History

Club History

Born in the heart of the Sturt District in 1897, the club has played an integral part in community affairs over the past 120 years.  History shows us that the club has played a key role in the development, promotion and progress of the game in South Australia.  It also shows us that the Blues have always been prepared to form and express their views on the game and its administration.  In the last 120 years, there are many players and administrators who have played key roles in Sturt’s history.

At the turn of the century, Test captains Joe Darling and Clem Hill led the Blues to great victories.  In the 1920s, Vic Richardson, who captained Australia and was arguably the greatest all round sportsman produced by this state, moulded one of the club’s greatest teams.  A great leader who captained the Blues for three decades, he also served the club as chairman for thirty-two years. Renowned for his flamboyance, toughness and fair play, Richardson’s infectious appetite for the game was inherited by his grandsons who achieved great success in the two decades after Ian Chappell made his Test debut in 1964.

Following in the footsteps of his boyhood idol, Gil Langley, described by many as a lovable larrikin, represented his club, state and country with distinction.  Long after his playing days were over, he was a popular member for the Seat of Unley and was at the time, speaker of the Lower House in State Parliament.  Some thirty years after Langley, the immensely talented Wayne Phillips was one of the most exciting batsmen in Australia.  With his marvellous stroke play, “Flipper” entertained crowds both locally and interstate.  Since his retirement, cricket has been lucky as his talent and knowledge have filtered through to youngsters at the Cricket Australia Academy and as coach to the Redbacks. Shaun Tait has also represented his state and country. Tait, at his peak was one of the fastest bowlers in the world.

Others who have made enormous contributions to the growth and success of the Sturt District Cricket Club and cricket in South Australia include Len Darling, who coached the club during the “Golden Era”, Frank Ward, Jack Giles, John Lill, Don Robins, administrators Arthur Thomas, Harry McKay, Ron Scott, Ern Brown, Peter Lovett, Don Howard, Dick McGuire and countless others.  Thomas who was instrumental in the formation of the club in 1897, and McKay who guided it through its first thirty years serve a special mention as do McGuire and Howard.  The last two mentioned made outstanding contributions during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

From the beginning of this millennium the Borgas brothers, Cameron and Jason have played a major part in the on field success of Sturt. Jason has the distinction of being the Club’s all time greatest run scorer. Long serving administrators, Andrew Watson, Hank Middleton and Mick Harper also deserve mention for their service in the 2000’s. Mick Weatherald and Peter Judd both life members, have made outstanding contributions to the club as players and as coaches.