The history of cricket in the Manilla district dates back to at least 1873. Matches up until the start of the twentieth century were organised by clubs amoungst themselves being of a challenge or picnic nature. The Manilla Cricket Club was one of the first playing matches against Keepit, Tamworth, Barraba and Halls Creek. Other prominent local clubs of the period were Bronzewings and Upper Manilla. The formation of the Association in 1901-02 season saw the commencement of competition cricket. Keepit, Manilla, Attunga, The Junction and Half Holiday were the original foundation teams. The first premiership trophy was the Anderson Shield which Keepit Cricket Club won in the first three seasons and thus by doing so took ownership of the shield. Between 1906 and 1910 no competition cricket was played, with teams again playing on a challenge basis. With the outbreak of the Great War cricket competition was suspended. Competition resumed in the 1919-20 season with the game flourishing until the impact of the Great Depression. But in 1932-33 the Association boasted 204 registered players with two grades and a Sunday competition played. In 1936 the first turf wicket was laid. The Association went into recess during World War II and was reformed in 1945-46 but matches were played on a picnic basis. Competition cricket resumed in the 1946-47 season with teams playing for the C.J. Byrnes Shield. This Shield is still the symbol of supremacy in Manilla cricket. The turf wicket at Brady Park was installed in 1960 whilst the Chaffey Park turf wicket was laid by the Apex Club in 1970. Manilla and District Cricket Association is an active participant in North West cricket. Season 2005-06 saw the Manilla district side claim the MA Connolly cup in the inaugural Northern Inland Cricket League 2nd XI competition.