Stirling Cricket Club

The Stirling Cricket Club was founded in 1875. Tom Smart, an Englishman who played County Cricket before migrating to Stirling, was one of the founders. Tom was grandfather of the well-known Smart family of Stirling.

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Not a lot is known about early Hills cricket. Newspaper records show that in 1891-92 Stirling played teams such as Lobethal, Echunga, Coromandel Valley, North Walkerville and Mt Barker Juniors. In 1898 a Mt Lofty Ranges Cricketing Association was formed, featuring the clubs of Crafers, Stirling, Bridgewater, and Mylor.

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Stirling’s first home ground is unknown, but from 1897 to the 1910s it played at the Mt Lofty Recreation Ground – better known as the ‘Old Rec’ – located roughly where the Heathfield High School ovals are today.

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Just before World War I the club moved to the current Stirling Oval, where it has been ever since. The land was originally owned by J & AG Johnston, the hoteliers next door. In 1936 the Johnston family donated the land to the District Council of Stirling for the benefit of the local community, under the document known as the ‘Johnston Trust’.

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The reason for changing grounds isn’t known, however close access to the Johnstons’ hotel next door was likely a decisive factor. This guaranteed players an immediate refreshing ale after a hot day’s play, rather than having to travel from the Old Rec and possibly arriving after the 6pm close.