Eric Higgins - Gloucester’s finest cricket product

Country Cricket NSW | August 26, 2023

Touted as Gloucester’s finest cricket product and most decorated player, Eric Higgins began his cricket career as a Gloucester junior - Gloucester Sports Committee

In 1974 he was selected to attend a NSW country coaching clinic in Sydney, where he scored an unbeaten 101 runs against a combined Green Shield team at the SCG.

Eric played a leading role in the Gloucester team’s win against Manning, Hastings and Macleay in the Mid North Coast inter-district First XI competition in 1975/86.

Eric was a Northern NSW Emu representative where he is listed as the all-time highest century maker, scoring a record four centuries.

Northern NSW Emu Colts - 1977

Back Row - R. Porter, P. Tolhurst, E. Higgins, I. Neely, P. Greenaway, K. Otte, J. McNamara (Manager)

Front Row – C. Hangar, W. O’Brien, G. Bensley, R. Bryant, G. Morgan, P. Clifford

Eric then moved to Sydney where he played first grade for the Randwick and Penrith Clubs.

Whilst at Penrith, he was described by his then captain, former test player Ian Davis, as “the finest fieldsman in all grades of cricket” he had played alongside. Eric is Penrith first grade player No 55.

When Eric moved to Inverell, he became heavily involved with the Inverell Association both as a player, coach and administrator. As a coach, he prepared the juniors for their move into senior cricket, guiding them to B-grade premierships and a successful transition to A-grade where they were immediate premiers.

Eric completed four terms as the President of Inverell District Cricket Association, also serving as publicity officer during this time. He also volunteered his time as a turf wicket curator and an umpire and in 2014 was made a Life Member of the Inverell Cricket Association.

Eric was captain of the New England over 60 representative team in 2018, at which time he was named in the Australian over 60 team to tour New Zealand in February, 2019.

Eric has also represented NSW Veterans.