14/03/2026
Sad news on the passing of Eddie Illingworth, who was inducted as a Legend of Victorian Cricket at our 2025 Taverners Legends NIght at the MCG. A wonderful tribute from Canterbury CC https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CSehfFEYE/
Eddie Illingworth was 44 when he arrived at Canterbury in 1983. Eddie came from Fitzroy via Surrey Hills. Eddie had been one of the great fast bowlers and characters in District/Premier for over 20 years. He had represented Victoria, won two District premierships and had played alongside famous players like Jack Potter, Ron Furlong and Gary Watts. He played 233 games and took 599 wickets. Eddie was also an outstanding baseballer, with Westgarth, Fitzroy and Melbourne whose long hitting, fast pitching and safe hands saw him make the Victorian baseball side on numerous occasions and, following a Claxton Shield carnival, he was picked in an All-Australian side.
For a man of 44 Eddie approached his cricket with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. He was an extraordinary athlete. It was if he had elastic joints. He could still bowl quickly, had a nasty bouncer, a late outswinger and knew how to get batsmen out. He was a lovely timer and striker of the ball and made very useful runs down the order. He had safe hands close to the wicket.
Eddie had immediate success in his first season at Canterbury. He led the attack and with support from other bowlers including Hillman, Southall and Dillon Canterbury finished in third place only to be defeated in a disappointing semi-final result by eventual premiers, Richmond City. Eddie made the ESCA team of the year (along with Paul Dillon) and won the Dunstan Medal for the best player in Senior Turf/Dunstan Shield. Eddie again made the ESCA team of the year (as Paul Dillon did again) in 1984-85.
Eddie finally succumbed to a chronic hip problem (it was replaced!) and his final year at Canterbury was 1989. During his six seasons at Canterbury Eddie took 137 wickets and played 53 games.
Eddie continued to play competitive sport into his late 60s and golf in to his early 80s. Eddie loved his sport. He loved the collective joy that only a team sport can bring. He loved the competition. He loved the camaraderie and the long-term friendships that he made. Above all he liked to win.
Victorian sport is unlikely to see the likes of an Eddie Illingworth again. Eddie, from humble beginnings, reached great heights in both baseball and cricket. His sporting record is full of achievements and awards. But what his sporting contemporaries will remember most about Eddie was his generosity of spirit and his humility at both his own and his team’s success and his pleasure at the success of others. Eddie remains highly respected and much-loved by those he played with and against.
- Sam Gardiner
