Bangor Cricket Club came together once again for a fantastic Awards Night & Dinner, celebrating another year of growth, achievement, togetherness and ultimately a season to remember. The evening reflected just how far Bangor CC has come on the pitch, off the pitch, and in the strength of the community that continues to build year after year. It was brilliant to see players, coaches, families and volunteers all sharing in the many successes from the season gone.
This season delivered one of the club’s standout achievements in recent memory, with the Men’s 1XI earning promotion to the Premier League in dramatic circumstances in the dying embers of the season. A remarkable milestone and a reward for months of determination, consistency and belief throughout the squad. The Men’s 2XI and 3XI also enjoyed strong campaigns, showcasing the depth and quality running right through the senior squads. That depth was further highlighted by more of our talented youngsters stepping confidently into senior cricket with the 4XI and 5XI. The introduction of a seventh men’s side in the Masters team added another exciting layer to the club, and their run to the final of the inaugural Masters League was a superb achievement in its own right.
The Women’s section enjoyed a hugely successful year, continuing to grow in strength and competitiveness. The 1XI finished an excellent third place in a very strong Section 1 league, while both the 1XI and 2XI reached the semi‑finals of their respective cup competitions. The progress, energy and enthusiasm within the women’s squads has been one of the club’s great success stories in recent years, and the future looks incredibly bright.
Our Youth section remains one of the best and most vibrant in the country, with around 270 young players enjoying their cricket at Bangor. The club’s junior teams brought home an incredible four NCU trophies this season, along with two more titles at the Belfast Wolves Festival, an outstanding return that reflects the talent running through every age group. Many of our young players also represented the NCU with distinction, and a special mention goes to Felix McMillan, who not only starred for the Ireland U15s—including a memorable week of matches at Upritchard Park—but is currently on tour with the Ireland U19 squad in South Africa. A huge thank you goes to all coaches and parents whose dedication ensures our young cricketers continue to thrive.
This year also saw two major developments at Upritchard Park that have already transformed the experience for members. The refurbished clubhouse officially opened last month, featuring modernised changing rooms, a new entrance foyer and several upgrades that bring the facility firmly into the modern era. Earlier in the season, our brand‑new nets facility opened in May and has already made a huge impact for both senior and junior players, providing a top‑class training environment that will benefit the club for many years to come. A massive thank you goes to our members, families, friends and sponsors whose support and generosity made both projects possible. Also, Ward Park has been given a new lease of life with a new astro wicket installed at the historic ground which has seen some high scoring totals put together by teams this season!
As always, the club paid tribute to the people who make Bangor CC tick behind the scenes. Christine and the bar team were thanked warmly for their tireless work and hospitality throughout the season, keeping matchdays running smoothly and the clubhouse buzzing. Our groundsman Barney and his team were once again recognised for their exceptional efforts, producing top‑quality pitches and outfields week after week regardless of the weather. And finally, sincere thanks to the many volunteers and committee members whose continuous hard work keeps the club progressing, organised and welcoming for everyone at Bangor Cricket Club.
Another season complete, another step forward for Bangor Cricket Club. Here’s to an even bigger and better 2027.
Batting Silver Salver’s
Sam McMillan – 109
Men’s 1XI vs Donacloney Mill on 4th May
Felix McMillan – 100*
Men’s 2XI vs CSNI 3XI on 14th June
Zach Kerr – 106
3XI vs Cooke Collegians 2XI on 20th June
Felix McMillan – 128*
Men’s 2XI vs CSNI 3XI on 27th June
Mathew Quinn – 101*
4XI vs BISC 4xi on 27th June
Mark Hutchinson – 114
Men’s 1XI vs Carrickfergus on 1st August
Jonathan Keenan – 121*
Men’s 2XI vs Cregagh 2XI on 22nd August
Bowling Silver Salver’s
Daniel McIlwaine – 5/22
3XI vs Instonians 3XI on 13th June
Chris Pyper – 6/24
Men’s 1XI vs Saintfield on 20th June
George Prince – 6/20
Men’s 1XI vs Cregagh on 27th June
Max Walker – 5/24
Men’s 2XI vs Cregagh 2XI on 3rd July
Jacob Campbell – 6-34
Men’s 2XI vs Lisburn 3XI on 1st August
Josh Bates – 6/58
Men’s 1XI vs Lurgan on 22nd August
Women’s Awards
2XI Player of the Season – Sophia Farrington
Breakthrough Player of the Season – Charlotte Kennedy, Lucy Hutchinson, Maddie Keenan, Rene Rankin
Bowling Cup – Laura Tonks 21 Wickets, an average of 9.19
Batting Cup – Laura Tonks 550 Runs, an average of 67.89
Kirsty Merriman Performance of the Season – Emma Hutchinson
– 53* and 3-21 in the 1XI’s 32 Run win against Muckamore 2XI
Young Player of the Season – Megan Stranaghan
1XI Player of the Season – Brooke Stranaghan
Men’s Awards
1XI Player of the Season – Seb Yeates
2XI Player of the Season – Felix McMillan
3XI Player of the Season – Daniel McIlwaine
4XI Player of the Season – Iain Chapman
5XI Player of the Season – Reuben McDowell
Midweek Player of the Season – James Monaghan
Masters Player of the Season – Chris Escott
Batting Cup – Mark English 467 Runs, an average of 116.75
Bowling Cup – Max Walker 25 Wickets, an average of 13.00
Performance of the Season – George Prince
– Bowling figures of 3-19, removing three of Saintfield’s top five batters in the Men’s 1XI tie against Saintfield which confirmed promotion to the Premier League
Young Player of the Season – Felix McMillan
Club Awards
Special Recognition – Mark Thallon
Special Recognition – Carol Clark
The John Kennedy Bat for Clubman of the Year – Mark Hutchinson & Michael Keenan
