After the two pre season games last Saturday, this weekend marks the beginning of the new season as the first eleven begin their Section One campaign against Muckamore at Upritchard Park.
The first eleven team over the Winter period have under gone significant change with Jonny Parker taking hold of the captaincy reigns this season from Adam McCusker. Making a return to the club from Cape Town is Kuda Samunderu who is no stranger to Upritchard Park having been an oversee’s player back in 2014 averaging a very impressive 50 with the bat and taking 37 wickets with the ball. As well with his successful coaching background in South Africa, he will be a very welcome addition to a growingly talented young squad with players like Ben Escott & Chris Pyper much improved players following their winter training with the NCU. Joining the 1XI pool of players is batsman Jamie Tackle from London and making a return to Bangor is fast bowler David Kennedy. Following a disappointing season in 2021, hopes are high for better season ahead for the team.
Batsman Andy Pyper remains second eleven captain following the team’s successful return to the Junior League 2 division after last seasons promotion. With a bigger pool of quality first eleven and second players, hopes are also high of not only staving of a relegation battle but also finishing well up the table. The talented third eleven team have Paul Houston remaining as captain following last seasons dramatic clinching of the Junior League 5 title of the last ball of the season. With the team at the lofty heights of Junior League 4 – which for a third eleven team is impressive for any club in the NCU – the challenge for this group of youth & old-timers is to stay in the division which it certainly is capable of with a talented group of players available. Finally, the fourth eleven team have Mohammed Moazzam become captain of the team this season and with a similar blend of youth & seniors to choose from, the team will be eyeing up promotion from Junior League 8A this season.
It’s not all about the seniors though with the clubs ever growing Youth section going from strength to strength. This season we’ll have weekly training sessions from the ages of 5 all the way up to 15 for boys & girls of all abilities with teams playing youth games across the NCU this Summer at U11, U13 & U15 age groups. As well, our very popular summer schemes will be returning again over the school holidays making it another busy and fulfilling summer ahead for all. Full and up-to-date details on how to join as well as dates and times for training are on our Youth webpage.
Next week, the second eleven get their season underway in Junior League 2 at home to Derriaghy seconds. Sunday 8th May is when the third eleven start their season away to Saintfield seconds. After a small wait, the fourth eleven will get their season underway in mid May for their first game away to Ards & Donaghadee third eleven in the cup.
Best of luck to all senior & junior cricketers and coaches this season and here’s to a great summer ahead for all involved!
