We caught up with the Captain Jonny Parker ahead of this weekends Junior Cup Final to get his thoughts on the game and the occasion of a home Junior Cup Final.
What are the thoughts and feelings ahead of the cup final?
One of the only things of unfortunately getting relegated from section 1 last season was the opportunity it afforded to play in what is an historic and prestigious competition that is the Junior Cup. Thinking back to the golden summer Bangor CC had in 2004 when the club had it’s most successful season. The 2nd XI’s Junior Cup success, then played over two days, sat very proudly alongside the 1st XI winning the Premier League (then section 1).
For you personally, how will it feel captaining Bangor at a home Junior Cup Final?
In short, it will be an immensely proud day. Bangor Cricket Club has some of the finest and dedicated volunteers in local sport and to have a day like a Junior Cup Final at your home ground is an occasion that rewards all the efforts that go on behind the scenes.
As soon as it was confirmed, we used the motivation of the final being at Upritchard Park as real motivation to do all we could do try and be a part of that occasion. Taking the field just before the beginning of our semi-final, it was the last thing I reminded the team of and how a home, Junior Cup Final will be something we will look back on when we hang the spikes up.
What are the highlights from the cup run so far?
The overarching highlight from the cup run thus far is undoubtedly the run chase in the semi-final against a very good Downpatrick side. To chase down 173 in 28 overs on a slow outfield against a good bowling attack is something I look back at with great pride and special mention must go to Andrew Kirkpatrick on what was a special innings.
A word on the opponents Lurgan?
Lurgan is a team we know well and have had many very close games with in recent years. They are coming into the final in great form and have beaten some very good Junior 1 sides on their journey. They are quite an experienced side with good options with bat and bowl, and will no doubt enter Saturday’s showpiece in confidence.
What will it mean for the club to win?
The proudest commodity we have in Bangor Cricket Club is undoubtedly our youth section. In the past few years it has gone from strength to strength and to have a showcase final such as the Junior Cup to be played at Upritchard Park and have Bangor CC represented will hopefully further encourage these talented youngsters to continue their journey within the sport and further inspire them to be a future 1st XI cricketer and play in such occasions themselves.
