Neil Eldridge - Life Member of Hawkesbury Cricket Club

Hawkesbury Cricket Club has been blessed with several long term scorers in its 40 year history. Merilyn Fowler (née Earle) was our first great scorer. The daughter of the Hawks first great man Owen Earle, Merilyn scored for the Hawks 1st grade side for 25 years, from the inaugural season 1985 until 2010. She also achieved many representative honours at all levels, culminating in a Test Match at Lords.

Joan Lalor was the club’s next scoring legend. Joan began scoring her son Kevin’s games in 1993, before going on to score for all Hawks lower grades for the next 27 years until finally calling time in 2019.

Merilyn and Joan are two of our most worthy Life Members. Their contributions to the Club will live long.

When Merilyn retired, the Hawks were uncertain that she could be replaced. Little did everyone know that player Lachlan Eldridge’s dad Neil had quietly coveted the position, waiting for the opportunity when Merilyn finished up. Neil jumped at the opening and has made the position his for the last 15 years. As well as his scoring prowess, Neil has gained a reputation for his entertaining and amusing card tricks. Any new scorer or player to come to Bensons Lane is a potential addition to Neil’s long list of card-trick pupils. Many a new “victim” has been put through Neil’s repertoire.

A retired secondary PE teacher, Neil also enjoys competing in lawn bowls competitions and local poker tournaments.
In recognition of his wonderful contribution to the Club over many years, Neil was recently inducted as the 20th Life Member of Hawkesbury Cricket Club.

Our collective thanks to Neil for all his efforts and commitment to the Club. We all look forward to having you “on deck” for many more years to come.