Former North-West President John McMillan is a familiar sight around Irish cricket, who played himself with great distinction for Eglinton, Limavady and St Johnston. He is perhaps best known for coming in at number three in a cup final and after one over the scoreboard read 30 for 1....

John has selected a well-balanced team packed full of internationals who would give any side a run for their money.

Scott Huey was my captain for ten years when I first took up cricket. What a captain he was - probably ahead of his time in terms of tactics. There was no messing about and he always wanted to win but in the right way. He was professional in every sense, from dress code for the team, attitude and concentration on it. No talking to spectators on the sidelines or you would end up being moved. An international who was one of the greatest cricketers of his era.

Tommy Allen was a tough opening batsman who never hit many sixes during his career but was hard to get out, valuing his wicket dearly. In my team he would be opening the batting with Shaun Bradley. 

Shaun Bradley like Tommy was a left-hander and scored vital runs on many occasions. He was capped by Ireland and would have won many more caps if it weren't for the fact that he played in an era where they were blessed by a number of outstanding keepers. He had terrific footwork and quick hands and his keeping and understanding with Scott Huey had to be seen to be believed.

Stephen Smyth was another international and one of the finest batters of his and indeed many other generations. A left-hander with an impeccable technique who could read match situations perfectly. He could switch through the gears effortlessly. A fine all-round sportsman who was also a fantastic fielder.

RW Taylor was one of the best cricketers in a golden generation of North West cricket. He hit the ball with great timing and power and when he got going was almost impossible to stop. He was very light on his feet and was always immaculately dressed. He certainly made quite an impression on all who met him. One of the best batsman I have ever witnessed.

Stuart Thompson was another international who won 83 caps between 2012 and 2019. On his day he was a very classy left-handed bat who had all the shots. A very useful right-arm bowler who could surprise people with his pace. You get the feeling though he could have done even more with his talent. 

Hendy Wallace was an outstanding professional for Eglinton over 12 seasons. A fearsome fast bowler who exerted bounce from even the most placid of tracks. His batting and hitting developed over the years as he adapted to local conditions. He was a consistent all-rounder whose volume of wickets and runs spoke for themselves. A very popular coach who settled into village life and was a real asset on and off the field. 

Sammy Jeffrey was an excellent all-rounder for the club over many years. He was a fine batsman in the middle order and a superb bowler capable of devastating spells. He bowled with great stamina and heart. He was also a kind, lovely man off the field which ticks a lot of boxes for me. A real club man and the fact that there is a trophy played by NW clubs in his memory speaks volumes.

Nigel Thompson was another Irish international like his son Stuart. Yet another very good all-rounder in a team packed with them. A fine right-arm bowler who could get movement and bounce from the pitch. A fine middle-order batsman who liked to play his shots and could change the dynamic of a game in a short space of time.

Wesley Ferris was another Irish international bowler who moved to the club from Waringstown and became known throughout cricketing circles for his work setting up the Mid-Ulster Cricketing Association that organized so many youth and inter-regional competitions. A fine cricketer who did really well at the club helping them to great success. 

'Blind' Joe McLaughlin was another fine bowler. Renowned for his accuracy he never strayed too far from the stumps and if you missed he invariably hit. 

Others who just missed out included Warren Trotter who was an opening bat in the glory years with a sound technique and flawless temperament, and LC Head who was a legendary player in the glory cup years for Eglinton. Ivan McMichael was a destructive batsman, Billy Young and Billy Henderson were fine determined cricketers who always gave 100% and another who just missed out on selection was Tommy 'Rosie' Moore who was an excellent spin bowler and a simply outstanding fielder who took some memorable catches.

ALL-TIME EGLINTON XI
Scott Huey (capt)
Tommy Allen
Shaun Bradley
Stephen Smyth
RW Taylor
Stuart Thompson
Hendey Wallace
Sammy Jeffrey
Nigel Thompson
Wesley Ferris
Joe McLaughlin