Clubs ready to rumble as cricket begins

Clubs ready to rumble as cricket begins

WEATHER permitting, the new cricket season starts this Saturday.

Leading the charge for honours in Section 1 of the NCU are Downpatrick and Dundrum with Drumaness and Saintfield competing in Section 2.

Club officials at Downpatrick Cricket Club have been working strenuously on and off the field throughout the winter months in preparation for Saturday’s home fixture against Woodvale.

There have been a number of changes at Strangford Road since the culmination of the 2013 season, most notably the departure of club captain James Magowan to Premier League outfit Lisburn.

Nevertheless, the club has moved quickly to appoint a new captain in the form of Paul Tate. Paul, who has been an ever present in the Downpatrick 1st XI for over 15 years, will look to use his wealth of experience to inspire an ever-maturing Downpatrick side to mount a serious title challenge in 2014.

The Strangford Road outfit have secured the services of Indian all-rounder Amit Patil as their overseas professional for the 2014 campaign. Amit is a top order batsman and a right arm off-break bowler, and the 30-year old comes to Downpatrick following a fine season with bat and ball in his native India.

Downpatrick have also added former Armagh opening batsman Dean Lester and Dundrum’s Mark Yeates to the ranks at the Strangford Road, and with the continued development of Downpatrick’s home-grown cricketing talent, hopes are high for the 2014 season with as many as five pieces of silverware up for grabs.

The locals have taken part in three pre-season friendlies in recent weeks. Following defeats against North West heavyweights Bready and Eglinton, Downpatrick returned to winning ways when they defeated local rivals Drumaness by 150 runs at the Strangford Road this past Sunday afternoon.

Senior cricket practice is well underway at Downpatrick Cricket Club, and is held at the Strangford Road every Tuesday and Thursday evening throughout the summer from 6.30-8.30pm.

The club has three senior teams, who compete within NCU Senior and Junior Cricket, as well as a midweek side, meaning all levels of ability are catered for. New members are always welcome.

Junior cricket training is also due to begin shortly, with practice sessions commencing on Wednesday, April 30, for all young cricketers from P6 upwards.

Over at Dundrum the loss of Yeates to Downpatrick is a big blow to their aspirations, but the appointment of professional Rahi Kakade, who scored 1,200 runs last season, will have a settling effect on the squad.

The villagers have a good set of juniors coming through, but Section 1 cricket is a very high standard and the new kids on the block will be tested with James Martin, Scott Symington and Terry Hutley putting their reputations on the line.

The bowling will again be led by Andrew Bassett, Lee Connor and Richard Shilliday and there will be plenty of competition for the new ball .

New signing Ashwin Shetty is a very promising Indian all-rounder and will definitely feature with bat and ball. Dundrum spin bowlers Joel Maguire  and Gavin McNerlin will no doubt be crucial for taking wickets and breaking partnerships

Section 1 is ultra competitive and no doubt it will be a massive effort to stay up with a small squad, but the villagers will give a decent account of themselves.

Derek Bailey has taken over as captain of the seconds and he also has a lot on his plate with a very youthful squad, but that can only be good for the future.

Senior practice takes place on Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15pm and U-11 and minis age 6 upwards on Mondays. Under 13 and U-15 practice is on Tuesdays from 6.15-8.30pm.  

Saintfield are approaching the season quietly hopeful of a promotion push to Section 1

This year’s team is strongly based on the 2013 third position in the league side with captain Gareth Harrison having strong support from Byron Woodruff, Philip Murray, Darren and Derrick McCann, Ray McCavery and Adam Sofley.

Bronwell Williams from Cape Town also joins the team as the club’s lead coach for junior and senior sections. Bronwell is a South Africa level 3 coach and as well as concentrating on the junior membership he will be coaching in local schools for the summer term.

Saintfield’s seconds and thirds have a blend of youth and experience and 2nd XI Captain Liam Campbell is looking to consolidate the team in a competitive league section.

U-11, U-13, U-15 and U-17 sides are entered in NCU youth cricket competitions with junior practice commencing on Monday, April 28, from 6.30pm and all are welcome.

It’s a case of pretty much as you were at Drumaness, although Neil Walsh has replaced Neil Gelston as captain.

The club, who are hoping to get an artificial wicket this season, will rely on Neil Gelston, Garry Walsh, James Cunningham, Conor Deegan, Darren Oldroyd and Marty Gartland.

Club stalwart Brendan Gelston is hoping to take a back seat this season, but will always be available if the side needs him.