
The opening ceremony and festivities were well attended, including the local police who donated the use of their radar-gun for the amusement of the would-be fast bowlers in the club!
In any community sports club, there are moments of triumph, but also crushing hardship. In 2006 the club suffered a significant setback when the clubhouse fell victim to arson. It was a devastating blow, but with typical Everton determination, the club and community rallied and it was business as usual in no time.
Cricket clubs, especially at the local level, rarely command constant media attention, but they do find themselves in the press occasionally and over the years Everton has had its time in the spotlight. Whether it be celebrating the achievements of current or former players or important news from around the club, this exposure helps to preserve the club's history, continuing its legacy and ensuring the local community remains aware of the hard work and passion invested by its players and volunteers.
With more than 50 years of cricketing excellence, Everton Districts Cricket Club is proud of its history not just as a club, but as a supportive and nurturing environment where potential can be fulfilled. We ensure every player develops with outstanding sportsmanship and integrity. This approach has successfully launched numerous cricketers into various elite levels, including state and national representative honours!
Former Everton Districts Cricket Club players who have furthered their cricketing careers as players, coaches and selectors include Julia Cavanough, Olivia Roche, Stuart Law, Trevor Hohns and Chris Lynn to name a few.
Today, the club’s facilities are leased from Brisbane City Council and serve over 100 junior and senior members. The grounds also host Brisbane North Junior Cricket Association (BNJCA) and Metropolitan North School Sports representative teams.
Everton Districts Cricket Club continues to thrive thanks to the support of its past and present players, volunteers and local community, ensuring a strong future for cricket and families alike!