Northern Cricket Union
NCU Premier League 2024
Top 6
P | W | T | NR | L | Pts | NRR | |
Waringstown | 14 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 44 | 0.91 |
Woodvale | 14 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 36 | 0.43 |
Lisburn | 14 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 32 | 0.43 |
Cliftonville Academy | 14 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 32 | -0.05 |
Muckamore | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 28 | -0.16 |
North Down | 14 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 16 | -0.65 |
Muckamore lost to Lisburn by 27 runs
Moylena, 7 September.


Lisburn ensured a third place finish in the table with a 27-run win over Muckamore at Moylena. Nigel Jones put behind a recent lean spell with the bat to top score with 91 (8 fours, 3 sixes) sharing stands of 65 for the third wicket with Neil Whitworth (27), and 115 for the fifth with Matthew Humphreys, who hit 5 fours and cleared the ropes three times in his 53. A total of 253 would be a tough chase but Sathish Suresh followed up his five wickets haul with a rapid 39-ball 53 (9 fours, 2 sixes) in an opening stand of 83 with Jamie Jackson. Ben Caltiz (77) and Jason van der Merwe (28) continued the strong start and at 151 for 2 the hosts looked favourites. However, Hunphreys (4-43), Whitworth (2-35) and Mark Adair (2-46) combined to bowl them out for 226 - eight wickets falling for 75.
Woodvale beat North Down by 125 runs
Ballygomartin Road, 6 September.



An opening partnership of 119 between Harry Warke and Ruhan Pretorius set Woodvale on their way to a win in what was the final game of the season for both sides. Pretorius powered on to an unbeaten century adding a further 97 runs with Ronan Restieaux. There was to be no challenge from North Down after an initial opening flurry from Ali Shields, 2x4 and 2x6 in his 9 ball 25 as after his departure in the third over wickets fell at regular intervals, the last four for only 4 runs to the spin of James Rose and Johnny Burnside.
Waringstown beat North Down by 9 wickets
The Lawn, 1 September.



A real end of season feel to the game with both sides agreeing to reduce this rearranged Match 1 fixture to a 20 overs per side game. Ani Chore and Tom Crothers added 86 for the second wicket after the departure of Mo Aahil but the long tail failed to wag against the pace of Graham Hume and James Mitchell. Easy pickings in the chase for Dennison and McCollum as they traded in boundaries - McCollum 5x4, 5x6 and Dennison 8x4 in a bowling card to forget for North Down.
North Down lost to Muckamore by 20 runs
Comber, 31 August.


Muckamore prevailed by 20 runs in a high scoring contest against North Down at Comber. Ben Calitz top-scored with a fluent 80, hitting eight boundaries - the same as Luke Allen (67*) who added an unbroken 61 in just 34 balls for the 9th wicket with Shane Henderson (39*). Those late runs were needed as Ani Chore's 137 from 140 balls (13 fours, 3 sixes) looked to be steering the hosts to victory. James Shannon made a rapid 18-ball 43 but Muckamore prevailed with three wickets for Sathish Suresh.
Cliftonville Academy lost to Lisburn by 18 runs
Castle Grounds, 31 August.


Lisburn beat Cliftonville Academy by 18 runs in a contest reduced to 30 overs per side. Lisburn looked in trouble at 38 for 4 and 87 for 6 but a seventh wicket stand of 67 between James Hunter and Matthew Humphreys transformed their fortunes. Hunter hit 6 fours and a six in a top score of 53, while Humphreys cleared the ropes three times in his 42 as Lisburn made 180. Varun Chopra's even time 45 took CA to 93 for 3 in the chase, but he was one of four wickets for Ryan Macbeth, while there were three for Josh Manley and two for Matthew Humphreys in an 18-run win.
Woodvale lost to Waringstown by 2 wickets
Ballygomartin Road, 31 August.


Waringstown claimed the Premiership title with a nail-biting win over their nearest challengers Woodvale. The Ballygomartin side produced a solid batting effort to get to 196 with Carl Robinson top-scoring with 37, and 27 apiece for Jamie Gibson and Ronan Restieaux. Greg Thompson claimed four wickets while James Mitchell picked up two, including the prize scalp of Ruhan Pretorius for just a single. Pretorius removed Adam Dennison for 0 as the chase got off to a nervy start. James McCollum (41) shared stands of 44 with Sam Topping (24) and Matthew Halliday (40), with the latter adding a further 61 with Graham Hume to take the visitors to 149 for 3. There was a bit of a late wobble, but Hume's unbeaten 55 (4 fours, 3 sixes) ensured the two wickets win that brought the trophy to The Lawn.
Greg Thompson after Waringstown won the Premier League
Woodvale v North Down - Match postponed.
Ballygomartin Road, 24 August.


Muckamore lost to Cliftonville Academy by 4 wickets (DLS)
Moylena, 24 August.



Jared Wilson's brilliant hundred led Cliftonville Academy to a four wickets win against Muckamore in an entertaining game at Moylena. Ben Calitz continued his recent good form with a hard hit 42-ball 64 (4 fours, 5 sixes), while there were runs too for Jason van der Merwe (40) and Kyllin Vardhan (30) in the home side's abbreviated first innings - they were on 197 for 7 in the 34th when it was halted. Set 213 in 30 overs, CA were given a brisk start by Francis Collins 40 from 34 balls (7 fours, 1 six). They still needed 90 from 10 overs with five wickets down, but in Jared Wilson they had just the player for the situation. The Warrior cleared the ropes 8 times as well as hitting 6 fours in an unbeaten 102 from just 58 deliveries. His stand of 82 in 8 overs with Matty McCord (21) was the match defining one, with victory sealed in the penultimate over.
Lisburn lost to Waringstown by 22 runs (DLS)
Wallace Park, 24 August.



Graham Hume's first senior hundred for Waringstown was the catalyst for a hard-fought 22-run win at Lisburn that takes them one win from ensuring the title will be destined for the Lawn. Sam Topping (43) and Mathew Halliday (30) laid a solid platform, and Hume in conjunction with skipper Greg Thompson built on it with a 5th wicket stand of 110 that took them to 248 for 7 in 47 overs. Hume's unbeaten 105 came at better than a run-a-ball (98) and included 10 fours and 4 sixes. Thompson was happy to play second fiddle in his 31. The chase got off to a quick start with Johnny Waite hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes in his 42, adding 72 for the first wicket with Faiz Fazal (29). James Cameron-Dow's left-arm spin was yet again an effective weapon breaking the partnership, while going on to claim 4-37, while Thompson got the prize scalp of Fazal. There were two wickets each for James Mitchell and Bilalwal Bhatti as Lisburn ended on 189 for 9 - 22 adrift of their adjusted DLS target of 212 in 35 overs. Waringstown will be crowned champions if they win at Woodvale next Saturday.
Waringstown beat Muckamore by 73 runs
The Lawn, 17 August.



Morgan Topping's century was the highlight of a statement win that took Waringstown to the top of the table with a 73-run win at The Lawn over Muckamore. James McCollum's 86 (9 fours, 1 six) in a second wicket stand of 124 with Adam Dennison (40) laid the perfect platform for the hosts, and there are few better placed to take advantage of that than Topping. The Ireland A batsman was at his destructive best, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes in his 66-ball unbeaten 103, sharing an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 174 in 18 overs with Graham Hume - the left-hander no slouch either in his 77 not out (9 fours, 1 six). A total of 336 for 3 was an imposing one, but to their credit the Moylena side made a brave fist of it - Ben Calitz (65) adding 95 for the second wicket with Kyllin Vardhan (47). Mark Gleghorne (49) and Jason van der Merwe (34) chipped in but three wickets for James Mitchell ensured a 73-run win that cements their title favourites tag.
Woodvale lost to Lisburn by 48 runs (DLS)
Ballygomartin Road, 17 August.



Faiz Fazal was again in the runs as Lisburn dented Woodvale's title ambitions with a 48-run (DLS) win. The Indian opener top-scored with 94, helping the Wallace Park side recover from 26 for 3 - all three to Ruhan Pretorius - to post 257 for 8. Faiz added 99 for the fourth wicket with Glenn Halliday (38), with runs too for James Hunter (49*) and David Miller (32). Matthew Humphreys claimed the scalps of three of Woodvale's main men - Ruhan Pretorius, Ludwig Kaestner, and Harry Warke as the hosts ended 170 for 9 in a rain-affected innings that saw their target eventually reduced to 219 in 32 overs.
North Down lost to Cliftonville Academy by 139 runs
Comber, 17 August.



Cliftonville Academy piled on the runs at Comber to win a high scoring game by 139 runs. Kian Hilton thumped 16 fours and a six in his better than even time 122, adding 183 for the third wicket with Varun Chopra, who made 85 (9 fours, 3 sixes). If the hosts thought getting rid of the pair and overseas professional Abhishek Raut would calm the jets of CA, then they were sadly mistaken as the runs kept coming, Jared Wilson thumped a 17-ball unbeaten 55 (4 fours, 5 sixes) adding 87 in 32 balls for the sixth wicket with Matty McCord, whose 16-ball 32 (2 fours, 3 sixes) took the total up to 337 for 5. Alistair Shields 63-ball 87 (11 fours, 3 sixes) saw him and Tom Crothers (40) put on 81 for the 3rd wicket, but they fell well short on 198 - four wickets for Matty McCord, and two each for Wilson and Raut in what was in effect a rout.
Lisburn beat North Down by 9 wickets
Wallace Park, 10 August.



Lisburn beat North Down by nine with Indian professional Faiz Fazal making 83 not out as he and Jonathan Waite (57) shared an opening stand of 146, making light work of their modest 170 target. Three wickets apiece for Mark Adair and Josh Manley had done the major damage, with the visitors needing a late rally from Kerwin Mungroo who hit three sixes in an unbeaten 42 to get to 169. It wasn't nearly enough as Lisburn didn't have to get out of first gear to clinch the easiest of victories.
Cliftonville Academy lost to Waringstown by 9 wickets
Castle Grounds, 10 August.



Waringstown flexed their muscles as they steamrollered Cliftonville Academy, who were reduced to 14 for four by a combination of Test bowlers Graham Hume and Bilawal Bhatti, plus James Mitchell. Abishek Raut and Jared Wilson staged a fightback with a stand of 73, but once it was broken the last six wickets tumbled for just 24 runs. Matthew Halliday wasted no time knocking off the modest 114 target, hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes in his 44-ball unbeaten 73 to clinch the nine-wicket win in the 14th over.
Woodvale beat Muckamore by 60 runs
Ballygomartin Road, 10 August.



Waringstown and Woodvale look destined for a title shoot-out in the last match of the season after both recorded convincing wins against two of their title challengers. Ruhan Pretorius top-scored with 93 to take his season aggregate through the 1000-run milestone, adding 103 for the seventh wicket with Carl Robinson (46), after Woodvale had collapsed from 75 for none to 119 for six against Muckamore. The Senior Cup holders looked on target to chase down 245 as they reached 135 for 3 in the chase, with Jason van der Merwe and Ben Calitz making half centuries. The dismissal of Van Der Merwe sparked a collapse of six wickets for 15 runs, with Ludwig Kaestner and Paul Robinson doing the damage as Woodvale eased to a 60-run win to stay top.
Cliftonville Academy beat Woodvale by 5 wickets (DLS)
Castle Grounds, 3 August.


Woodvale missed the chance to extend to their lead at the top of the Premiership table after a five-wickets loss at Cliftonville Academy. Rory Bessell claimed four wickets as the Ballygomartin Road side slumped to 56 for 6 and 103 for 9, but got up to 160 thanks to a last wicket stand of 57 between Jamie Gibson and James Martin as well as the boost of 35 extras. The hosts were in trouble as they slipped to 56 for four in the reply, but a half century from professional Abishek Raut and 40 from Jared Wilson in a fifth wicket stand of 89 saw them home. They now join Muckamore and Waringstown on 24 points, the trio breathing down the necks of Woodvale who remain on 28.
Bottom 4
P | W | T | NR | L | Pts | NRR | |
Instonians | 15 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 28 | 0.32 |
CSNI | 15 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 28 | -0.16 |
CIYMS | 15 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 24 | 0.22 |
Carrickfergus | 15 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 12 | -1.34 |
CIYMS beat CSNI by 1 wicket
Belmont, 7 September.



3 Sixes from Tyron Koen in the 48th over turned this into a nail biter, CIYMS home by the narrowest of margins with a ball to spare. The result was tough on Marc Ellison who scored his 7th hundred for the Stormont side, and his first since 2019.
Instonians beat Carrickfergus by 270 runs
Shaw's Bridge, 7 September.



Four centuries in the game as Instonians piled the agony on relegated Carrickfergus - Carmichael, McKinley and Rock with the runs for the home side and the fourth centurion? - Alex Haggan who conceded 108 in his 10 overs. A quickfire opening to the reply from Michael Gilmour, but once the breakthrough had been made it was a hopeless task that faced the visitors. The innings folding with Andrew White and Ben Rose mopping up the long tail.
CSNI beat Carrickfergus by 4 wickets
Stormont, 31 August.


Defeat today for Carrick means that tomorrow's 20 over match with CIYMS is a must win for them if their Premiership journey is to last to their final game versus Instonians next Saturday. Batting first, Carrick lost both openers for 0, but recovered thanks to a run-a-ball 64 (6 fours, 3 sixes) from Jake Egan, while Alex Haggan made 62. Chasing 180 Seb Yeates' 57 (5 fours, 1 six) gave them a solid start, finished by an unbeaten 39 from Stuart Thompson.
Instonians lost to CIYMS by 3 wickets
Shaw's Bridge, 31 August.


CIYMS gave themselves some breathing space in the relegation battle as they chased 244 to beat Instonians by three wickets at Shaw's Bridge. Nikolai Smith top-scored with 74 (6 fours, 3 sixes) adding 72 for the 6th wicket with Jack Dickson, whose 45 included 2 fours and 3 sixes. The game was in the balance as the Belmont side reached 137 for 5 in the reply, but Max Burton's 49-ball 62 (4 fours, 3 sixes) swayed the contest as he added 84 for the sixth wicket with Carson McCullough (38) to all but settle the contest.
Carrickfergus v CIYMS - No result
Middle Road, 1 September .


No play possible at Middle Road in what was a must-win game for the home side hoping to prolong their stay in the Premier League. Relegation confirmed with their final game versus Instonians still to play next Saturday.
Carrickfergus v CIYMS. Match postponed.
Middle Road, 24 August.


CSNI lost to Instonians by 71 runs (DLS)
Stormont, 24 August.



Andrew White's unbeaten 115 helped Instonians to a 71-run win over CSNI at Stormont. The veteran all-rounder helped the Shaw's Bridge side recover from 26/3 and 64/4 to post an imposing 320 for 7. 'Whitey' added 114 for the 5th wicket with Cade Carmichael - whose rapid 67-ball 83 included 9 fours and 2 sixes. He then put shared further stands of 62 for the 5th with Cian Robertson (22) and 72 for the 6th with Ben Rose (30). White hit 15 fours and one maximum in his 106-ball knock. Rain meant a tough ask became even tougher with the hosts not getting close to to their target of 285. Jordan Neill (52) and Marc Ellison (34) did well in a second wicket stand of 76, but three wickets from Ben Rose and two apiece from James Magee and Cian Robertson stalled their momentum.
Carrickfergus lost to CSNI by 9 wickets (DLS)
Middle Road, 17 August.



Carrickfergus are running out of games as they look to avoid relegation, slipping to a 9-wickets (DLS) loss at home to CSNI. Teenagers James West, Harry Dyer and Adam Leckey took a combined seven wickets as Carrick slipped from 70-2 to 117 all out - Michael Gilmour's 28 their best effort. Rain showers meant an eventual target of 86 in 29 overs, and another teenager Jordan Neill made sure of a stress-free chase, hitting 8 fours and a six in his unbeaten half century, adding 78 for the second wicket with Marc Ellison 31* (who tells me his teenage years are long behind him). Carrickfergus need in all probability at least two wins from their last two games to have any chance of avoiding the dreaded drop, with their home match next week against CIYMS a 'must-win'.
CIYMS beat Instonians by 82 runs (DLS)
Belmont, 17 August.



It's been a good week for Ross Adair who once again unleashed his 'Hammer of Thor' bat onto the bowlers, with Instonians this time bearing the brunt of his pyrotechnics. Adair didn't get many steps in as he crunched 78 of his 49-ball 89 in boundaries (9 fours, 7 sixes) sharing an opening stand of 108 in 13.3 overs with Chris Dougherty (66). Three wickets for Andy White set up an opening at 220 for 7, but an 8th wicket stand of 79 between Carson McCullough (63*) and Adam Heasley (24*) took the target to 300 and out of Instonians reach. Ollie Metcalfe made an even time 54 (8 fours) but in truth CIYMS were always comfortable - three wickets for Adair, plus two apiece for Jacob Mulder, Allen Coulter and McCullough clinching the 82-run win.
Carrickfergus lost to Instonians by 5 wickets
Middle Road, 10 August.



Carrickfergus remain bottom after they lost by five wickets at home to Instonians. Jake Egan hit seven sixes in a top score of 84 as the Middle Road side made 186. There were two wickets apiece for Robert McKinley, Cian Robertson, Cade Carmichael and teenage spinner Ben Walsh. The hosts unveiled another replacement overseas player, South African paceman Renaldo Meyer, but despite two wickets, he couldn’t stop the defending champions as they eased their relegation worries. Cade Carmichael thumped seven fours and four sixes in a quickfire 70, adding 77 in 50 balls for the third wicket with Irish international Neil Rock (38). An interesting sidenote is that Ben Walsh and Renaldo Meyer shared identical figures of 9 overs, 2 for 42. One cost his grandad a McDonalds on the way home, the other a bit more I'm guessing..
CSNI beat CIYMS by 5 wickets
Stormont, 10 August.



CIYMS stayed above Carrickfergus on Nett-Run-Rate after they lost to fellow strugglers CSNI. Ross Adair crashed 10 fours and 4 sixes in a typically hard-hit 55-ball 82, but after that the Belmont side lost their way somewhat to finish on 242. Jordan Neill and Ryan Hunter put a dent in the chase with an opening partnership of 107, and former New Zealand Under-19 international Marc Ellison showed his experience making an unbeaten 76 in the five-wicket win.
Instonians beat CSNI by 8 wickets (DLS)
Shaw's Bridge, 3 August.


Instonians had a welcome win as they proved too strong for CSNI at Shaw’s Bridge. Former New Zealand U19 international Marc Ellison’s 57 was the best of the Stormont’s side 223, with James Lambert picking up four wickets. Rain meant an adjusted target of 173 in 35 overs, but ‘Inst’ didn’t have to get out of second gear thanks to an unbeaten 52 from Robert McKinley, who shared an opening stand of 72 with Ollie Metcalfe (46), while Irish international Neil Rock cleared the ropes four times in his 22-ball 45.
CIYMS beat Carrickfergus by 78 runs (DLS)
Belmont, 3 August.



Carrickfergus flew in former South African professional Jacques Snyman on a one-off basis for their clash with CIYMS at Belmont, but it was Ross Adair who stole the show. The Irish international clubbed six sixes and six fours in a top score of 72 from just 32 balls – taking 26 alone off the second over of the day bowled by the unfortunate Prince Sharma. He dominated an opening stand of 85 in just 7.2 overs with Chris Dougherty, who was content to play second fiddle on his way to 65 as the hosts posted 274 for eight. Carson McCullough claimed four wickets in the chase, including the prize scalp of Snyman for 15, as Carrick were bowled out for 180 and now see themselves bottom of the table, behind CIYMS on Nett Run Rate.
First Phase
P | W | T | NR | L | Pts | NRR | |
Woodvale | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 28 | 0.44 |
Waringstown | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 0.44 |
Muckamore | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 0.12 |
Cliftonville Academy | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 20 | -0.05 |
Lisburn | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 0.21 |
North Down | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 16 | 0.16 |
CSNI | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 16 | -0.31 |
Instonians | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 12 | -0.46 |
Carrickfergus | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 12 | -0.63 |
CIYMS | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 | -0.03 |
Cliftonville Academy beat North Down by 60 runs
Castle Grounds, 28 July.


A win for North Down looking highly unlikely at the half way stage of their innings with 105 more needed off the second ten! They were in fourth place in the table this morning - someone must know how many they need to score to avoid dropping to seventh tonight. Calculators out? Well in the end they keep their place in the top 6 - just! The bottom 4 makes interesting reading - current PL Champions Instonians, CIYMS, CSNI and Carrickfergus. Can't imagine they would be the first relegation candidates that would have sprung to mind at the start of the season.
North Down lost to Woodvale by 8 runs
Comber, 28 July.


Woodvale back to the top of the Premier League table after the win. North Down back in action this afternoon versus Cliftonville Academy - the final PL match before the mid season 'split'. The final place in the Top Six is still uncertain and a defeat depending on the margin could see either drop below CSNI on NRR.
Carrickfergus beat CIYMS by 8 wickets
Middle Road, 24 July.


Waringstown lost to Cliftonville Academy by 9 runs
The Lawn, 24 July.


Muckamore beat CSNI by 7 wickets
Moylena, 22 July.


Match 2 - Rain delayed start, match reduced to 8 overs.
Lisburn lost to Instonians by 9 runs (DLS)
Wallace Park, 22 July.


Match 2 - late start reduced to 18 overs. Rain interrupted and further reduced to 13 overs.
Cliftonville Academy v North Down - Match abandoned
Castle Grounds, 21 July.


The other game, at the Castle Grounds was abandoned after just 26 balls, after Kerwin Mungroo slipped and fell twice in his delivery stride.
Instonians lost to Carrickfergus by 3 runs (DLS)
Shaw's Bridge, 21 July.


In the Premier League, Carrickfergus ended defending champions Instonians’ hopes of making it into the post-split top six with a three runs victory at Shaw’s Bridge. Professional Ruan Haasbroek hit 77 (six fours and four sixes) for the basement side, who had won only one of their first seven games as Carrick were bowled out for 182. Two rain interruptions gave Instonians a final victory target of 155 in 39 overs and once captain CJ van der Walt bowled Neil Rock for 60, the visitors were favourites.
Carrickfergus v CIYMS. Match postponed.
Middle Road, 20 July.


Lisburn v Instonians - Match postponed
Wallace Park, 20 July.


Waringstown v Cliftonville Academy - Match postponed
The Lawn, 20 July.


Muckamore v CSNI - Match postponed
Moylena, 20 July.


North Down v Woodvale - Match postponed
Comber, 20 July.


Woodvale beat Cliftonville Academy by 48 runs
Ballygomartin Road, 14 July.


Woodvale had a morale boosting win after their cup disappointment to draw level on points at the top of the Premiership with Waringstown following a 48-run win at home to Cliftonville Academy. Their total of 192 owed much to overseas professional Ludwig Kaestner who made almost half of their runs, hitting 5 fours and a six in his 92. He shared a third wicket stand of 63 with Ruhan Pretorius (26) but there wasn't much else in the way of support. The chase started slowly for CA, who adopted a cautious approach following the early losses of Neil Cahill and Kian Hilton. Varun Chopra's 42 got them to 83 for 3, before both he and Abhishek Raut fell in quick succession - that man Kaestner (3-32) again right in the thick of the action. Jared Wilson's 32 had the game once again in the balance at 134 for 5, but the end came quickly as they crumbled to 144 all out - three wickets also for Ruhan Pretorius and Aditya Adey.
Lisburn lost to Muckamore by 1 wicket
Wallace Park, 14 July.


Game of the day was at Wallace Park were the two Senior Cup finalists served up a real treat that shows the decider in two weeks' time has all the potential for a real classic. Nigel Jones top-scored for the hosts with 57, while there were runs too for Glenn Halliday (34), Jonathan Waite (28) and Neil Whitworth (27) in their total of 214. Shane Henderson's recent good form continued with a five-wicket haul, while there were two wickets for Sathish Suresh. Ryan Macbeth accounted for both openers cheaply, but a third wicket stand of 69 between Mark Cleghorne (48) and Jason van der Merwe (37) put Muckamore on top. Indeed, the Moylena side looked set for a comfortable win when Ben Caltiz (51) and Luke Allen (37) shared a 5th wicket stand of 75. At 189 for 4 it seemed a formality, but Lisburn fought back with Macbeth getting Calitz, and when he bowled skipper Neil Gill, two were still needed with the last pair at the crease. Amidst incredible pressure and tension, Shane Henderson and Pavan Karthik each got a single, to complete a Carlsberg weekend. Never mind the cup, anyone fancy the double for the Moylena side in their 150th year?
North Down lost to Waringstown by 140 runs
Comber, 13 July.


Sam Topping's 97 and five wickets for James Cameron-Dow ensured an emphatic 140-run win for Waringstown at North Down. Topping - on the books of Sussex - hit 9 fours and two sixes in his knock, laying the perfect platform in an opening stand of 84 with Adam Dennison. Skipper Greg Thompson added 36, while there were 20s for Morgan Topping, JCD, and Graham Hume in a total of 282 for 9 - three wickets for Ali Shields. Mohammed Aahil (42) and Shields (26) got the Comber side to 67 for 1 in the chase, but Cameron-Dow's five wicket haul saw them dismissed for 142. The win takes Waringstown four points clear at the top, although Woodvale will have the chance to draw level as they take on Cliftonville Academy on Sunday.
CSNI beat CIYMS by 5 wickets (DLS)
Stormont, 6 July.


Teenage spinners Harry Dyer (4-12) and James West (2-29) bowled CSNI to victory in the only Premiership action of the day. Ross Adair's 54 the best of their 126 for 8 in 25 overs. Marc Ellison (32) and Ryan Hunter (28) gave the solid base required as they chased their adjusted 122 in 24 overs to win with two balls left - Adam Leckey striking a four to seal the win.
Muckamore beat Woodvale by 3 wickets
Moylena, 29 June.


Muckamore got their fourth league win of what has been a successful season for the Moylena side as they chased 214 to beat league leaders Woodvale by three wickets. A third wicket partnership of 101 between top-scorer Ruhan Pretorius (67) and Harry Warke (64) helped the Ballygomartin Road side to 213 for 9 - three wickets for Pavan Karthik and Sathish Suresh. The chase was a successful one with the pivotal partnership being 71 for the fourth wicket between Jason van der Merwe (44) and Ben Calitz (42). There were also vital runs in the closing stages for Jamie Magowan (28), Luke Allen (24) and skipper Neil Gill (15*).
CIYMS beat Instonians by 8 wickets
Belmont, 29 June.



CIYMS picked up a welcome win as they eased past an out of sorts Instonians by 8 wickets at Belmont. The visitors innings never really got going with Neil Rock's 30 the best of a modest 132. Bamanye Xenxe claimed four wickets, while there were three for left-armer Mark Best and two for Tyron Koen. John Matchett fell in the first over of the reply, before Chris Dougherty and Max Burton dug in to grind out a 39-run stand for the second wicket. The arrival of Koen to the middle sparked an increase in tempo with the big left-hander thumping 10 fours in an unbeaten 57, adding 93 for the third wicket with Dougherty, whose 51 not out included 7 fours.
Carrickfergus lost to North Down by 7 wickets
Middle Road, 29 June.



Ani Chore's unbeaten century led North Down to a comfortable 7-wickets win at bottom of the table Carrick. The inclusion of Craig Young in the Comber side's ranks gave the bowling unit a boost, with the paceman claiming four wickets and Josh Corbett three as the home side were dismissed for 175. Sam Gordin top-scored with 40, while Prince Sharma hit a breezy unbeaten 38 (6 fours, 1 four) as wickets tumbled around him. The chase was dominated by Chore, whose unbeaten 106 from 111 balls included 11 boundaries, sharing stands of 77 for the first wicket with Mo Aahil (27), and 60 for the second with Ali Shields. James Shannon brought matters to a hasty conclusion hitting 3 sixes in his 26 not out.
Cliftonville Academy lost to CSNI by 4 wickets
Castle Grounds, 29 June.



CSNI's young guns helped them to a four-wicket win over Cliftonville Academy in an entertaining game at the Castle Grounds. Jared Wilson top-scored with 85 for the home side (9 fours, 4 sixes) sharing a 7th wicket stand of 71 with Varun Chopra (36) in a total of 245. Ryan Hunter hit a fluent 74 (9 fours, 1 six) as he and Marc Ellison (46) added 93 for the second wicket. Adam Leckey's unbeaten 43 ensured the win, adding 56 for the 5th wicket with Paddy Beverland (27) - the four wicket win achieved in the 48th over.
Waringstown beat Lisburn by 8 wickets
The Lawn, 29 June.



Waringstown's top order flexed their muscles in a dominant batting display as they chased down Lisburn's 265 to win by 8 wickets at The Lawn. Faiz Fazal hit 11 fours in a top score of 94 for the visitors, while David Miller's powerful 49-ball 64 included 7 fours and 3 sixes, dominating a 7th wicket stand of 78 with Josh Manley. Any nerves about a chase were quickly dispelled by a blitzkrieg of boundaries from Sam Topping who tore apart the Lisburn attack. The young left-hander - who is on the books of Sussex - hit 10 fours and 3 sixes in a 30-ball 66 as he and Adam Dennison added 100 runs in the powerplay. Two quick wickets may have offered Lisburn hope, but a third wicket stand of 155 in 26 overs between Dennison and Morgan Topping saw the home side power to the win in the 39th over. Topping's 81-ball unbeaten 102 included 13 fours and 3 sixes, while 'Denny' hit 10 fours and a six in his unbeaten 79. The victory draws Waringstown level on points with leaders Woodvale, and puts them in good spirits ahead of their irish Cup trip to Merrion.
Waringstown beat Carrickfergus by 9 wickets
The Lawn, 22 June.


Adam Dennison scored another century as Waringstown made light work of a 230-run target to reignite their title challenge. Dennison hit 12 fours in his unbeaten 105, sharing stands of 120 for the first and 112 for the second wickets with Sam Topping (57) and James McCollum (50*) - both hitting seven boundaries in their half centuries. Carrick's innings also featured a century stand, with Ruan Hassbroek adding 104 for the third wicket with Sam Gordon (52). While the home side had a Test new-ball pairing in Bilawal Bhatti and Graham Hume, it was Josh Froggatt (4-25) who took the bowling honours.
North Down beat CSNI by 6 wickets
Comber, 22 June.


North Down were convincing six-wicket winners against CSNI thanks to a fine all-round display at Comber. Kerwin Mungroo and Peter Davison had identical figures of 4-41 as CSNI were in early trouble at 51 for 5, but they rallied thanks to a 69-run stand between Harry Dyer (44) and Adam leckey (37). Colin Archibald thumped four sixes in a top score of 45, but 179 looked very light. James West took three wickets as the visitors battled, but an unbroken 5th wicket stand of 91 in just 13 overs saw North Down race to the win in the 39th over - half centuries for Ani Chore (70*) and Stephen Saul (57*).
Muckamore beat CIYMS by 1 wicket
Moylena, 22 June.


Muckamore pulled off a thrilling 1-wicket win at home to CIYMS in the game of the day. Chasing 149, they looked dead and buried at 85 for 8 and 112 for 9, but firstly Shane Henderson (24) gave them hope, followed by a last wicket stand of 40 between Curtis Moorehead (22*) and Pavan Karthik (20*) that clinched an amazing win.
Lisburn beat Cliftonville Academy by 54 runs
Wallace Park, 22 June.



Lisburn are in second place after a 54-run win over Cliftonville Academy at Wallace Park. Faiz Fazal hit 13 fours and a six in a top score of 84, while, there were 30's for Nigel Jones, Mark Adair (3 sixes), and James Hunter in their 258. Abhishek Raut made 60 in the chase, but they were always well off the pace - three wickets for Ryan Macbeth and Neil Whitworth.
Woodvale beat Instonians by 3 wickets
Ballygomartin Road, 22 June.



The Ruhan Pretorius show rolled on as he almost single-handedly beat Instonians with another incredible innings that keeps Woodvale top of the table. Neil Rock had crunched 13 fours and 5 sixes in his 72-ball 108, adding 140 in 22 overs for the fourth wicket with skipper Nikolai Smith (67*) but from 212 for 3 in the 36th over, Inst lost their way with Aditya Adey's five wickets keeping them to 282. It still looked more than enough as the home side slumped to 26 for 3 in the chase, but Pretorius produced another innings for the ages as he hit 14 fours and 10 sixes in his unbeaten 167 from 134 balls - the crucial stand 119 for the 5th wicket with James Rose (44). Too early or can Woodvale dare to dream?
Muckamore beat North Down by 3 wickets
Moylena, 8 June.


Muckamore skipper Neil Gill and Luke Allen were the match winners for the Moylena side as they chased 189 to beat North Down. It was another 7th wicket partnership that proved decisive as Allen hit 42 and Gill 24 not out as they took their side from a precarious 115 for 6 to the brink of victory with a stand of 70, eventually sealing a 3-wicket win in the 46th over. Earlier, Stephen Saul's half century was the best of the Comber side's 188 for 9, with two wickets apiece for Neil Gill and Curtis Moorhead in a disciplined bowling effort that ultimately laid the foundations for the win.
Carrickfergus lost to CSNI by 4 wickets
Middle Road, 8 June.



CSNI were another side who chased to win - all five sides did so in the Premiership. Carrickfergus made 235 thanks to a fine half century from skipper CJ van der Walt, and runs from Sam Gordon (46) and Alex Haggan (32). Colin Archibald picke dup four wickets, with three for teenager Adam Leckey, and two for Ireland-contracted Matthew Foster. A feature of the game was five catches for young wicket-keeper Marko Bates. Marc Ellison (70) held together the CSNI chase in the early stages, but Alex Haggan (3-42) and Prince Sharma (2-52) looked to be winning the game for the Middle Road side as the Stormont side slipped to 132 for 6 in the 33rd over. But, yet again it was a lower order stand that won the day, with Adam Leckey and the experienced James Kennedy adding a match winning 101 for the 7th wicket, Leckey collecting a half century before a Kennedy boundary sealed a four wicket win with three overs remaining.
Lisburn beat Woodvale by 3 wickets
Wallace Park, 8 June.



Woodvale lost for the first time in the Premiership, missing out on the chance to extend their lead at the top away at Lisburn, who moved into second place thanks to a superb chase of a tough 285-run target. Ludwig Kaestner's brilliant 134 not out from 130 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes) led the Ballygomartin side to 284 for 4, sharing stands of 98 in 18 overs with Ronan Restieaux (57), and a further 95 in the last ten with James Rose who scored a run-a-ball 29. The home side looked in a little trouble at 204 for 6 in the 41st over, despite a fine 88 from Nigel Jones (8 fours, 1 six). However, James Hunter was the hero of the hour, a she thumped 6 sixes and 4 fours in a superb undefeated 79 from just 58 balls, adding 76 in 46 balls for the 7th wicket with Josh Manley (29) to get the Wallace Park side almost to the finishing line - Ryan Macbeth applying the coup de grace with two balls left. A game you feel that Woodvale will reflect back on and Lisburn will use as a launching pad even at this early stage of the season.
CIYMS lost to Cliftonville Academy by 6 wickets
Belmont, 8 June.


CIYMS.find themselves in the unusual position at the foot of the table after a six wicket loss at home to CIYMS. Max Burton top-scored with 51 against his old club, while there were runs too for Allen Coulter (43), Chris Dougherty and Bamanye Xenxe (34*). Irish U19 international Kian Hilton raced out of the traps with a blsitering 54-ball 67 (11 fours, 2 sixes) and the win was sealed by an unbroken 5th wicket partnership of 98 between professional Abhishek Raut (55*) and Varun Chopra (35*), clinching a comfortable six-wicket win in the 46th over.
Waringstown beat Instonians by 8 wickets
The Lawn, 8 June.



Adam Dennison scored a magnificent unbeaten 150 as Waringstown made light work of what looked a challenging target of 279 set by Instonians. The 27 year-old hit 20 boundaries in his superb knock, laying the platform with an opening stand of 96 in 16 overs with Sam Topping (32). James McCollum made 22, before a match winning winning partnership of 156 for the third wicket between Dennison and Morgan Topping, whose unbeaten 63 included 7 fours and a six. Earlier Cade Carmichael had made exactly 100 (7 fours, 2 sixes), reaching the landmark in the final over before being run out. He added 104 for the third wicket with Robert McKinley, who stroked seven boundaries in his 85 as the Shaw's Bridge side posted 278 for 5 - it wasn't enough as Waringstown romped home with six overs to spare.
CIYMS lost to Lisburn by 24 runs
Belmont, 2 June.



CIYMS's woes continue as they lost to Lisburn in an entertaining game at Belmont. Jonathan Waite hit an enterprising 67 (8 fours, 2 sixes), while skipper Neil Whitworth also got a half century, hitting six boundaries in his 62. Nigel Jones (35) and David Miller (27) chipped in as Lisburn posted 252 for 8. Tyron Koen hit 7 fours in a 53-ball top score of 55, but Josh Manley's five-wicket haul ensured the second Premiership win of the campaign for the Wallace Park side.
Waringstown lost to Woodvale by 6 wickets
The Lawn, 2 June.



Woodvale continue to set the pace and are the surprise leaders in the NCU Premiership making it four wins from four thanks to a six-wicket win at Waringstown. Batting first James McCollum hit 9 fours in his 68, while there were runs too for skipper Greg Thompson (48), Bilawal Bhatti and Lee Nelson - playing his 400th game - who both made 25 in a total of 230. Ruhan Pretorius picked up three wickets, while there were two apiece for Ronan Restieaux, Aditya Adey and Ludwig Kaestner. Adey (48) and Harry Warke (30) got the chase off to a good start with an opening stand of 61. Kaestner then controlled the pace of the target hitting a brilliant unbeaten 102 (9 fours) as the four-wicket win was sealed with ten balls to spare despite the best efforts of Seby Best (3-32).
CSNI lost to Instonians by 3 wickets
Stormont, 26 May.



CSNI made little headway after being asked to bat first struggling to 87/4 at the half way stage with the top four all back in the pavilion. Cian Robertson with three wickets and Ben Rose four ensuring that there would be no late heroics from the tail although there was a last wicket partnership of 27 between youngsters Luka and Marko Bates broken by Ben Walsh in his first and only over. Two early wickets for Matthew Foster when Instonians started their reply including skipper Nikolai Smith first ball, Andrew White and Cade Carmichael rebuilding with a partnership of 60. Carmichael gone and it is now all on Andrew White it seems. White may be scoring the runs but Adam Ly is playing a vital roll here with 14 off 49 balls in what looks like a match winning half century partnership. Twist in the tail? James West has two in the over ending Adam Ly's resistance and then having Sully Gould lbw second ball. A third wicket for West having Ben Rose caught first ball of his next but in the end Andrew White got his side across the line in the company of Cian Robertson. Adam Ly as much the hero as White in Inst's win as no doubt Whitey would acknowledge.
Carrickfergus beat Muckamore by 35 runs
Middle Road, 26 May.



Delayed start - Match reduced to 40 overs. After being put in to bat by Muckamore it took a 56 run partnership for the sixth wicket between Alex Haggan and Ashwin Shetty to lift winless Carrick to a respectable188 in their reduced 40 overs. Three wickets for Ashwin Shetty has stalled the Muckamore chase including that of inform Jason vd Merwe for only 2. A lot depending on Ben Calitz with100 required off the second twenty overs and the rquired rate climbing. Calitz bowled by young Alex Armstrong in his first over and it's surely only a matter of time before the Cowboys register their first win of the campaign. But Neil Gill isn't making it easy for them 5x4 and 1x6 in his 40 not out as he goes on the attack. But it couldn't last and when he became Haasbroek's third victim all that was left was for Cowboy's skipper CJ van der Walt to take the final two to claim his sides first league points.
Cliftonville Academy beat Carrickfergus by 51 runs
Castle Grounds, 25 May.


A second wicket partnership of exctly 50 between Kian Hilton and Johnny Terrett set Cliftonville Academy on their way before Abhishek Raut took advantage of a lacklustre Carrick attack rattling up 80 off 61 balls, 9x4 3x6. He dominated the later stages of the innings adding 42 for the 9th wicket with Andrew Forbes whose contribution to the partnership was 2 singles. Wiith Alex Haggan still recovering from a knee injury and unable to bowl it was Carrick's seventh bowler Jake Egan who returned the best figures of the day claiming 4-48. Carrick only managed three scores in double figures from Jake Egan, Ruan Haasbroek and skipper CJ van der Walt as spinner Ben Kane claimed 4 wickets as Carrick never challenged the home total.
CSNI beat Waringstown by 121 runs
Stormont, 25 May.


A bad day at the office for the visitors who saw CSNI plunder runs all down the order at Stormont. Ireland U19 keeper Ryan Hunter and former NZ U19 captain Marc Ellison added 80 together or the second wicket after the loss of Jordan Neill. Three wickets each for Bilawal Bhatti and Tom Mayes for Waringstown but CSNI content with their total at the change of innings. Matthew Forster straight into the action for CSNI removing both Sam Topping for just a single and James McCollum without scoring. Adam Leckey had Adam Dennison caught behind to make it 68/3, Dennison with 50 of those. With 6 wickets down before the hundred was reached it was always going to be a home win, Jordan Neill making up for a lack of runs today by claiming the best bowling figures, 3-38 in his allocation of 10.
Woodvale beat CIYMS by 3 runs
Ballygomartin Road, 25 May.



It was slow going early on for Woodvale having been asked to bat by CIYMS, as they were reduced to 30/4 with Warke, Adey, Kaestner and Restieaux all back in the paviliion. But James Rose joined the inform Ruhan Pretorius at the crease and together they added 55 before Rose was bowled by Carson McCullough. A further partnership of 39 with Carl Robinson was steering Woodvale towards respectability if not a winning position before Pretorious monopolised a stand with Jamie Gibson scoring 40 to Gibson's 1 as he moved to his century. The visitors batted steadily in the chase and had reached 139/4 before four wickets fell for just 11 runs, 42 required with only 2 wickets left. Four boundaries in a better than a run-a-ball 26 from Jack Beattie looked like getting CI home but one shot away from the win, Allen Coulter swept at Ludwig Kaestner, missed, and Woodvale were victorious.
Instonians beat Muckamore by 53 runs
Shaw's Bridge, 25 May.


Instonians carried their Friday night T20 form into the Premier League rattling up 236 for the loss of only 5 wickets at Shaw's Bridge. Ollie Metcalfe top-scored for the hosts with 86 sharing two half century partnerships with Cade Carmichael and Adam Ly, while for Muckamore Jason van der Merwe was the only bowler to take more than one wicket. Van der Merwe has been in good form with the bat since his return from CIYMS and it was him again who provided some resistance to the Instonians attack, losing eight partners as wickets tumbled and finishing 72 not out. Cian Robertson continues his good form since returning from a shoulder injury claiming four wickets, while teenage off-spinner Ben Walsh picked up three.
North Down beat Lisburn by 94 runs
Comber, 25 May.



North Down chose to bat and piled on the runs despite the early loss of Ani Chore for only 2, run out by Matthew Humphreys. His opening partner Mohamed Aahil added 132 for the third wicket with Liam Hayman (90 off 102, 6x4, 2x6) before he fell to Ryan Macbeth, Humphreys claiming the other 3 wickets to fall. The Lisburn chase never got going with Kerwin Mungroo removing both openers, Faiz Fazal and David Miller before Hayman and Aahil added wickets to the runs they scored earlier in excellent all-round performances.
Instonians lost to Cliftonville Academy by 52 runs
Shaw's Bridge, 16 May.



Cliftonville Academy were in Six-hitting mood at Shaw's Bridge as Francis Collins blasted all comers for 83 off 46 balls, an innings that contained 4x4 and 8x6. Varun Chopra entered the fray and he too wasted no time in his unbeaten 46 off 26, clearing the ropes five times. Two wickets each for Andrew White, Ben Rose and James Magee but no luck for Cian Robertson, working his way back from injury whose four overs cost 56.
Muckamore lost to Waringstown by 6 wickets
Moylena, 16 May.


Woodvale beat CSNI by 8 wickets
Ballygomartin Road, 16 May.



Lisburn v Carrickfergus - no play, match void
Wallace Park, 13 May.


North Down lost to CIYMS by 8 runs
Comber, 12 May.


Chris Dougherty again leading the way for CIYMS hoping to bounce back after yesterday's 1 run defeat to Waringstown but it took a few blows down the order from Allen Coulter to take them to what they hope is a defendable total. Bamanye Xenxe into the action straight away with the wicket of Ally Shields for just 6 and that of Stevie Saul without scoring. Ani Chore holding firm on 33* at the half way stage but 84 still needed in the second half for a home win. All on Chore now with 39 required off 4 overs. Tyron Koen bowls the 17th over for just 3 with Nelson struggling to get Chore back on strike and a single off the final ball means that Chore is off strike for the 18th. Nelson runs past the first ball from Mulder and is stumped for 3 off 9. Just 2 runs off the 18th but at least Chore is on strike - he's faced only 2 of the last 12 deliveries. 34 off 12 the target! And now 22 of the final over to be bowled by Xenxe - 6 is a good start! Dot, 6, Dot - that makes it 10 off 2. DOT! 1. And CIYMS are winners by 8 runs. Valiant effort from Chore whose 83* came off 58 balls (6x4, 3x6) but he was starved of the strike in the final few overs and that in the end proved decisive.
Carrickfergus lost to Woodvale by 84 runs
Middle Road, 11 May.



Ruhan Pretorius capped a prolific week with another half century as Woodvale beat Carrickfergus at Middle Road. He top-scored with 70 from 76 balls (7 fours, 1 six) shepherding the lower order from a precarious 103 for 6 to 219 - three wickets for Alex Armstrong (3-27) and Prince Sharma (3-31). Sam Gordon's 44 had the hosts in the game at 65 for 2, but four wickets for Ludwig Kaestner and three for Ronan Restieaux saw Carrickfergus bowled out for 135.
Instonians lost to North Down by 81 runs
Shaw's Bridge, 11 May.


Instonians 'old boy' James Shannon returned to Shaw's Bridge in North Down colours and posted the top score of 86 for his new side, an innings that included 8 maximums. Shannon shared a 5th wicket stand of 71 with Liam Hayman, as the hosts recovered from the loss of Ally Shields to the second ball of the day to post 196. Ani Chore made 31 at the top, while there were three wickets for Jamie Magee and two apiece for Andy White and Rob McKinley. South African paceman Kerwin Mungroo was brought in to take top-order wickets and he certainly delivered with a five wicket haul that had the defending champions all out for 115.
Cliftonville Academy lost to Muckamore by 7 wickets
Castle Grounds, 11 May.



Jason van der Merwe's return to Muckamore colours was a successful one as the former Irish youth international top-scored with 60. He shared an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 104 in 22 overs with Jamie Magowan (38*) after the Moylena side had been wobbling at 39 for 4 chasing 164 against Cliftonville Academy at the Castle Grounds - the three wickets falling to Andrew Forbes. In the CA innings, there were starts for Adam Kelso (29), Kian Hilton (28), and Matty McCord (20), while there were wickets for Sam Magee (3-24), Raj Biswa (2-25), and Sathish Suresh (2-32) in a morale boosting victory for Muckamore.
CIYMS lost to Waringstown by 1 run
Belmont, 11 May.


Closest game of the day was at Belmont where CIYMS lost a last over thriller to Waringstown by one run. CIYMS went into the last over needing 8 runs with three wickets in hand and after losing Jacob Mulder to a run out Allen Coulter got it down to 3 required off 3. Koekemoer bowled a wide to Mark Best then with his next two deliveries bowled Best and last man Angus Farrell. It had looked like all the world a home win as Chris Dougherty made 107 from 115 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), sharing a 4th wicket stand of 128 in 23 overs with Tyron Koen (63). However from 201 for 3 in the 40th, CIYMS fell just one run short. Earlier, Greg Thompson's hard hit 64 from 47 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes), and a James McCollum half century (53) laid the platform for their 249 for 8 - Tian Koekomoer (34) and Adam Dennison (23) also in the runs.
CSNI lost to Lisburn by 158 runs
Stormont, 11 May.


Only two double figures scores in the Lisburn innings but when one of them is 138* it hardly matters! Faiz Fazal carrying his bat throughout 11x4, 4x6 in his marathon effort. He shared a second wicket stand of 119 with Nigel Jones, who hit 7 fours in his 59. There were four wickets for Jordan Neill (4-44) as Lisburn ended on 238 for 8. The CSNI reply never got going with new signing Ryan Macbeth dismissing Neill in the first over on his way to 4 for 24. Josh Manley was also among the early wickets as they reduced the hosts to 17/5. There was only one double figure score in the CSNI innings, Ireland U19 player Harry Dyer who finished unbeaten on 29 (5 fours) - Extras second with 18 on a day to forget for the hosts with a 158-run loss.
Woodvale v CSNI - postponed
Ballygomartin Road, 4 May.
Instonians v Cliftonville Academy - postponed
Shaw's Bridge, 4 May.
Lisburn v Carrickfergus - postponed
Wallace Park, 4 May.
Muckamore v Waringstown - postponed
Moylena, 4 May.
NCU Challenge Cup 2023
Final: Lisburn lost to Muckamore by 7 wickets (DLS)
Stormont, 2 August.



This shower could see the end of things - more overs to be lost and the cut off time is 7.39pm. There will be more play! - Sixteen balls of it to be exact - 20 runs required is the equation so at least the game is going to be finished on the pitch. Two overs to go and 15 required. It looks like it will be Macbeth and then Whitworth to bowl the last two. Calitz facing Macbeth - 2,3, Gleghorne 1, Calitz dot, 1, Gleghorne 2. Last over coming up with 6 runs required. And it will be Nigel Jones who will bowl it - his only over of the day! Calitz 2, 2, 4!! Muckamore win with 3 balls to spare.
Semi-final: Muckamore beat Woodvale by 70 runs
Moylena, 13 July.


Jason van der Merwe produced a Man of the Match display to lead Muckamore into their first Challenge Cup final since 1972, with his all-round efforts inspiring a deserved 70-run win over Woodvale at Moylena. He top-scored with 73 (7 fours, 1 six), adding 69 for the fourth wicket alongside Ben Calitz (53). There were runs too for Sathish Suresh (33) and Luke Allen (26*) in a home side total of 238 for 7. Neil Gill struck three blows in the reply - including the prize scalp of Ruhan Pretorius. Woodvale were rebuilding as Ludwig Kaestner - who hit 7 fours in his 53 - and Ronan Restieaux (32) added 60 for the 4th wicket, but the dismissal of Kaestner by Van Der Merwe (3-30) was the beginning of the end. Pavan Karthik and Sathish Suresh mopped up the rest to seal the 70-run win. It's Muckamore's 150th anniversary - what better way to celebrate it than by adding a second cup triumph to add to their 1962 glory.
Semi-final: Lisburn beat Instonians by 6 wickets (DLS)
Wallace Park, 13 July.



Big players deliver in big games and faiz Fazal did just that with an unbeaten 81 taking Lisburn into the final with a six wickets win at home to Instonians. Neil Rock hit a fluent 45 (7 fours, 1 six), while there were runs too for Cade Carmichael (36), Adam Ly (27), and Andy White (20) in a total of 180 - three wickets apiece for Ryan Macbeth and Josh Manley. Further showers meant a target of 170 in 35 overs. Sometimes small targets can be tricky - this wasn't one of those occasions. The home support nerves were eased by an opening stand of 64 in the powerplay, with Jonathan Waite's 26-ball 35 (4 fours, 2 sixes) seeing his side race out of the traps. There was a minor glitch as Nigel Jones and Neil Whitworth fell in quick succession, but Fazal's 81 not out (9 fours, 1 six) ensured the victory, adding a further 67 for the fourth wicket with Glenn Halliday (29). It's 30 years since Lisburn shared the trophy - and 39 from their last outright win. Will it be them or Muckamore who will be popping the champagne corks on August 2nd?
Semi-final: Lisburn v Instonians - no result
Wallace Park, 6 July.


It's take two for Instonians and Lisburn after rain saw the game abandoned after the first innings. The visitors looked to be crashing out as they slumped to 78 for 8 with Matthew Humphreys (3-12), Josh Manley (3-34), and Adam Kennedy (2-28) doing the damage. Andrew White (45) held them up long enough, adding what proved to be a crucial 52 with Ben Rose (22) for the 9th wicket. Lisburn will be feeling hard done by as they would have been firm favourites to chase 122 in 36 overs, but they will have to lift themselves again when the sides meet again next Saturday, July 13th.
Semi-final: Muckamore v Woodvale - postponed
Moylena, 6 July.


No play was possible at Moylena on a day when the rain was never too far way. The second attempt will now be on the reserve date of the 13th of July.
Round 3: Woodvale beat Waringstown by 5 runs (DLS)
Ballygomartin Road, 15 June.


Holders Waringstown crashed out as they lost a thriller by just five runs at Woodvale. The hosts recovered from 81 for 5 and 128 for 6 to post 217 for 9 in an innings reduced to 47 overs. Carl Robinson's hard-hit 56 (3 fours, 4 sixes) was the match defining innings, adding what was to be a vital 71 in 10 overs for the 7th wicket with Stephen Bunting (23). The chase was soon in deep trouble at 21 for 4, with three wickets for Ruhan Pretorius including Bilawal Bhatti first ball, but Greg Thompson (45) and James McCollum (30) repaired some of the damage. Aditya Adey (3-48) removed both to restore Woodvale's advantage, but James Cameron-Dow kept swinging - and connecting - to give his side hope. 29 off two overs became 11 off the last, but Cameron-Dow couldn't get the connection he wanted as Pretorius closed out the five-run win in a game that will live long in the memory at Ballygomartin Road. It's 1998 since they got their hands on the trophy - could this be their year?
Round 3: Muckamore beat CSNI by 8 runs
Moylena, 15 June.



Muckamore are another side who could believe the omens are with them in the cup. You have to go back to 1963 when The Searchers with Sweets for my sweet' replaced Elvis Presley's "You're the devil in disguise" at the top of the charts for the last time Muckamore drank from the Challenge Cup. It's their 150th anniversary year, and what better way than by lifting it again. The game at Moylena was delayed, reduced to 31 overs per side, A solid batting effort by the hosts saw the top six all get to double figures, with Satish Suresh, Mark Cleghorne and Jason van der Merwe all passing 30 and each clearing the ropes twice. A total of 185 for 6 would be a challenging one for CSNI, and even more so with the early wickets of professional Colin Archibald and Ryan Hunter - both falling to Man of the Match Sathish Suresh. Jordan Neill thumped five sixes in a run-a-ball 50, but the hosts kept taking wickets at crucial times. It was still in the balance though as James West (35) launched a late attack to leave 11 needed off 7 balls. Muckamore held their nerve with Pavan Karthik dismissing Andrew Cowden, then Suresh - who else - had the final say as he accounted for West to seal the win that takes them into the last four.
Round 3: North Down lost to Instonians by 49 runs
Comber, 15 June.



Andrew White rolled back the years as he claimed a Man of the Match 7 for 38 to lead Instonians into the semi-final and hopes of their first cup success since 2012. Comber is a familiar hunting ground for the 43 year-old - the NCU's leading wicket taker last year was a major force here in his younger days before moving in November 2003 to Shaw's Bridge. If the switch rankled at the time, yesterday's display will no doubt have reignited the emotions. Amongst his wickets were Ryan Haire and crucially, James Shannon, with the Inst old boy threatening to win the game with a fluent 53, as they chased 232 in a 34-overs contest. Earlier, Jack Dickson's run-a-ball 66 (6 fours, 3 sixes) laid the platform, while the late assault by Ben Rose (31*) and Cian Robertson (21*) which saw 46 runs come from the last 20 ball was crucial in the context of the game.
Round 3: Lisburn beat Derriaghy by 8 wickets
Wallace Park, 15 June.



It's a more recent vintage for Lisburn's last success in the Challenge Cup, sharing the trophy in 1994. They had little trouble in beating Section One Derriaghy at Wallace Park. A fine bowling effort ensured the Queensway side never got going with their talisman Craig Lewis (45*) the only batsman to really raise his bat in anger as they were dismissed for just 126 - three wickets apiece for Ryan Macbeth and Adam Kennedy, plus two each for Neil Whitworth and Matthew Humphreys. Sometimes, chasing a low total in a cup game can be a nervous, nail-biting creep to the finishing line. This wasn't. Nigel Jones hit 5 fours and 4 sixes in an unbeaten 38-ball 61 as the eight wicket win was sealed in just the 16th over.
Round 2: CIYMS lost to Muckamore by 7 wickets
Belmont, 1 June.


CIYMS struggled to 30/3 in ten overs after choosing to bat first before Max Burton and Tyron Koen added 89 for the fourth wicket. Koen’s wicket was the signal for two more without addition as Burton was dismissed and then Carson McCullough without scoring, and it took late runs from Bamanye Xenxe and Mark Best to get CIYMS to what was a distinctly vulnerable looking total of 171. The loss of big-hitting Ewan Wilson did nothing to halt the Muckamore charge to victory as Kylliin Vardhan and Sathish Suresh added 129, and Suresh took his side to within 17 of a huge upset before he became Tyron Koen’s second victim. All that was left was for CIYMS ‘old boy’ Jason van der Merwe, now back at his home club to seal the win in the shock of the day, doing it in style with 4, 6 off CI skipper John Matchett.
Round 2: CSNI beat Ballymena by 6 wickets
Stormont, 1 June.



Toss: Ballymena. Glen Adams and Sam Glass hit half-centuries in what looked like a decent Ballymena total, Matty Foster’s with 3-39 the only CSNI bowler with more than a singleton. But it only took the home side into the thirty second over to secure the win, opener Colin Archibald with 40 off 23 balls (6x4,2x6) and Jordan Neill a 77 ball 92 (10x4, 3x6) adding 95 with Marc Ellison as CSNI raced into the quarter-finals in a fortnight’s time.
Round 2: Cregagh lost to North Down by 4 wickets
Cregagh Memorial, 1 June.



It was Alistair Shields with the golden arm as Cregagh were bowled out for just 112 after being asked to bat by the visitors. Shields’ ten overs cost only 16 runs, his five wickets breaking the back of the Cregagh batting lineup while Liam Hayman and Ryan Haire each picked up a couple. With such a low target North Down dispensed with their tried and tested opening pair of Shields and Chore and just for a moment it looked as if that could backfire on them. With Graeme Hassard taking three wickets Shields and Chore would get their chance at the crease after all, the six wicket win for North Down rather more comfortable than perhaps it sounds.
Round 2: Instonians beat Donacloney Mill by 10 wickets
Shaw's Bridge, 1 June.


Toss: Donacloney Mill. A century from Donacloney Mill skipper Shane Warren ensured that his side set Instonians a 200+ target, but it was one that proved to be totally inadequate in the face of an Ollie Metcalfe onslaught. Metcalfe hit 153 not out in the 10 wicket win - his 90 ball innings containing 18x4s & 10x6s - carrying Instonians into the next round in just 26 overs.
Round 2: Derriaghy beat Carrickfergus by 25 runs
Queensway, 1 June.


Toss: Carrickfergus. With Ryan Beckett bowled by off-spinner Ruan Haasbroek for just a single and Stephen Cairnduff run out in the same over Derriaghy slumped to 7/2 before Ross Bailey and Aaron Kinnin added 45 for the third wicket. Bailey went on to top score with 60 adding another 40 with Craig Lewis but it was hard to break the shackles towards the end on the innings and the home side were all out with 3 overs unused, with young left-arm spinner Alex Armstrong claiming three wickets. In the chase Renco Adams was straight into the action with the wicket of Gilmour, following that up with two more in the shape of Haasbroek and Sam Gordon. Carrick needed a partnership between Alex Haggan and CJ van der Walt and they added 70 but vd Walt was quickly followed by Prince Sharma and Richard Hood leaving Haggan as Carrick’s last hope. In the end despite some resistance from young Alex Armstrong the final three wicket fell for just a single two of them including Haggan’s to Wayne Hughes.
Round 2: Waringstown beat Cliftonville Academy by 8 wickets
The Lawn, 1 June.



Toss: Cliftonville Academy. Former Pakistan Test player Bilawal Bhatti ensured that Cliftonville Academy were held to less than 200 with five wickets for an economical 30 runs in his ten over spell. Abhishek Raut marshalled the tail as best he could but it still took late runs from Matty McCord and Adam Kelso to post their 196. And that proved to be far from competitive as the Waringstown top four rattled off the target inside 32 overs. Matthew Halliday with a half century for his new club and James McCollum adding another as he and Lee Nelson sealed the win.
Round 2: Lurgan lost to Lisburn by 3 wickets
Pollock Park, 1 June.


Toss: Lurgan. Lurgan found the going tough against the Lisburn attack after Stephen Johnston and Johnny Hunter had added 40 for the first wicket. And it was the thirty seventh over before the hundred was raised by which time six more wickets had fallen, two in two balls to Matthew Humphreys, both lbw. A total of 142 looked well below par but the wickets of Faiz Fazal and Nigel Jones gave the home side hope. Not to be though as Lisburn Skipper Neil Whitworth battled through to a not out half-century in the less than comfortable three wicket win.
Round 2: Woodvale beat Laurelvale by 9 wickets
Ballygomartin Road, 1 June.



Laurelvale must have had hopes of an upset when Mark Thornbury and Adnan Malik raced away adding 64 in ten overs before their partnership was broken. From there however it was all down hill as only 42 more were added as Carl Robinson ran through the order claiming a five-for and an early claim to the MOM award. A quick-fire half century by Woodvale skipper Harry Warke (9x4, 2x6) sealed the win inside fifteen overs but not the MOM award which rightly went to leg spinner Carl Robinson for his demolition of the opposition.
Round 1: Lurgan beat Drumaness Superkings by 9 wickets
Pollock Park, 11 May.


Round 1: Belfast lost to Donacloney Mill by 6 wickets
Banford Green, 12 May.


A late five wicket haul by Andrew Bingham stopped the visitors in their tracks as they crumbled from 132/4 to 155 all out - 6 wickets falling for just 23 runs, after Ryan Matthews took the first three wickets in his opening burst. Belfast used nine bowlers in an attempt to shift Atish Varape who steered the home side to a comfortable six wicket win. His unbeaten 78 came off 48 balls and included 16 boundaries and earned his side a trip to face Instonians in the next round.
Round 1: Armagh lost to Cregagh by 4 wickets (DLS)
The Mall, 12 May.


Three wickets from Cregagh skipper Danny Cooper helped reduce Armagh to 76/6 before a 45 run eighth wicket partnership between the rugby club's Kiwi out half Brayden Laing and Adam Woods saved their blushes, before the innings folded ten runs later. There were six overs of the Cregagh reply before 'tea' when a rain shower reduced the game to 48 overs. A confident chase by Cregagh with Cooper scoring 20 at the top of the order and Aaron Johnston with 29 through the middle. The sixth wicket falls with half a dozen required but Cregagh go through with a home tie next against North Down. Simply not enough runs in that Armagh batting effort to mount a challenge.
Round 1: Templepatrick lost to Laurelvale by 5 wickets
The Cloghan, 12 May.


A captain's innings of 50 from Ross Bryans and 27 from Carrickfergus recruit Ben Cave were the only substantial contributions in the home sides batting effort that fell away with the regular loss of wickets. In reply Mark Thornbury and Adnan Malik set Laurelvale on their way, their opening partnership worth 82 before a flurry of runs from Babar Khan (30 off 16, 2x4, 2x6) carried them close to the win. Overs not a problem but there could be twist in the tail yet as another wicket falls. In the end Kurshid Subhani (18*) and Philip Weir (8*) got the visitors home their prize a trip to Ballygomartin Road to face Woodvale in the next round.
NCU T20 Cup 2024
Final: Lisburn beat Waringstown by 3 wickets
The Lawn, 21 July.



Lisburn won the NCU T20 Cup for the first time chasing 128 to beat hosts Waringstown by three wickets at The Lawn. Josh Manley (3-23) had Adam Dennison caught behind first ball and that set the tone for the innings. Morgan Topping made an entertaining 40 (2 fours, 2 sixes), while Lee Nelson chipped in with 27 in their sub-par total of 127. They weren't helped by overseas pro Bilawal Bhatti chipping a return catch first ball to Callum Atkinson (2-21), and a succession of batters picking out fielders in the deep. Bhatti bowled a fine spell dismissing Jonathan Waite and Nigel Jones in successive deliveries, but Faiz Fazal hit 6 fours in a classy 45-ball 58, sharing a third wicket stand of 63 in 10 overs with Lisburn skipper Neil Whitworth (19) that broke the back of the chase. There was a mini wobble as the finishing line approached and the rain fell, but Lisburn held their nerve to clinch the win with four balls to spare. They will face Brigade in the All-Ireland T20 semi-final at Wallace Park on Sunday August 11th.
Semi-Final: CIYMS lost to Lisburn by 4 wickets
Belmont, 23 June.



James Hunter and Jonathan Waite helped Lisburn knock out All-Ireland T20 champions CIYMS in a pulsating encounter at Belmont. Carson McCullough's hard-hit 47 had set a tough target of 172, and with early wickets for Allen Coulter and Tyron Koen reducing Lisburn to 31 for 3, it looked like the game was up. However, Hunter thumped 7 sixes and 7 fours in a 41-ball 81, adding 99 for the 4th wicket with Waite, whose 46 included 6 fours and 2 sixes. Seven were needed from the last over, and following a single and a dot, Josh Manley deposited one over the ropes to seal a dramatic win.
Semi-Final: Waringstown beat Woodvale by 12 runs
Belmont, 23 June.


A fine innings by Greg Thompson and a disciplined bowling display helped holders Waringstown edge out in-form Woodvale by just 12 runs in an entertaining contest. Thompson hit 7 fours and 4 sixes in his unbeaten 82, adding 83 for the 6th wicket with James Cameron-Dow (19) - 35 coming from the last two overs, and that was to prove the difference in a tight battle. Pretorius yet again was in the runs, his half century taking Woodvale into a strong position at 112 for 2. However, scoreboard pressure told, with Froggatt (3-33) getting the crucial wicket of Pretorius, and with JCD also picking up three wickets and Ben Snell two, Waringstown closed out the win. The final is scheduled for The Lawn on Sunday July 21st, preceded by the Trophy final between Lurgan and Donacloney Mill.
Group A
P | W | T | NR | L | Pts | NRR | |
Lisburn | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0.40 |
Woodvale | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1.57 |
Cliftonville Academy | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1.09 |
Instonians | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | -0.57 |
North Down | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | -2.02 |
Group B
P | W | T | NR | L | Pts | NRR | |
Waringstown | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 2.08 |
CIYMS | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1.89 |
CSNI | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | -0.56 |
Muckamore | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | -0.96 |
Carrickfergus | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | -1.48 |
Group B: Carrickfergus beat Muckamore by 8 wickets
Middle Road, 20 June.


A unbeaten century from Michael Gilmour made short work of Muckamore's 164. His 62 ball innings contained 15x4, 3x6 as he completed his century with the winning boundary. While Gilmour's was the outstanding innings there was an excellent all-round performance from Carrick's overseas professional Ruan Haasbroek who shared the winning partnership of 58 with Gilmour having earlier taken four wickets. The game itself a dead rubber since all four qualifiers for T20 Semi-finals day on Sunday have already been decided.
Group A: Cliftonville Academy v Woodvale - no result
Castle Grounds, 13 June.


Woodvale qualify for Semi-Finals Day - 23rd June at Belmont. The other Group A qualifier will be decided tomorrow (Friday) night when the winner of Instonians v Lisburn will join Cliftonville Academy on 10 points - with NRR deciding who makes it to Semi-Finals Day.
Group B: CIYMS v Waringstown - no result
Belmont, 13 June.


Both Waringstown and CIYMS qualify for Semi-finals Day - 23rd June at Belmont. Waringstown will play the Group A Runner Up (11.00 am) while CIYMS will play the Group A Winner (3.00 pm).
Group A: Instonians lost to Lisburn by 9 wickets
Shaw's Bridge, 14 June.


Jack Dickson the only Instonians player to pass twenty as they lost their last four wickets for just 5 runs, while all five of Lisburn's bowlers claimed two wickets each. No problems for the visitors who chased the runs down in less than 14 overs, skipper Neil Whitworth with a better than a run-a-ball 46 while a more sedate Faiz Fazal sealed the win with just his second boundary. Lisburn finish top of Group A and join Woodvale in Semi-Finals Day 23rd June. Those fixtures now confirmed as Waringstown v Woodvale (11.00) and Lisburn v CIYMS (3.00).
Group B: Carrickfergus v Muckamore
Middle Road, 20 June.


Group A: Instonians lost to Cliftonville Academy by 38 runs
Shaw's Bridge, 7 June.


Group B: CSNI beat Muckamore by 9 wickets
Moylena, 30 May.


Put in to bat and reduced to 65/5 at the halfway stage it took a 48 run sixth wicket partnership between Luke Allen and Mark Gleghorne to push Muckamore to what they hoped was a defendable total. The prize wicket of Jason van der Merwe (15) went Jordan Neill with his Irish U19 teammates Adam Leckey claiming two and Harry Dyer four with the best figures of the night. An second over opening blitz by Colin Archibald who hit Ewan Wilson's first four deliveries over the ropes set the visitors on their way before Jordan Neill and Marc Ellison added an unbroken 106 to seal the win with nearly four overs to spare.
Group B: Waringstown beat Carrickfergus by 9 wickets
The Lawn, 30 May.


Alex Haggan continued his good run of form following his return from injury, his 74 coming off 63 balls (6x4, 4x6) adding 48 with overseas pro Ruan Haasbroek but a total of 139 looked to be below par at the change of innings. With Waringstown's openers Sam Topping and James McCollum rattling up a century partnership if was only a matter of when, not if, the win would be achieved, McCollum finishing with an unbeaten 75 off 46 (10x4,1x6).
Group A: Lisburn beat Cliftonville Academy by 36 runs
Wallace Park, 31 May.



Toss: Lisburn. Jonathan Waite got the home side off to a flying start with 42 off only 21 deliveries (4x4, 3x6) before Faiz Fazal settled into a more sedate run-a-ball 64. Only Ben Kane wicketless as the five other Cliftonville bowlers each claimed a single wicket. Cliftonville's reply knocked back with Matthew Humphrey's three quick wickets, accounting first for Hilton, then Raut and McCord in the same over. Three wickets for Adam Kennedy in an economical four overs, wickets falling regularly and the Cliftonville challenge never materialising.
Group A: North Down lost to Woodvale by 7 runs
Comber, 31 May.



Toss: Woodvale. More runs for Ruhan Pretorius who perished, caught on the long on boundary. for 98 off the penultimate ball of the innings. His 60 ball stay included 6x4 & 7x6 and featured a 38 run partnership for the fifth wicket with Zarar Khan whose contribution was zero! Two wickets each for Stuart Nelson and Josh Corbett with Kerwin Mungroo bowling his four overs for only 18 while Liam Hayman’s three went for 50. Great start to the chase from Chore and Saul setting a platform reaching 75 without loss at the half way stage. Adidya Adey claimed both openers with catches to Harry Warke, and went on to make it a five-for with wickets off the final two deliveries of the innings with North Down requiring 15 off his final over.
Group A: North Down lost to Cliftonville Academy by 8 wickets
The Green, 23 May.


Cliftonville Academy had little trouble accounting for North Down at The Green romping to an 8 wicket win after the home side's disappointing 113 for 6 - Ani Chore hitting 3 fours in an even time 43. Rory Bessell was the pick of the CA attack taking 4 for 15. The chase was a routine one with Francis Collins hitting 5 fours in a run-a-ball 28, sharing an opening stand of 61 with Kian Hilton (36), while Jared Wilson saw them home with a 19-ball unbeaten 42 (5 fours, 2 sixes).
Group B: Carrickfergus lost to CSNI by 5 wickets
Middle Road, 23 May.


Jordan Neill's unbeaten 84 from 48 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes) steered CSNI to a 5 wicket win as they chased Carrick's 157 for 7 to win with eight balls to spare. Alex Haggan's 37 was the best of the home side's 37, while skipper CJ van der Walt made 32. Teenage spinners James West and Harry Dyer each bowled well to pick up two wickets for the Stormont side.
Group B: Muckamore beat CIYMS by 7 wickets
Moylena, 23 May.



Jason van der Merwe's brilliant 94 from 59 balls (9 fours, 6 sixes) guided Muckamore to a 7 wicket win at home against his former club CIYMS. He shared a third wicket stand of 106 with Ben Calitz (26*) as the Moylena sided won with 9 balls to spare. Earlier there were runs for Tyron Koen (47*), Max Burton (46) and John Matchett (33) in the Belmont side's 162 for 4 - Sam Magee taking 2 for 24.
Group A: Woodvale lost to Instonians by 32 runs
Ballygomartin Road, 24 May.


Toss: Instonians. After losing Ollie Metcalfe to the third ball of the night Jack Dickson and Cade Carmichael added 165 in just 13 overs with Paul Robinson’s final over going for 30 - 666444! Dickson was finally out for a 37 ball 95 that included 6x4s and10x6s while Carmichael continued to punish everything that was thrown at him before he fell to Ruhan Pretorius in the seventeenth over for 82 (50 balls, 7x4s, 4x6s). Two more wickets for Pretorius in the closing overs as the visitors passed 200 - a big ask for the Woodvale batters. Too much of an ask in the end although 186 will win more matches than it loses, tonight it was 32 runs short. Ludwig Kaestner with a 50 ball 73 gave the home side hope and a quickfire 45 from Aditya Adey (29 balls, 5x4, 2x6) pushed the score along Woodvale were always on the wrong side of the run rate equation.
Group B: CIYMS beat Carrickfergus by 78 runs
Belmont, 16 May.


Group A: Lisburn beat North Down by 69 runs
Wallace Park, 17 May.


Lisburn proved too strong for North Down as they closed out an emphatic 69-run win in Group A. Nigel Jones was the star of the show as he hit 5 sixes and 4 fours in a top score of 68 from 44 balls as the Wallace Park side racked up 156 for 5. He shared a third wicket stand of 66 in eight overs with skipper Neil Whitworth, whose unbeaten 53 from 39 balls included 2 fours and 3 sixes. Ally Shields (3-22) was the pick of the Comber side attack. The chase went downhill after James Shannon (25) and Steven Saul (16) took them to 42 for 2 – the last eight wickets only adding a further 45 as North Down slumped to 87 all out. Adam Kennedy claimed 3 for 31, while there were two apiece for Ryan Macbeth (2-9) and Matthew Humphreys (2-10).
Group B: Waringstown beat CSNI by 5 wickets
The Lawn, 17 May.



Waringstown chased 133 to win by five wickets with five overs to spare over CSNI. The Stormont side’s total of 133 for 8 owed much to Ryan Hunter, who top scored with 65 from 53 balls (8 fours, 1 six) adding 51 in six overs for the fourth wicket with skipper Stuart Thompson (22). Seby Best (3-18) and Bilawal Bhatti (3-26) each claimed three wickets while Graham Hume – unable to tour The Netherlands with Ireland due to visa issues – and Tom Mayes both kept it tight. The reply raced out of the traps as Morgan Topping hit 6 fours and 3 sixes in a 19-ball 45, adding 77 inside the powerplay with Adam Dennison (28). James McCollum (32*) shared a fourth wicket partnership of 51 with Matthew Halliday (20) to take Waringstown to the brink, although they did lose another two wickets to give the scoreline a closer look than it was in reality – Harry Dyer taking 3 for 20.
Group A: North Down lost to Instonians by 9 wickets
Comber, 10 May.


Ani Chore top scoring for North Down is nothing new but there were runs for two of the new faces in the side tonight, Stevie Saul, a Zimbabwean student at UU and Liam Hayman, an Irish passport holding Kiwi. Good partnership building for Instonians between Metcalfe and Smith after the early loss of Cade Carmichael, 90 and counting - 54 required off 8 overs. Partnership now worth 134 and 13 required off three overs and it's the Instonians skipper himself who powered his side to the win, finishing unbeaten on 92 off 54 balls (8x4, 5x6).
Group A: Woodvale beat Lisburn by 119 runs
Ballygomartin Road, 10 May.



Ruhan Pretorius continued his fine run of form for the Northern Knights this week posting the first T20 century of the season off just 54 balls (7x4, 8x6) before adding another maximum to finish unbeaten on 114. He added 95 for the third wicket with Aditya Adey whose 42 came off just 29 balls, 4x4, 2x6. Lisburn in trouble straight away Faiz Fazal gone second ball and things go from bad to worse - a Hat-trick for Pretorius with David Miller caught behind and Adam Berry and Matthew Humphreys both bowled. A big win for Woodvale with Pretorius the big winner on the night.
Group B: Muckamore lost to Waringstown by 8 wickets
Moylena, 10 May.


Tom Mayes announced his arrival as a Waringstown player with a three wicket opening blitz that reduced Muckamore to 17/3 inside the first five overs. With only Jason van der Merwe, back at his home club weathering the storm to post 31 and it took late runs from Jamie Magowan to get the home side past 100. It doesn't look that that will trouble the visitors as Dennison and McCollum add 79 before McCollum is caught and bowled by Raj Biswa. Winter signing from Derriaghy Matthew Halliday comes to the crease to join Dennison no pressure on him whatsoever with Dennison in full control. No sooner said than Dennison looks to win it in a single blow and is stumped by Ben Calitz to give Biswa a second wicket. Waringstown skipper Greg Thompson takes only one ball to score the two required for the win.
Group B: CSNI lost to CIYMS by 46 runs
Stormont, 9 May.


A fifty three run second wicket partnership between Chris Dougherty and John Matchett was the foundation on which CIYMS started their title defence as they posted 123/7, two wickets each for Luke Georgeson, Adam Leckey and Jordan Neill. And it was Neill who stood alone in the CSNI reply as overseas professional Bamanye Xenxe removed Adam Leckey and then CSNI captain Stuart Thompson first ball. CSNI 39/4 after 10 overs, Jordan Neill with 27 of those. Only two other double figure scores in the CSNI reply, Paddy Beverland with 19 and James Kennedy 17*, CIYMS running out comfortable winners by 46 runs.
NCU League 1 2024
P | W | T | NR | L | Pts | NRR | |
Templepatrick | 18 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 52 | 2.10 |
Armagh | 18 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 44 | 0.69 |
Lurgan | 18 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 44 | 0.67 |
Donacloney Mill | 18 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 40 | 0.53 |
Laurelvale | 18 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 36 | 0.03 |
Derriaghy | 18 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 36 | -0.52 |
Cregagh | 18 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 32 | -0.19 |
Ballymena | 18 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 32 | -0.24 |
Drumaness Superkings | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 16 | -1.40 |
Belfast | 18 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 12 | -1.52 |
Belfast lost to Ballymena by 83 runs
Banford Green, Tullylish, 7 September.


A half century for John Glass and a five wickets haul for Glen Adams ensured Ballymena ended their campaign on a high as they beat bottom of the table Belfast by 83 runs.
Armagh beat Cregagh by 7 wickets
The Mall, 7 September.



Armagh secured the win they needed to keep their promotion hopes alive but it was ultimately in vain. Quintin Dreyer's 6 for 33 saw Cregagh bundled out for 101 - Aaron Johnston's 27 the best of a disappointing end of season effort. Jamie Rogers (41) and Dreyer (31) were in the runs as they passed their modest target in the 18th over despite three wickets for Graeme Hassard (3-16).
Drumaness Superkings lost to Donacloney Mill by 145 runs
Village Ground, 7 September.


Run machine Atish Varape scored his 6th league hundred taking his tally to 1222 runs as Donacloney Mill beat Drumaness SK by 145 runs. Varape hit 25 fours and 3 sixes in his 91-ball 157, adding 135 in 12 overs for the 6th wicket with Stuart McCart (36*) after Shane Warren's rapid 59 (11 fours). A final total of 354 was always daunting but there was certainly respectability in the chase thanks to Neil Gelston's 61 - four wickets for Alex Ogle and three for Varape who had another day to remember.
Lurgan beat Laurelvale by 40 runs
Pollock Park, 7 September.



Stephen Chambers' 70 helped Lurgan to a 40-run win over Laurelvale at Pollock Park. Peter Maxwell chipped in with 27 in the hosts 180 for 9 - five wickets for Davaid Sinton. A fine bowling display restricted the visitors to 140 - three wickets for Maxwell, plus two apiece for Paul Stafford, Adam Johnson and Syed Ali.
Derriaghy lost to Templepatrick by 262 runs
Queensway, 7 September.



A 320 run third wicket partnership between Templepatrick captain Ross Bryans and Aussie professional Sam O'Mahony looked to have sealed their promotion to the Premier League before the change of innings. Bryans 168 included 9x4,14x6 and O'Mahony's 136, 16x4,3x6. And indeed it was a case of 'they think it's all over' when O'Mahony's opening burst claimed Ryan Beckett, Ivan Sinovich and Craig Lewis - 4 overs 3-6 his final figures, as Templepatrick look forward to playing in the top section of local cricket for the first time in their history.
Ross Bryans
Templepatrick v Belfast - No result, match void
The Cloghan, 3 September.


With weather preventing play at The Cloughan the wait goes on for Templepatrick, who now have two more chances to seal promotion to the Premier League. Their first comes at Derriaghy next Saturday, when their only challengers, Armagh will be hosting Cregagh.
Templepatrick v Armagh - match postponed
The Cloghan, 31 August.


With The Cloughan unplayable Templepatrick must wait at least another week to confirm promotion to the Premier League.
Belfast beat Lurgan by 3 wickets
Mallusk, 31 August.


Lurgan's challenge to table topping Templepatrick ended with defeat to already relegated Belfast in a high scoring encounter. Stephen Chambers century for Lurgan trumped by Hamza Hussain's unbeaten 158 as he steered his side home with three balls to spare.
Derriaghy beat Cregagh by 2 wickets
Queensway, 31 August.


Donacloney Mill beat Ballymena by 118 runs
Factory Ground, 31 August.


Drumaness Superkings lost to Laurelvale by 32 runs
Village Ground, 31 August.


Lurgan beat Drumaness Superkings by 85 runs (DLS)
Pollock Park, 26 August.



Lurgan kept their mathematical hopes of the Section One title alive with a one-sided victory at home to DSK. Both they and Armagh are eight points behind Templepatrick each with two games to play while Templepatrick will be crowned champions if they win any of their final three fixtures. Veteran off spinner Paul Stafford the destroyer of the visitors to Pollock Park, his five wicket haul ensuring the win for his side and a boost to their NRR that lifts them above Armagh into second place in the table.
Belfast v Templepatrick - Match postponed.
Mallusk, 24 August.


Templepatrick's wait to be crowned Section One champions goes on for another week after their game with Belfast fell victim to the weather. While their vastly superior NRR means they are champions in essence already, it will be rubber-stamped if they can beat Armagh next weekend.
Armagh beat Drumaness Superkings by 8 wickets
The Mall, 24 August.



Armagh kept alive the title race after a comfortable 8-wickets win against Drumaness Superkings at The Mall. DSK were bowled out for 101 despite 30 from Amit Pattnaik and Neil Walsh's 25. William Mann (4-32) and Michael Hoey (3-18) did the bulk of the damage. Neil Gelston (2-28) struck twice in the chase but Sam Wilson's 25 and an unbeaten 37-ball 45 from Quintin Dreyer (4 fours, 2 sixes) saw Armagh coast to victory in the 22nd over.
Cregagh beat Ballymena by 38 runs (DLS)
Cregagh Memorial, 24 August.


Cregagh picked up the points with a 38-run win over Ballymena on a day when showers were never too far away. Jonny Moore's 36 and Michael Glass taking four wickets were the highlights of the home side's 142. Michael Glass scored 32 of Ballymena's 98 all out - four wickets for Daniel Henry, three for Mrutyunjay Rout, and two for Craig Boultwood.
Laurelvale beat Donacloney Mill by 9 wickets (DLS)
Laurelvale, 24 August.


Muhammad Ajmal and Adnan Malik were to the fore as Laurelvale ran out easy 9-wickets winners over Donacloney Mill. Ajmal took five wickets for just eight runs as DM were bowled out for 111. The league's top-scorer Atish Varape made 34 taking his season tally to 937 but received little support in a disappointing performance. The reply was one-sided with Adnan Malik hitting an even-time unbeaten 64 (6 fours, 4 sixes) sharing an unbroken second wicket stand of 76 with Adam Speers (16*) following the loss of opener Mark Thornbury (10).
Lurgan beat Derriaghy by 6 wickets (DLS)
Pollock Park, 24 August.


Lurgan moved into third place in the table with a 6-wickets (DLS) win over Derriaghy at Pollock Park. In a disappointing batting effort, the Queensway side could only get to a modest 99, thanks primarily to a late blast by top-scorer Ivan Sinovich who hit 3 sixes in his 25, and 20 from opener Ryan Beckett. Callum Grieve took three wickets, while there were two apiece for Paul Stafford, Peter Maxwell, and Darwish Nazari. A second wicket stand of 49 between Stephen Johnston (30) and Reghard Els (23) ensured the chase was fairly straightforward despite two wickets in two balls from Sinovich (2-9).
Laurelvale lost to Templepatrick by 30 runs
Laurelvale, 18 August.



Ross Bryans powerful half century ensured Templepatrick widened the gap to 12 points at the top of Section One and all but seal their place in the top flight for the 2025 season. Bryans unbeaten 61 came from only 34 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes) as his side posted 155 for 5 - 27 apiece for Sam O'Mahony and Richard Greer, plus 20 for Mark Thompson. Michael Burns picked up three wickets, while David Sinton claimed a brace. The reply saw Laurelvale always behind the rate, in spite of a half century by Khurshid Subhani (3 fours, 3 sixes) and an unbeaten 23 by Adam Speers. The margin was 30 runs and such is the superior NRR advantage that Templepatrick have, it would take something truly exceptional to deny them even if they lost their final three matches.
Ballymena lost to Lurgan by 4 wickets
Eaton Park, 17 August.


Lurgan returned to winning ways as they chased 162 to beat Ballymena in tough conditions at Eaton Park. John Glass made an obdurate 48 as the home side ground out 162 for 7 - Sam Glass making 40, and three wickets for Darwish Nazari. Michael Glass took three wickets in a tense chase, but Stephen Johnston's 52 proved decisive in the four-wickets win.
Donacloney Mill lost to Armagh by 65 runs
Factory Ground, 17 August.


Quintin Dreyer and Matthew Wright played starring roles as Armagh beat Donacloney Mill by 65 runs. Dreyer made an even time 76 (8 fours, 3 sixes) as Armagh made what looked a modest 131 - three wickets apiece for Matthew Lyttle and Atish Varape. The home side though were bundled out for just 66 despite 31 from Varape. Matthew Wright claimed 6 for 43, while Dreyer completed a fine all-round effort by taking 4 for 23. Armagh are second in the table, 8 points behind leaders Templepatrick who also have a game in hand.
Derriaghy beat Belfast by 7 wickets (DLS)
Queensway, 17 August.


Derriaghy made light work of a rain-adjusted target of 178 in 40 overs as they romped to a seven-wicket win in just the 23rd. Ross Bailey made an unbeaten 60 (8 fours, 1 six) sharing an opening stand of 54 with Jonathan Bell, whose 35 included seven boundaries. Craig Lewis cleared the ropes three times in a quickfire 29, while Ross Glover made an unbeaten 26 in a one-sided contest.
Cregagh lost to Laurelvale by 5 wickets
Cregagh Memorial, 17 August.


Babar Khan's five-wicket haul ensured victory for Laurelvale at Cregagh. The home side made a disappointing 128 with Jonny Moore (21) and Ali Watt (20) their two main contributors. Khan had the excellent analysis of 5-25, while there were three wickets for Adam Speers and two for Michael Burns. Adnan Malik (40) and Mark Thornbury (34) shared an opening stand of 93 to all but settle the contest, although they did falter with the finishing line in sight losing five wickets to Bob Moore (3-25) and Mrutyunjay Rout (2-19).
Templepatrick beat Drumaness Superkings by 6 wickets (DLS)
The Cloghan, 17 August.


Templepatrick continued their march towards the Section One title as they beat Drumaness SK by 6 wickets in a rain-affected match at the Cloghan. DSK struggled against the home side attack as they were bundled out for just 81. Ross Bryans claimed three wickets, while there was two apiece for Ben Cave, Michael Stewart and Sam O'Mahony. Bryans then hit an unbeaten 20 as they eased to their revised target of 76 in the 26th over.
Armagh beat Belfast by 6 wickets
The Mall, 11 August.


Cregagh lost to Donacloney Mill by 159 runs
Cregagh Memorial, 11 August.



Section One's leading run-scorer Atish Varape (872) recorded his fourth century of the season as he and Aaron Kennedy (103) piled on the runs at Cregagh. Varape stroked 17 boundaries in his 118, sharing a second wicket partnership of 143 with Kennedy (6 fours, 4 sixes). A total of 303 for 5 was always going to be imposing and even more so as the hosts slipped to 23 for 5 in the reply, Bob Moore made an even-time 54 (6 fours, 2 sixes) adding 90 for the sixth wicket with Craig Boultwood (44*), but they ended 159 runs adrift on 144 - four wickets for Aaron Kennedy and two each for Timmy McClure and Mark Hanna.
Laurelvale beat Derriaghy by 8 wickets
Laurelvale, 11 August.


Laurelvale fought back strongly to inflict an 8-wicket defeat on Derriaghy. The Queensway side had made a strong start through Ryan Beckett - who hit 7 fours in his 58 - and Ross Bailey (28), but from 79 for 1 they lost their way to 170 all out, not helped by Renco Adams' second-ball dismissal. There were three wickets apiece for Babar Khan, David Sinton, and Jack Burns. The chase was straightforward, as Adnan Malik and Mark Thornbury put on 96 for the first wicket. Thornbury hit 7 fours in his 75, while Malik's 76-ball unbeaten 93 included 7 fours and 6 sixes - the 8-wicket win achieved with 11 overs to spare.
Donacloney Mill lost to Derriaghy by 5 runs
Factory Ground, 10 August.


Laurelvale beat Armagh by 4 wickets
Laurelvale, 10 August.


Belfast lost to Cregagh by 7 wickets
Mallusk, 10 August.



Ballymena lost to Drumaness Superkings by 8 wickets
Eaton Park, 10 August.


Lurgan lost to Templepatrick by 10 wickets
Pollock Park, 10 August.



Take a good look, you may never see another card like this - 10 wickets for 13 runs for Templepatrick's Aussie Sam O'Mahony.
Donacloney Mill v Belfast - match abandoned
Factory Ground, 4 August.


Drumaness Superkings beat Derriaghy by 6 wickets
Village Ground, 4 August.


A win for DSK that lifts them off the bottom of the table above Belfast.
Templepatrick beat Laurelvale by 9 wickets
The Cloghan, 4 August.



Templepatrick open the gap at the top of the table to eight points with a demolition of Laurelvale.
Armagh beat Derriaghy by 9 wickets (DLS)
The Mall, 3 August.


Donacloney Mill beat Lurgan by 105 runs (DLS)
Factory Ground, 3 August.


Cregagh lost to Templepatrick by 109 runs (DLS)
Cregagh Memorial, 3 August.


Drumaness Superkings beat Belfast by 106 runs (DLS)
Village Ground, 3 August.


Laurelvale lost to Ballymena by 37 runs (DLS)
Laurelvale, 3 August.


Ballymena beat Armagh by 8 wickets
Eaton Park, 31 July.


Cregagh beat Lurgan by 20 runs
Cregagh Memorial, 1 August.



Adam McCormick's half century helped Cregagh to a crucial win over league leaders Lurgan in a victory that now means just four points separate the top six teams in the most competitive league in the country. McCormick hit 7 fours in his 38-ball 54 to take the hosts to 144 for 6 - two wickets apiece for South African professional Reghard Els and the evergreen Paul Stafford. McCormick then turned his focus to the ball and got the prize scalp of Els who laboured for 18 balls making just 6. Stephen Chambers (44) and Stephen Johnston (33) ensured the margin of the loss - 20 runs - didn't do too much damage to their NRR. It's shaping up to be an exciting final conclusion to the league over the next month.
Ballymena lost to Templepatrick by 6 wickets
Eaton Park, 28 July.


Laurelvale beat Belfast by 62 runs (DLS)
Laurelvale, 21 July.


Ballymena v Armagh - Match postponed
Eaton Park, 20 July.


Cregagh v Lurgan - Match postponed
Cregagh Memorial, 20 July.


Drumaness Superkings v Derriaghy - Match postponed
Village Ground, 20 July.


Donacloney Mill v Belfast - Match postponed
Factory Ground, 20 July.


Laurelvale v Templepatrick - match abandoned
Laurelvale, 20 July.


Ballymena beat Laurelvale by 166 runs
Eaton Park, 13 July.


An unbroken 3rd wicket stand of 252 between Glen Adams and John Glass was the catalyst for Ballymena's whopping 166-run win at home to Laurelvale. South African overseas player Adams hit 14 fours and 6 sixes in his unbeaten 155, while Glass just missed out on his century, ending 98 not out from 90 balls (11 fours, 2 sixes) as the Eaton Park side racked up 324 for 2. Adams and Glass then took a combined seven wickets in the reply, with only Michael Burns (57*) and Adam Speers offering any resistance.
Belfast lost to Drumaness Superkings by 6 wickets
Mallusk, 13 July.


Jaiswal Jagdishnaraya's 80 inspired Drumaness Superkings to a six wicket win as they chased 280 to beat Belfast at Mallusk, sharing a second wicket stand pf 103 with Ravikiran Shanbogue (47). Earlier there were half centuries for Mohammed Choudhary (67) and Jaydee Oliver (62), and nearly one for Hamza Hussain (49).
Lurgan beat Donacloney Mill by 100 runs
Pollock Park, 13 July.


Lurgan continue to set the pace in Section One after their 100-run win over Donacloney Mill at Pollock Park. Reghard Els made an unbeaten 104 (8 fours,1 six) adding 119 for the third wicket with Stephen Chambers (59), having earlier put on 88 for the second wicket with Stephen Johnston (51) in their total of 250 for 3. Atish Varape made 54 in the reply, while Shane Warren also made 43, but they still finished 100 adrift. Darwish Nazari claimed 4 for 21, while the experienced duo of Paul Stafford (3-29) and Peter Maxwell (2-40) were also in the wickets.
Templepatrick beat Cregagh by 4 wickets
The Cloghan, 13 July.


Ross Bryans unbeaten 58 helped Templepatrick to a four wicket win at home to Cregagh and into second place in the table. Three wickets apiece for Michael Stewart and John Busby dismissed the Belfast side to 131. The chase wasn't all straightforward with two wickets apiece for Adam McCormick and Alastair Watt. Sam O'Mahony hit 5 fours in a quick 27, but it was Bryans who played the decisive knock, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes in his half century.
Templepatrick v Lurgan - match abandoned.
The Cloghan, 6 July.


Armagh beat Laurelvale by 7 wickets (DLS)
The Mall, 6 July.


Cregagh lost to Belfast by 1 run (DLS)
Cregagh Memorial, 6 July.


Derriaghy lost to Donacloney Mill by 72 runs (DLS)
Queensway, 6 July.


Drumaness Superkings lost to Ballymena by 90 runs
Village Ground, 6 July.


Drumaness Superkings lost to Cregagh by 6 wickets
Village Ground, 30 June.


Cregagh revived their promotion hopes with a six wicket win at bottom of the table Drumaness Superkings. Adam McCormick took four wickets as the home side were bowled out for 155 - Neil Walsh making 35. McCormick then showcased his all-round abilities by thumping 8 fours and 2 sixes in a 38-ball 55, adding 83 in 11 overs with Sarthak Kareer (27) to make the result a formality.
Belfast lost to Derriaghy by 7 wickets
Banford Green, Tullylish, 30 June.


Derriaghy moved level on points with Lurgan at the top of Section One thanks to another powerful display, with Reece Malone again among the runs. Batting first, Belfast struggled with Ferhan Saeed scoring 52 (5 fours, 3 sixes) out of their total of 116. Craig Lewis took 4 for 39, while there were three wickets for professional Renco Adams and two for Wayne Hughes. Early wickets for Mohammed Sameer had the Queensway side wobbling slightly at 22 for 3, but Malone thumped seven fours and four sixes in his 38- ball unbeaten 60, adding an unbroken 95 in 10 overs for the fourth wicket with Ryan Beckett (30*).
Armagh beat Templepatrick by 49 runs
The Mall, 29 June.


Armagh kept their promotion hopes alive with a 49-run home win over Templepatrick at The Mall. Quintin Dreyer's 31 was the best of their 180, with four wickets for Michael Stewart and Bryn McCallan taking 3 for 24. The visitors' chase couldn't get going as they were bowled out for 131 - wickets for Michael Hoey (3-46), Matthew Wright (2-20) and Harry Doyle (2-30).
Cregagh lost to Derriaghy by 3 wickets
Cregagh Memorial, 29 June.



Reece Malone - more renowned for his rugby prowess - showed his all-round sporting ability with a brilliant unbeaten 98 to guide Derriaghy to a three-wicket win over Cregagh. Malone hit 14 fours and 3 sixes in his 97-ball knock, adding 105 for the 5th wicket with the ever-consistent Craig Lewis, who made 57 (6 fours, 2 sixes). Earlier, Cregagh's 235 for 7 was based around half centuries from Noah Kelly (58) and Craig Boultwood (53).
Ballymena lost to Donacloney Mill by 4 wickets
Eaton Park, 29 June.


Donacloney Mills' fine season continued as they had an excellent four wickets win over Ballymena at Eaton Park. Andrew Bingham and Atish Varape have been in exceptional form and this continued with Bingham's five wicket haul seeing Ballymena bowled out for 195 - runs for Sam Glass (45), Michael Glass (41), and Glen Adams (30). Varape - the leading run scorer in the division then made an unbeaten 105 from 111 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes) as he and Philip Derby (30*) shared a match winning stand of 112 for the 5th wicket.
Laurelvale beat Drumaness Superkings by 79 runs
Laurelvale, 29 June.


A second wicket stand of 138 between Adnan Malik (76) and Mark Thornbury (70) guided Laurelvale to a 79-run win over bottom of the table Drumaness Superkings. David Sinton chipped in with an unbeaten 33 in their total of 285 for 6 and then claimed four wickets in the reply. Adam Speers picked up three scalps as DSK were bowled out for 206 in the 44th over.
Lurgan beat Belfast by 44 runs
Pollock Park, 29 June.


Lurgan continue to be the surprise package of Section One with their 44-run win over Belfast at Pollock Park reaffirming their position at the top of the table. Stephen Chambers top-scored with 30 in their 176 for 9 with runs too for Johnny Hunter (28), Callum Grieve (24) and Jack Maxwell (20). Jaydee Oliver ground out a defiant half century in the reply, but despite his endeavours Belfast were bowled out for 132 - three wickets apiece for Reghard Els and Peter Maxwell.
Templepatrick beat Belfast by 8 wickets
The Cloghan, 22 June.


Derriaghy lost to Lurgan by 8 wickets
Queensway, 22 June.


Ballymena beat Cregagh by 48 runs
Eaton Park, 22 June.


Drumaness Superkings lost to Armagh by 116 runs
Village Ground, 22 June.


Donacloney Mill beat Laurelvale by 12 runs
Factory Ground, 22 June.


Drumaness Superkings v Templepatrick - postponed
Village Ground, 15 June.


The heavy rain of the past few days put paid to any chance of play at the Village Ground.
Armagh lost to Donacloney Mill by 88 runs (DLS)
The Mall, 15 June.



Armagh suffered an amazing collapse in their game with Donacloney Mill at The Mall. Chasing 200, all was going to plan at 83 for 0 with Sam Wilson (44) and Jamie Rogers (33) well set, Then the wheels fell off as Andrew Bingham broke the stand, then dismissed Quintin Dreyer and Michael Villiers first ball to claim a hat-trick on his way to 4 for 16. Atish Varape also got four wickets as 83 for 0 became 95 for 8 - the rain arriving shortly afterwards with the total on 106 for 9. Earlier, Varape top-scored with 58 (6 fours), while Shane Warren made 44 (6 fours, 1 six) in DM's 200 - five wickets for William Mann, and two apiece for Brydon Laing and Harry Doyle.
Laurelvale lost to Cregagh by 146 runs
Laurelvale, 15 June.



Hard-hit half centuries from Adam McCormick and Adam Beattie powered Cregagh to a convincing 146-run win at Laurelvale. McCormick hit 5 sixes and 3 fours in a top score of 60 from just 36 balls, while Beattie's 29-ball half century included 4 sixes and fours. There were runs too for Nikhilish Ravikrishnan (41) and Noah Kelly (31) in a total of 247 - three wickets for Michael Burns. The home side struggled in the reply, with only Daryl Henry (28) and Adam Speers (24) in the runs as they were bowled out for 101 - four wickets for Graeme Hassard (4-22) and three for Daniel Henry (3-7).
Lurgan beat Ballymena by 4 wickets
Pollock Park, 15 June.


Lurgan are the surprise leaders of Section One after a four wickets win at home to Ballymena. Michael Caithness (37) and Glen Adams (27) were their main contributors for the Eaton Park side in a total of 163 for 9 - three wickets for Darwish Nazari, plus two apiece for Paul Stafford, Jack and Peter Maxwell. Lurgan were indebted to a third wicket partnership of 106 in 19 between Reghard Els (66) and Stephen Chambers (50), eventually sealing victory following a mini wobble as John Glass took three wickets.
Ballymena beat Belfast by 24 runs
Eaton Park, 8 June.


Glen Adams magnificent seven wickets haul bowled Ballymena to a 24-run win over Belfast in a low-scoring affair at Eaton Park. Adams claimed 7 for 26 with Michael Glass taking 3 for 20 as Belfast could only make 102 chasing what looked like a modest target of 126. Extras with 22 were the highest scorer for Ballymena, with Sameer Mohd taking three wickets.
Cregagh beat Armagh by 49 runs
Cregagh Memorial, 8 June.



Cregagh overcame Armagh in a high scoring game with some hard hitting on both sides. Nikhilesh Ravikrishnan hit 13 fours and 4 sixes in his 97, sharing a 5th wicket stand of 108 in 18 overs with Craig Boultwood (34). There were runs too for Adam Beattie (39), Jonny Moore (32), Jay Hunter (26) and Aaron Johnston (24) in a Cregagh total of 299 - four wickets for William Mann. The target looked achievable with in-form South African Quintin Dreyer racing to 98 from 71 balls - 15 fours, 3 sixes - adding 101 for the third wicket with Michael Villiers, who hit 8 fours in his 71. However, from 183 for 2, Craig Boultwood's five wickets saw The Mall side dismissed for 250.
Donacloney Mill beat Drumaness Superkings by 7 wickets
Factory Ground, 8 June.


Donacloney Mill made light work of a 244-run target as Indian professional Atish Varape went on the rampage. In a savage display of controlled aggression, he hit 25 boundaries in an unbeaten 151, adding 70 for the third wicket with Neil Kilpatrick (27) and an unbroken 119 in 14 overs for the fourth with Matthew Lyttle (16*). Earlier, Neil Gelston scored an unbeaten 69 (8 fours, 1 six), while opener James Cunningham's 42 also included 8 fours.
Laurelvale lost to Lurgan by 60 runs
Laurelvale, 8 June.


Lurgan won again as they beat Laurelvale by 60 runs in an entertaining contest. Skipper Stephen Johnston stroked 7 fours in his 64, sharing an opening stand of 124 with Johnny Hunter (42). Reghard Els then clobbered 8 fours and 3 sixes in a hard-hit 97 to get Lurgan to 296 for 8 - four wickets for Jack Burns. Daryl Henry took two wickets and just missed out on a century in the chase - stranded on 99 (9 fours, 5 sixes) as the hosts were all out for 236 - four wickets for Syed Ali.
Templepatrick lost to Derriaghy by 36 runs
The Cloghan, 8 June.


Derriaghy stalwart Craig Lewis was the hero for his team in a 36-run win at Templepatrick. Lewis made 90 from 88 balls (7 fours, 4 sixes) as the Queensway side posted 206 - Renco Adams making 31. Lewis them took three wickets with the ball as the hosts were kept to 170, despite 43 from Ross Bryans and 36 from opener Robert Smith. The win ensures Derriaghy stay top of Section One and on course for an immediate return to the Premiership.
Armagh beat Ballymena by 3 wickets
The Mall, 2 June.



A punishing unbeaten 195 from South African professional Quintin Dreyer powered Armagh to a 3-wicket win over Ballymena at The Mall. Dreyers bludgeoned 14 fours and 13 sixes in his 119-ball stay, adding 137 in 16 overs for the sixth wicket with countryman Bryden Laing (45) after they had been wobbling on 90 for 5 chasing 285. Earlier John Glass had also shown his power on his way to 124 off 108 balls (15 fours, 3 sixes) as he and Glen Adams (77) added 181 for the third wicket as Ballymena made 284 for 7. It looked a challenging total, but that didn't account for the destructiveness of Dreyer.
Donacloney Mill lost to Templepatrick by 27 runs
Factory Ground, 2 June.


A third wicket stand of 84 between Ross Bryans and Sam O'Mahony (46) helped Templepatrick to a total of 213 at the Factory Ground. Bryans hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in his 43-ball innings, while there were runs too for Robert Smith (36) and Richard Greer (21). Atish Varpe took four wickets and top-scored with 32 in the chase. A 7th wicket stand of 72 between Matthew Lyttle and Mark Campbell - who each made 31 - kept the game in the balance, but four wickets for John Busby and three for O'Mahony clinched a 27-run win for Templepatrick.
Armagh beat Lurgan by 11 runs
The Mall, 4/5 June.



Sam Wilson's century helped Armagh to an 11-run win over Lurgan in a match played over two nights at The Mall. Wilson hit 9 fours and 4 sixes in his 101, sharing a crucial stand with Harry Doyle who scored 63 as Armagh made a challenging 255. Lurgan made a brave fist of the chase, with Jack Harrison (63) and Reghard Els (44) making runs. In the end though, two wickets apiece from Matthew Wright and Quintin Dreyer kept the Pollock Park to 244 for 9 in an entertaining contest that could have gone either way.
Lurgan lost to Cregagh by 2 wickets
Pollock Park, 27 May.


A struggle for Lurgan after being asked to bat, losing captain Stephen Johnston in the first over and Aussie Reghard Els in the second, both without scoring. Callum Grieve (39) and Stephen Chambers (19) with the only double figure scores as the innings folded, three wickets for Daniel Henry and two each for Graeme Hassard and Alastair Watt. What looked to be a straightforward chase for Cregagh got off to the worst possible start as Els took revenge for his own dismissal by removing Jay Hunter lbw first ball of the reply, and doubling up, bowling Paul Douglas in the same over, Cregagh 3/2 after 1 over. Danny Cooper and Aaron Johnston steadied the ship adding 34 before Cooper was stumped, a wicket for the evergreen Paul Stafford with Els taking his third leaving Cregagh 57/4 at the halfway stage. It looks like it will be Aaron Johnston or nobody to win this for Cregagh as they lose another two wickets. Still 34 needed and only 4 wickets left - overs not a problem surely? Make that three wickets left as Stafford gets his third, Bob Moore lbw without scoring. Johnston gone! A second wicket for Peter Maxwell and scoring at a standstill, can Cregagh creep across the line from here? Lurgan are going to have to find another bowler here if 42 overs = 2x9 & 3x8. Els and Stafford have bowled 9 each and John Guy 8. So here comes Darwish Nazari - Maxwell has bowled 6 so they may actually need a sixth bowler! Not required in the end as Alastair Watt and Daniel Henry add an unbroken 23 for the ninth wicket and the win.
Derriaghy beat Drumaness Superkings by 48 runs
Queensway, 26 May.


A comfortable win for the home side after posting a healthy 154 in their 20 overs. Craig Lewis the only batter in their first seven not to reach double figures but he made up for that with the ball. James Cunningham hit three Sixes in his Superkings top score of 28 but three wickets from Wayne Hughes knocked the visitors back before Lewis picked up four leaving Ross Bailey to deliver the coup de grace with the final two in his fourth over.
Donacloney Mill lost to Belfast by 1 wicket
Banford Green, Tullylish, 26 May.


An unbroken tenth wicket partnership of 42 saw Belfast snatch the points from the home side in this high scoring encounter. All looked lost for the visitors at 257/9 before Naveem Ahmad launched his assault blasting 4x4 and 4x6 including one to seal the win in his 45* off only 18 deliveries. His partner Shoaib Maqsood contributing 2 to the partnership. Earlier it had looked like Ryan Matthews had made the game safe for 'Cloney Mill with 73 and 4 wickets but it was not to be. A quickfire 80 from former Woodvale player Ferhan Saeed set Belfast on their way but it will be Ahmad's effort that will stick in the memory of his side and the throats of his opponents.
Ballymena lost to Derriaghy by 108 runs
Eaton Park, 25 May.


Cregagh beat Drumaness Superkings by 3 wickets
Cregagh Memorial, 25 May.


Belfast lost to Laurelvale by 2 wickets
Banford Green, Tullylish, 25 May.


Lurgan beat Armagh by 10 wickets
Pollock Park, 25 May.


Templepatrick beat Donacloney Mill by 8 wickets
The Cloghan, 25 May.


Derriaghy beat Armagh by 5 runs
Queensway, 19 May.


Belfast lost to Armagh by 41 runs
Mallusk, 11 May.


Derriaghy lost to Laurelvale by 63 runs
Queensway, 11 May.


Donacloney Mill beat Cregagh by 1 wicket
Factory Ground, 11 May.


A nail-biting finish at the Factory Ground saw the home side creep across the line by the narrowest of margins. Cregagh's total of 195 featured a 66 run fourth wicket partnership of 66 between Craig Boultwood and Aaron Johnston. But as partnerships go it was surpassed by the tenth wicket unbroken 25 between Andrew Bingham (17) and Timmy McClure (6) that saw Donacloney Mill to the win.
Ballymena lost to Templepatrick by 95 runs
Eaton Park, 11 May.


Derriaghy v Drumaness Superkings - postponed
Queensway, 5 May.
NCU T20 Trophy 2024
Final: Donacloney Mill lost to Lurgan by 6 wickets
The Lawn, 21 July.



Lurgan staged a late assault to wrestle the T20 Trophy from the grasp of Donacloney Mill in a thrilling conclusion to the final at the Lawn. Chasing 125, Lurgan looked to have blown their chances when they still required 21 from the last nine balls. Stephen Chambers though struck Andrew Bingham for two fours and a straight six that reduced the equation to 7 from the last over. Jack Maxwell then took centre stage as he hit two offside fours in the first three balls to win the game. Callum Grieve won the Man-of-the-Match award for his 28, having earlier claimed 3 for 16 in DM's innings. Their 124 for 7 was dominated by a second wicket stand of 85 between Craig Kennedy (48) and Atish Varape (37) after the early dismissal of Shane Warren - courtesy of a stunning catch at point by Johnny Hunter off Reghard Els. Aaron Kennedy's two wickets - including an excellent stumping by Neil Kilpatrick to get Els - had his side well in contention until the final, dramatic twist.
Semi-Final: Donacloney Mill beat Templepatrick by 8 wickets
Sandy Bay, Larne, 23 June.


Semi-Final: Lurgan beat Belfast by 9 wickets
Sandy Bay, Larne, 23 June.


NCU Junior Cricket 2024
T20 Bowl Final: Bangor beat BISC by 7 wickets
Upritchard Park, Bangor, 16 August.



Bangor retained the T20 Trophy Bowl with an ultimately comfortable 7-wickets win over BISC at Upritchard Park. Three wickets for Chris Walton and two for William Simpson helped restrict the visitors to a modest 110 for 8 - runs for Virat Gair (36) and Indudhar Jagadeesh (24). Former Irish international Mark Hutchinson hit four boundaries in his 22 as the hosts made a steady start. The chase exploded into life with a match defining third wicket stand of 62 in six overs with opener Andrew Kilpatrick hitting three sixes in a 28-ball unbeaten 44, alongside Robin van Harte, who made 38 (5 fours, 1 six) as victory was clinched in the 15th over.
Intermediate Cup Final: CSNI III beat CIYMS III by 4 wickets
Sandy Bay, Larne, 10 August.


Junior Cup Final: Lisburn II lost to Waringstown II by 3 wickets
Upritchard Park, Bangor, 3 August.



Simon Harrison led Waringstown to a tense last over three-wickets win against Lisburn in the Junior Cup final at Bangor. Chasing 178, former Irish international James Hall's 49 (3 fours, 1 six) plus 20s from Ross Waite and Lee Nelson looked to have The Lawn side in control at 115 for 2. However, four wickets for Richard Simpson (4-31) saw five wickets fall for 30 runs, and at 145 for 7 the momentum had switched back to Lisburn. Harrison though proved up the task making an unbeaten 45 (6 fours, 1 six), finishing the game in style as he showed no nerves striking a superb straight six to tie the game, then winning it with a pulled four. That clinched the Man-of-the-Match award for Harrison in what has been a difficult year for the famous family with three deaths, including Simon's father Barry in April. Earlier he had also taken two wickets as did Hall - one of three Irish internationals in the match along with Phil Eaglestone and Boyd Rankin as Lisburn made 177 for 7. David (48) and Richard Simpson (28) in the runs as well as Adam Berry (38). Two cup final defeats in two days for Lisburn, but no-one will begrudge Waringstown's triumph in what was an entertaining decider at a wonderfully immaculate Upritchard Park.
Ulster Plate 2024
Final: Muckamore lost to Lisburn by 3 wickets
Moylena, 18 August.



Lisburn lifted the Ulster Plate with a three-wickets win against Muckamore at Moylena in a tight contest. Batting first the home side posted 152 with Challenge Cup Man-of-the-Match Mark Gleghorne top-scoring with 48, and runs too from Richard Keates (31) and Ewan Wilson (23). The experienced triumvirate of Ian Whitten (4-20), Callum Atkinson (3-35), and skipper Richard Simpson (2-39) took the bowling honours. The chase was a tense one and at 54 for 4 the game was very much in the balance. Glen Halliday proved the difference with his unbeaten 65 from 60 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes), sharing a crucial fifth wicket stand of 68 with Chris Burns (29). Muckamore kept plugging away with wickets for Ethan Wilson (3-40) and Shane Henderson (2-16), but couldn't dislodge Halliday and that was the difference in a game of fine margins.
Semi-final: Muckamore beat North Down by 60 runs
Moylena, 21 July.


Semi-final: Lisburn beat Instonians by 119 runs
Wallace Park, 21 July.


Round 2: Ardmore lost to North Down by 74 runs
The Bleachgreen, 7 July.



North Down overcame a shaky start to run out comfortable 74-run victors against Ardmore at the Bleachgreen. Mo Aahil fell in the first over - one of four wickets for Derish Joseph (4-24). However, Hamilton Coulter (32), Ryan Haire (27) and Ian Arthur (24) steadied the ship before skipper Ryan Galway powered his way to a top score of 45 (4 fours, 2 sixes) to take the Comber side to 169 for 8 - two wickets Bobby Brolly. The reply was soon in tatters as Jaxon Dines (4-32) and Tom Crothers (3-18) ripped through the top order. Paul McDowell's unbeaten 27 gave the total some respectability but the result was never in doubt.
Round 2: Donemana lost 2-1 to Lisburn in a bowl-out.
The Holm, 7 July.



Holders Donemana were knocked out in the dreaded bowl-out after heavy showers left the square unplayable. David Simpson and Callum Atkinson were the Lisburn heroes in the shoot-out.
Round 2: Instonians beat Waringstown by 5 wickets
Shaw's Bridge, 7 July.


Ben Rose hit Instonians into the semi-finals as they chased Waringstown's 177 to win by five wickets. Rose hit 11 fours and 6 sixes in his 55-ball 88, adding 90 for the fourth wicket with George Craigan, who made a run-a-ball 36. Earlier Lee Nelson had hit a rapid 64 from 47 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes_ adding 85 for the second wicket with Seb Best (31). The innings though lost its way somewhat, despite 25 apiece from Jack Snell and Michael Waite. James Lambert and Ben Walsh took three wickets each, while Max Wilmott and Ben Rose claimed two apiece in a fine victory for the Shaw's Bridge side.
Round 2: Muckamore beat Eglinton by 10 wickets
Moylena, 7 July.



It was the joy of six for Shane Henderson who bowled last season's beaten finalists into the last four with a devastating display at Moylena against Eglinton. Andy Lucas (30) had taken the villagers to 62 for 2 batting first, but the NW side then imploded losing eight wickets for 13 runs to be 75 all out - Henderson claiming 6 for 11 and Ethan Wilson 2-12. Muckamore had no trouble in the reply knocking off the modest target with no loss Ewan Wilson making a run-a-ball 45 (3 fours, 1 six) and Graeme Ormiston an undefeated 23.
Round 1: Ardmore beat Woodvale by 6 wickets
The Bleachgreen, 2 June.



Ardmore beat Woodvale at The Bleachgreen thanks to an unbeaten half century from wicket-keeper batsman Mark Chambers. The Belfast side had made a strong start as Wayne Horwood (52) and Zarar Khan (23) added an opening stand of 82 in 16 overs. Spinners Sean Gormley and Bobby Brolly then took three wickets apiece to stall the momentum, with Dervish Joseph mopping up the tail to claim 4 for 17. Jacob Donnelly hit an entertaining even time 43 not out (4 fours, 1 six) to get Woodvale to 151. Ardmore lost both openers cheaply, but got back on track with a third wicket stand of 60 between Chambers and Gibi Babu (23). Chambers went on to add a further 52 with Phil Patterson (21*) to end on an unbeaten 63 that included 8 fours as the NW side sealed a six-wicket win.
Round 1: Eglinton beat CIYMS by 193 runs
Eglinton, 2 June.



Eglinton were the biggest winners of the day as they trounced a youthful and badly depleted CIYMS by 193 runs. The Belfast side requested a venue switch due to their seniors needing Belmont, and could only muster 9 to make the journey. The home side were merciless as they piled up 334 for 5, with Adam Lamberton hitting 14 fours and two sixes in his 100, sharing a century opening stand with Ryan Lamrock (49). Josh Martin thumped three sixes in an over on his way to a rapid 55, and there were runs too for Scott Adair (34), Dylan McElhatton (30*), Robert McFarland (25) and Rhys Thompson (20*) in the turkey shoot. CIYMS did at least ensure some respectability with a century stand between Fraser McKane (47) and Aadi Maini (35) on their way to 141 for 6 - three wickets for Dylan McElhatton and two for Scott Adair.
Round 1: Donemana beat CSNI by 149 runs
The Holm, 2 June.


DJ Dougherty was the highest individual scorer of the day as he made 143 in Donemana's 149-run win at home against CSNI. DJ cleared the ropes 12 times and also hit 11 fours in his 91-ball stay. He shared an opening stand of 119 in 21 overs with skipper Jamie Huey (50), and he and Graeme Boyd went through the gears as they added 88 in 7 overs, with Boyd's 64 taking just 36 deliveries (4 fours, 5 sixes). Ollie Dyer's 3-45 was the best of the Stormont side's attack in the home side's 310 for 6. CSNI came out swinging but couldn't get any real partnerships going as they were bolwed out for 161 - Gareth Thompson hit 5 fours and 3 sixes in his 54 not out, while Ollie Dyer hit 3 sixes in a feisty 31. Chris Neely (5-21) and Gary Neely (4-23) doing the damage with the ball.
Round 1: Killyclooney lost to Waringstown by 5 wickets
Burndennett, 2 June.



Johnny Bushe was the unlikely bowling hero for Waringstown as they won at Killyclooney. The former Irish international wicketkeeper took a hat-trick on his way to 5 for 9 as Killyclooney collapsed in dramatic fashion. The Tyrone side had reached 139 for 2 thanks to a stand of 106 between Andrew Neil (53) and Craig Campbell (50), before the wheels came off and they were reduced to 140 for 7. Ross Waite took four wickets too as Killyclooney were all out for 170. Waringstown had little trouble in the chase as Matthew Daly thumped 6 fours and 5 sixes in a hard-hit 66, while Ross Waite completed a fine all-round game in making 44 that included 7 fours. Matthew Campbell took 3 for 26 but the NCU side closed out the 5 wicket win in the 29th over.
Round 1: Lisburn beat Fox Lodge by 2 wickets
Wallace Park, 2 June.



It was a close fought contest at Wallace Park where Lisburn edged out Fox Lodge to win by two wickets. Adam Berry took 4 for 15 and Richard Simpson claimed a brace as the Foxies were bowled out for 120 - William McCarter making an unbeaten 40. The hosts struggled in the chase though with wickets for Levi Kerr, Andrew McNeill and Adam Boyd having them 98 for 8. A 9th wicket stand between Richard Booth and Richard Simpson saw them over the line though and into the last eight.
Round 1: Muckamore beat Brigade by 67 runs
Moylena, 2 June.


A last wicket stand of 82 between Arnold Oduvelil and Ethan Wilson (18*) was the catalyst for Muckamore's 67-run win at home to Brigade. Coming together at 119 for 9, the pair took their side to what would be a match winning 201 for 9, with Oduvelil's unbeaten 53 including 5 fours and a six. Nick Gray and Ewan Wilson both claimed three wickets while there were two for Gareth Connor. None of the Brigade batters could get to grips with the home side attack - Ben Johnston's 22 their best effort as they ended on 134 for 9.
Round 1: Newbuildings lost to Instonians by 67 runs
Foyleview Arena, 2 June.



It was a tale of two centuries and two big partnerships as Instonians progressed to the quarter-finals with a 67-run win at the Foyleview Arena. Inst had got off to a fast start thanks to Robert Craigan's quickfire 46, but lost their way to be struggling on 71 for 5. However a 6th wicket stand of 181 in 23 overs between George Craigan and James Lambert transformed their fortunes. Craigan made an unbeaten 101 from 83 balls (14 fours, 2 sixes), while Lambert just missed out on his century, out for 97 in 72 deliveries (11 fours, 4 sixes) as they finished on 307 for 8. The hosts were undaunted by such a challenging target, with Sam McClintock and Jack McIvor replying with an opening stand that took them to 144 for 0 just past the midway point of the chase. McClintock hit 18 fours and cleared the ropes twice in his 118 from 82 balls, while McIvor made 39. However, once the stand was broken, Inst eased to a 67-run win. James Lambert got the big wicket of Johnny Thompson for just 9, holding on to a steepling caught and bowled, while there were three wickets each for spinners Ben Rose and Sam McLarnon.
Round 1: North Down beat Bready by 52 runs
Comber, 2 June.



A third wicket stand of 75 between former Irish international Ryan Haire and James Shields helped North Down into the last eight with a 52-run win against Bready at Comber. Haire top-scored with 66 (7 fours, 2 sixes), while James Shields made 31, his father Peter 26, and there were runs earlier too for Drew Parker (24) in a total of 199 for 8. Spinner Aaron Cooke (3-26) was the pick of the bowlers. Bready's reply never really got going depsite the efforts of Jordan McCorkell in the middle order who hit a quickfire 60 from just 54 balls (4 fours, 1 six) as the visitors ended on 147 - two wickets for Haire, Peter Shields, Jaxon Dines and Josh Corbett.
NCU Youth Cricket 2024
Banoge Cup Final: Instonians beat Derriaghy by 6 wickets
Queensway, 20 June.


NCU Women's Cricket 2024
Cup Final: Holywood lost to Waringstown by 8 wickets
Wallace Park, 4 August.



Waringstown won the Women's Cup for the second time in their history following an impressive eight-wicket win over Holywood at Wallace Park. Rachel Harrison's two-wicket burst put them on top, with one of the dismissals the influential South African international Karabo Meso. Lara Maritz (24) and Erin Bond (20) took Holywood to 43 for 2, but wickets for Player-of-Match Naomi Matthews (3-15) and two in two balls for Charlotte Lyons saw four wickets tumble for just a single. Cara Murray also picked up a brace as the SeaPark side were bowled out for 70. The chase started nervously with Sophie Hinds and Cara Murray both falling to Erin Bond, However, an unbroken third wicket stand of 70 between experienced duo Amy Caulfield (21*) and Charlotte Lyons (22*) ensured the trophy made its way to The Lawn.
NCU Schools Cricket 2024
Schools Cup Final: RBAI beat Ballyclare High School by 126 runs
Osborne Park, Belfast, 17 June.



NCU Junior Cricket 2024
T20 Bowl Final: Bangor beat BISC by 7 wickets
Upritchard Park, Bangor, 16 August.



Bangor retained the T20 Trophy Bowl with an ultimately comfortable 7-wickets win over BISC at Upritchard Park. Three wickets for Chris Walton and two for William Simpson helped restrict the visitors to a modest 110 for 8 - runs for Virat Gair (36) and Indudhar Jagadeesh (24). Former Irish international Mark Hutchinson hit four boundaries in his 22 as the hosts made a steady start. The chase exploded into life with a match defining third wicket stand of 62 in six overs with opener Andrew Kilpatrick hitting three sixes in a 28-ball unbeaten 44, alongside Robin van Harte, who made 38 (5 fours, 1 six) as victory was clinched in the 15th over.
Intermediate Cup Final: CSNI III beat CIYMS III by 4 wickets
Sandy Bay, Larne, 10 August.


Junior Cup Final: Lisburn II lost to Waringstown II by 3 wickets
Upritchard Park, Bangor, 3 August.



Simon Harrison led Waringstown to a tense last over three-wickets win against Lisburn in the Junior Cup final at Bangor. Chasing 178, former Irish international James Hall's 49 (3 fours, 1 six) plus 20s from Ross Waite and Lee Nelson looked to have The Lawn side in control at 115 for 2. However, four wickets for Richard Simpson (4-31) saw five wickets fall for 30 runs, and at 145 for 7 the momentum had switched back to Lisburn. Harrison though proved up the task making an unbeaten 45 (6 fours, 1 six), finishing the game in style as he showed no nerves striking a superb straight six to tie the game, then winning it with a pulled four. That clinched the Man-of-the-Match award for Harrison in what has been a difficult year for the famous family with three deaths, including Simon's father Barry in April. Earlier he had also taken two wickets as did Hall - one of three Irish internationals in the match along with Phil Eaglestone and Boyd Rankin as Lisburn made 177 for 7. David (48) and Richard Simpson (28) in the runs as well as Adam Berry (38). Two cup final defeats in two days for Lisburn, but no-one will begrudge Waringstown's triumph in what was an entertaining decider at a wonderfully immaculate Upritchard Park.
Reports & Articles
New overseas professional for Carrickfergus
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Carrickfergus have signed South African all-rounder Ruan Haasbroek for the 2024 season.
NCU clubs stick with T20 replays
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Match 2s in the Northern Cricket Union will continue to be 20 over matches after Muckamore’s proposal to give teams the option of playing a two-night game was rejected at this week’s AGM.
Jacob Mulder makes CIYMS return
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Former Irish international Jacob Mulder is moving back to CIYMS.
Suspensions galore handed down by Cricket Ireland
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Four players banned, while two receive reprimands after tense clashes last July in the National Cup semi-finals.
Trouble costs Derriaghy a Home draw
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Derriaghy have been banned from receiving a home draw in next year’s National Cup after crowd trouble at last year’s final at The Lawn.
Abrahams en route to Armagh
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Armagh have signed South African Cole Abrahams as their overseas player for the 2024 season.
Instonians sign South African overseas player
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Premiership champions Instonians have signed South African all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana as their overseas professional for the 2024 campaign.
NCU Annual Awards night
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As the awards were handed out last night at the Northern Cricket Union’s Annual Dinner, the 2023 season has been described as a success but there are challenges ahead for all the clubs.
Mark Adair joins Lisburn
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Mark Adair has become Lisburn’s third major signing of the week, with the Irish international joining Ryan Macbeth and Adam Kennedy in switching to Wallace Park.
One in and one out at Cliftonville Academy
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Max Burton is leaving to join CIYMS, but highly rated South African Kian Hilton is arriving at Cliftonville Academy.
Ryan Macbeth joins Lisburn
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The 25 year-old has been a pivotal figure at Beechgrove over the last eight years having joined them as a teenager from St Johnston.
Adam Kennedy joins Lisburn
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The 20 year-old pace bowler was one of the main performers for the Cricket Ireland Academy and also CIYMS in the recent T10 tournaments, taking 22 wickets in total.
NCU Review 10: Woodvale
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It was a season of struggle for Woodvale, who finished 9th in the table just avoiding relegation, while there was no decent cup run to take their mind off their woes.
NCU Review 9: CSNI
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It was a season of continued development for CSNI as they once again laid solid foundations that will stand them in good stead for the years ahead.
Double swoop for North Down
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North Down have signed James Shannon and Dian Forrester for the 2024 season.
NCU Review 8: Derriaghy
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A season of mixed fortunes for Derriaghy who were relegated from the Premiership but lifted the Irish National Cup.
NCU Review 7: Carrickfergus
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It was a disappointing Premiership campaign which culminated in an eighth place finish, but there was a cup run which saw them beaten by Waringstown in a memorable final.
Derriaghy rocked by player exodus
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Derriaghy have confirmed that at least four of their senior side are leaving Queensway following their relegation from the Premier League.
Van Der Merwe back at Muckamore
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It has been 12 years, but Jason van der Merwe is on his way back to Muckamore.
Cregagh remember War dead
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Officials and community representatives gathered to unveil storyboards at a special service at the club grounds on Saturday.
NCU Review 6: Cliftonville Academy
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Cliftonville Academy finished seventh in the Premiership, while they enjoyed a good run in the National Cup, losing to Derriaghy in the decider.
Gordon join Carrickfergus
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Sam Gordon has joined Carrickfergus from Derriaghy on a two-year deal.
NCU Review 5: Lisburn
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It was always going to be difficult for Lisburn to repeat the highs of their 2022 season, although they did acquit themselves well enough in finishing third in the Premiership.
NCU Review 4: North Down
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It wasn't the best of seasons for North Down, who finished 6th in the Premiership, and didn't put together any sort of a run in the cup competitions.
NCU Review 3: Waringstown
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It was a very good season for Waringstown, who won the NCU T20 and Challenge Cups, while also making the final of the All-Ireland Cup.
Owen at the double
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Keep an eye out for rising star Owen McMillan who helped Cregagh win the Under-11 NCU League Championship, and picked up two awards at the Belfast club's awardss night.
NCU Review 2: CIYMS
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There were a number of new faces at Belmont for the 2023 season as they challenged on most fronts, but had to be content with an all-Ireland T20 trophy.
NCU Stats for Premier League, Challenge and T20 Cup
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2023 season stats for consideration of NCU awards.
NCU Review 1: Instonians
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We start our review of the NCU club season with a look at the champions Instonians.
Final NCU statistics for the season in all competitions
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Stats include performances in the Premier League, Challenge Cup, T20 Leagues and Cups, Irish Senior Cup and the National Cup.
Magnificent seven for Waringstown
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Waringstown won the T20 cup for a seventh time as Graham Hume smashed the penultimate ball for six to seal victory over CIYMS in a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout.
CIYMS and Waringstown to meet in T20 Cup final
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Waringstown and CIYMS will bring the curtain down on the NCU senior season when they face off in the final of the T20 Cup at The Lawn on Sunday (2pm).
CSNI clinch Women's Premier title
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CSNI collected the Women's Premiership title after a convincing eight-wicket win over second placed North Down.
CIYMS and Cliftonville Academy record wins
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CIYMS once again showed their T20 prowess as they powered to a thumping 8 wicket win at home to Waringstown.
Party time for Instonians
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The Instonians cricket family celebrated at Shaw’s Bridge last night after captain Nikolai Smith was presented with the NCU Premier League trophy by proud club member and NCU president Brian Walsh.
Instonians round off impressive season
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Jack Dickson scores century as Instonians beat CSSNI. Wins too for Waringstown, CIYMS and Woodvale.
18 out of 18 for Muckamore
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Muckamore complete a 100% record in NCU Section One.
Jigsaw falls into place for Instonians
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Instonians Premier League winning captain Nikolai Smith hailed an all-round team effort as the final “pieces of the jigsaw” fell into place.
Latest NCU season stats
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Following player requests the stats now include performances in the National Cup.
McCollum at Gloucestershire
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James McCollum is over playing with Gloucestershire this week in England.
CSNI beat Muckamore in U17 cup final
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There was double cause for celebration at Stormont on Monday night as their U17s beat Muckamore to win the cup, following their Women's Premiership title earlier in the evening.
CSNI Women close in on Premiership
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CSNI Women took another step closer to claiming the NCU Premiership after beating Muckamore by 6 wickets at Stormont.
Lisburn loss means Instonians are champions
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Lisburn's loss meant that Instonians are Premier League champions.
Belfast beat Ballymena in Section One
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Belfast proved too strong for Ballymena, beating them by 7 wickets in their T20 clash at Eaton Park.
Lisburn win Minor Cup
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Lisburn Thirds won the intra-club bragging rights at Wallace Park with a six wickets win over their fourth XI to lift the Minor Cup.
Instonians march on
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Instonians' seemingly unstoppable march to the NCU League title continued in imperious fashion yesterday with a seven wickets victory over Waringstown at The Lawn.
Instonians on cusp of title
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Instonians beat Waringstown but Lisburn keep race alive with victory at North Down.
Umpires to remember Richard Campbell
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Umpires in the NCU will wear black armbands on Saturday in memory of colleague and Ballymena club member Richard Campbell who has died suddenly at the age of 37.
Instonians close in on title
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Instonians took a huge stride to the NCU Premier League title with an emphatic eight wickets victory over CIYMS at Belmont on Thursday. Nikolai Smith’s side are eight points clear with just two games remaining.
Instonians take step towards Premier title
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Instonians moved a step closer to the Premier League title with an 8 wickets DLS win over CIYMS at Belmont.
Lisburn clinch Junior 1 title
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Lisburn clinched the NCU Junior 1 title on Wednesday night after a convincing win over nearest challengers CIYMS.
Bangor lift T20 Bowl with dramatic win over Cooke Collegians
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Cooke Collegians will be wondering just how they managed to lose this T20 Bowl final after dominating Bangor the whole way through until the last stages.
Muckamore crowned Section One champions
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Muckamore clinched the Senior One title with a convincing 8-wicket win over nearest challengers Ballymena in a game reduced to 41 overs.
Cliftonville Academy get revenge on Derriaghy
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There was a win in the Premiership for Cliftonville Academy, while Muckamore march on in Section One, while Ballymena and Cregagh tie.
De Wet stars as CSNI beat North Down
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CSNI got the better of North Down in a game that was shortened to just 8 overs.
Derriaghy claim the National Cup in all NCU clash
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Derriaghy professional Patrick Kruger produced a player of the match performance to guide his side to National Cup glory,
Lisburn and Instonians win in Premier League
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In the Premier League they have Instonians and Lisburn to catch after both continued their winning form in rain-reduced matches yesterday.
Muckamore win again in NCU Section One
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Muckamore secured their 12th win of the league campaign to move 12 points clear at the top of Section One after a bizarre win at home to Donacloney Mill.
Instonians and Lisburn set the pace in Premiership
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There were wins for Instonians and Lisburn in the NCU Premiership.
Premiership title battle hots up
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While the Irish Cup final takes centre stage in the NCU area today, the battle for points in the NCU Premier League is due to resume, the majority of clubs having played only one game in the last four weeks.
Instonians beat Bangor to win U13 League
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Instonians beat Bangor by 32 runs at Upritchard Park to clinch the Under 13 league play-off.
Downpatrick clinch Midweek Cup
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Downpatrick collected their first silverware of the season as they beat Lisburn by seven wickets to win the NCU Midweek Cup.
Rain hits NCU Premiership
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The NCU Premier League game between North Down and Civil Service North on Sunday was rained off after 36 overs, to the disappointment of the home side who had both Paul Stirling and Craig Young in the side.
North Down beat Ballymena to win Intermediate Cup
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Tom Crothers scored a Man-of-the-Match 80 not out to propel North Down to a comprehensive 145-run win over Ballymena in the Intermediate Cup final at Sandy Bay.
Update of NCU 2023 stats
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After the run feast at the Challenge Cup Final time to check the latest players' stats.
Records tumble as Waringstown triumph
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Waringstown won the Challenge Cup for the 27th time against a Carrickfergus team who responded superbly, in their first showpiece final on a record-breaking day.
Muckamore win again
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Muckamore moved a step closer to the Section One title and promotion after a hard fought 61-run win over Dundrum in a game reduced to 35 overs.
Waringstown beat Carrick in run-filled final
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Waringstown won the NCU Challenge Cup for the 27th time in a run-filled final at Stormont that saw records tumble.
Underdogs Carrick look to upset Waringstown
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Carrickfergus captain CJ van der Walt will tell his players to enjoy the occasion and believe they can cause an upset in today’s Challenge Cup final at Stormont.
Muckamore march on
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Muckamore's relentless march towards promotion continued unabated as they beat Belfast by 61 runs (DLS) in their rearranged Section One game at Moylena.
McCollum return boosts Waringstown cup final hopes
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It may seem harsh to say but McCollum has scarcely been missed at Waringstown who, in his absence, have reached the final of all three Cup competitions and despite losing two of their four Premier League games are still in contention for a clean sweep.
Lisburn beat Instonians to claim Graham Cup
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Lisburn produced an incredible comeback to beat Instonians by 7 runs in the final of the Graham Cup at Shaw's Bridge.
Carrick beat Lisburn in bowl-out to reach cup final
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Carrick are through to the final of the Challenge Cup for the first time in their 155-year history after beating Lisburn 3-2 in a sudden death bowl-out.
Carrick reach cup final
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Carrickfergus will play in their first ever NCU Challenge Cup Final on Friday after they defeated Lisburn 3-2 in a bowl-out at Middle Road.
CIYMS to meet Cork County in All-Ireland final
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CIYMS will host Cork County in the All-Ireland T20 semi-final next Sunday after winning a bowl-out in the NCU T20 Cup final against Waringstown yesterday.
Gill delight at T20 Trophy success
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Muckamore captain Neil Gill has spoken of his delight after his side clinched their first silverware of the season with a seven wicket win over Ballymena in the NCU T20 Trophy decider.
Muckamore clinch T20 Trophy
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Muckamore claimed the NCU T20 Trophy with a 7 wicket win over Ballymena at The Lawn.
Muckamore stay on course for Senior One title
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Muckamore remain on course to lift the Section One title after they crushed Armagh by 172-runs (DLS) at the Mall.
Instonians top the table
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Instonians won the top of the table clash as they easily overcame defending champions Lisburn by 7 wickets at Wallace Park.
Waringstown reach Challenge Cup final
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Waringstown are safely through to the final of the Challenge Cup after beating CSNI by 98 runs (DLS) in a rain affected semi-final at the Lawn.
McCollum leads Waringstown to Challenge Cup final
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Waringstown are the first team into Friday’s Challenge Cup Final and, at the start of the biggest month of their season, they were boosted by the return of James McCollum.
Lurgan and Bangor to meet in Junior Cup final
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Two decades ago, Bangor were the champion team in the Northern Cricket Union and Lurgan were winning the Challenge Cup. Tomorrow, at Upritchard Park, they will contest the Junior Cup Final.
Weather ruins NCU weekend
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NCU T20 Finals day has been rearranged for next Sunday after the wet weekend ended any chance of play at The Lawn.
NCU T20 finals postponed to next week
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The T20 finals between Waringstown and CSNI, as well as Muckamore v Ballymena due to be played today at The Lawn have been pushed back a week.
Van Woerkom preferred to Humphreys after Delany injury
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Instead of returning to Matthew Humphreys, who made his debut in all three-formats on the tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this year, the selectors have called up van Woerkom for the first time.
Lisburn fixtures boost in title defence
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Lisburn are the big winners in the second half of the NCU Premier League season, with three more home matches in their post-split schedule.
Fazal and Jones power Lisburn into last four
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Lisburn powered into the last four of the NCU Challenge Cup with a 58-run (DLS) win over Instonians.
Latest NCU season stats - 10 July
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Waringstown Greg Thompson is flying high in the batting and bowling stats.
CSNI win Women's Challenge Cup
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CSNI Women lifted the Challenge Cup with a 70-run victory over North Down at Wallace Park.
CSN remain the team to beat
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Even in transition, Civil Service North remain the team to beat in the NCU Women’s League and Challenge Cup.
Dadswell on fire as Inst thrash North Down
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Shane Dadswell turned up the heat in the NCU Premier League with a whirlwind innings of 157 to keep Instonians in a share of the lead, heading into the split.
Instonians pile on the runs to top the NCU Premiership
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There were victories in the NCU Premiership for Instonians, Waringstown, Carrick, Lisburn and Cliftonville Acadmey.
Muckamore stay top of NCU Section One
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There were wins in NCU Section One for Muckamore, Ballymena, Dundrum, Belfast and Saintfield.
Davison relishing North Down challenges
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It is has not been a straightforward first season as captain for North Down captain Peter Davison but the Comber club have achieved their first goal – making the top six ahead of the split in the NCU Premier League.
Ballymena and Muckamore to meet in NCU T20 Trophy final
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Ballymena edge out Cregagh, while Muckamore have little trouble beating Armagh.
CIYMS and Waringstown to meet in T20 Cup final
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A Lisburn collapse saw Waringstown win, while CIYMS get the chance to defend their trophy as they eased past Instonians.
Adair powers CIYMS into final
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Ross Adair took holders CIYMS into the T20 Cup final yesterday with an undefeated 59 to beat Instonians.
CSNI condemn Carrick to relegation scrap
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The top six and bottom four in the Premier League have been decided with a match to spare before the teams split for the second half of the season.
NCU Cup semi-final draw
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Civil Service North must beat Waringstown at The Lawn if they are to reach their second successive NCU Challenge Cup final.
NCU Premiership battle hots up
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Wins in the NCU Premiership for Lisburn, Instonians, North Down, CIYMS and CSNI.
Kennedy double hundred steals the show in NCU Section One
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James Kennedy made 201 as Ballymena beat Armagh, while there were also wins for Dundrum. Laurelvale, Belfast and Muckamore.
CIYMS still have plenty to play for
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IT’S one down but three more cups still to defend and Premier League title to win for CIYMS after their exit from the Challenge Cup last week.
Challenge Cup roundup
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For the first time in two years, CIYMS have lost a cup match. The team that won all four knock-out trophies available last season were knocked out of the Challenge Cup yesterday by Carrickfergus
Ulster Plate Semi-finals Draw
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Three NCU sides are included in the semi-finals draw for the Ulster Plate.
It's Cup weekend but Gill targets promotion
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Neil Gill has been one of the stalwarts of the NCU for almost 20 years but he still has one ambition – to captain Muckamore in the Premier League next year, the club’s 150th anniversary.
CIYMS beat North Down in NCU T20 Cup
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Defending champions CIYMS are assured of a home draw as they made it four wins from four to top Group B with a relatively comfortable 6-wicket win over North Down at Belmont.
RBAI win Schools Cup for 12th time
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RBAI won the Schools Cup for the 12th time with a comprehensive seven wickets victory over Strabane Academy at Wallace Park.
RBAI beat Strabane Academy to win Schools Cup
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RBAI clinched the trophy for a record 12th time as they recorded a comprehensive 7-wicket win over Strabane Academy at Wallace Park.
My brother Jake
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JAKE EGAN’S century and a five-wicket haul for Alex Haggan helped Carrickfergus to victory over Cliftonville Academy.
McCullough to captain Ulster Schools v MCC
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Carson McCullough will skipper Ulster Schools in their annual clash this week against MCC at Campbell College.
Thrills and spills in NCU Premiership
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There were victories on Saturday for Waringstown in a last-ball thriller, Carrickfergus, Instonians, CIYMS and Lisburn.
NCU Section One round-up
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Wins in Section One of the NCU for Cregagh, Muckamore, Donaghcloney Mill, Laurelvale and Templepatrick.
Wilson pondering what might have been
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It’s not often that seventh v eighth in the league table is the biggest match of the day but for Carrickfergus and Cliftonville Academy, it is really win or bust tomorrow — otherwise they will almost certainly be in a relegation battle for the rest of the season.
RBAI reach Schools Cup final
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RBAI will face Strabane Academy in the final of the Schools Cup after beating Campbell College by 40 runs in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Derriaghy stun Waringstown
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Wins for Derriaghy, Carrickfergus, Cliftonville Academy, CSNI and CIYMS in the NCU Premier League.
NCU Section One round-up
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A look at how the games went in Section One of the NCU.
Shocks aplenty in NCU Premier League
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A superb unbroken partnership of 137 between Michael Rippon and captain CJ van der Walt delivered Carrickfergus a vital victory in their battle to get out of the bottom four and dealt a blow to Lisburn in their defence of the Premier League.
Foster enjoyed taste of the big time
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He wasn’t playing in the game but for Matthew Foster it was still a chance to get on the hollowed turf of Lord’s last week.
Victories in NCU T20 Cup for Carrick, Waringstown and North Down.
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Greg Thompson leads Waringstown to victory over Derriaghy, half centuries from North Down openers Ani Chore and Ally Shields ovecome CSNI, while Jake Egan's brilliant 82 saw Carrick to a morale boosting victory over Woodvale.
Instonians continue to impress
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Instonians’ resurgence continues with their most impressive league victory of the season so far, toppling favourites CIYMS at an excited Shaw’s Bridge.
Big weekend for much improved Instonians
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There is no doubt about the most improved team in the NCU Premier League this season. Sitting proudly near the top with three wins out of four are Instonians.
May stats for Premier League clubs
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Ross Adair leads the batting whilst Neil Whitworth and Ben Kane are the leading wicket takers in May
Day of drama in NCU Challenge Cup
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On a day of unrelenting drama, Civil Service North won the first ever Super Over in the NCU Challenge Cup with Woodvale the losers at Ballygomartin Road.
Day of thrills and spills in NCU Challenge Cup
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There was a first with a Super Over required to separate CSNI and Woodvale, while Derriaghy caused the shock of the day beating North Down. There were also five wicket hauls for Ben Kane, Shane Dadswell, Pat Botha and Neil Gill.
Can Armagh topple NCU cricketing royalty?
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THE King was in Armagh yesterday and although he didn’t make it to The Mall, cricket royalty will be playing at the picturesque venue tomorrow when the Section One club host Waringstown in the second round of the Challenge Cup.
Waringstown depth to be tested in Irish Cup clash
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Injuries to James McCollum and Lee Nelson plus Cricket Ireland's instruction for Graham Hume to sit out the game will make it a test of Waringstown's depth.
Waringstown join CIYMS at top of the table
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Waringstown joined CIYMS at the top of the Premier League table after a 34 runs victory at The Lawn over previously unbeaten North Down.
Two out of two for North Down
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North Down made it two wins out of two in the Premier League with a 29 runs victory over Cliftonville Academy yesterday.
CIYMS look the team to beat
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CIYMS look to be the team to beat in this year’s Premier League after easing past defending champions Lisburn in Saturday’s early season showdown at Wallace Park.
Lisburn and CIYMS up and running
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Lisburn and CIYMS will head into the first big clash of the NCU season tomorrow with a victory under their belts after getting off the mark last night in emphatic style.
Thompson leads CSNI to victory over Derriaghy
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CIVIL Service North joined CIYMS at the top of the Premier League table when they won the second completed match of the season last night, beating Derriaghy by six wickets.
Third time lucky for Lisburn?
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Lisburn will make a third attempt to begin their defence of the Premier League on Thursday against Instonians at Shaw’s Bridge after Saturday’s latest postponement at Cliftonville Academy.
CIYMS flex muscles
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CIYMS flexed their muscles on the Northern Cricket Union’s second attempt to get the season under way as Jason van Merwe failed by one run to score the first century.
NCU Saturday roundup
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The NCU season got off with a wimper rather than a bang as two of the five Premier League games, at Cliftonville Academy and Carrickfergus, fell before the starting line, and two more, at Stormont and Shaw’s Bridge, didn’t last even one innings.
Van Der Walt excited by Carrick challenge
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It’s been quite a journey both on and off the cricket field for Cornelius Johannes van der Walt, but it reaches the finishing line this year after being appointed captain of Carrickfergus — and getting a UK passport.
NCU season starts without Irish stars
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It is a sign of the times that when the NCU Premier League season gets under way, five of the best players will be in Sri Lanka preparing for Ireland’s third Test match this month.
NCU Previews 11: Muckamore
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It was a busy close season on and off the field at Muckamore who have strengthened their squad considerably for the forthcoming campaign.
NCU Previews 17: Laurelvale
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It's a step up to Section One for Laurelvale, but a challenge the club is relishing as the campaign starts.
NCU Previews 16: Cregagh
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It was a disappointing 2022 for Cregagh who were relegated from the top flight but are quietly confident of an immediate return to the top echelons of NCU cricket.
NCU Previews 15: Saintfield
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The new season brings fresh hopes for Saintfield who will be hoping for a successful campaign.
NCU Previews 14: Ballymena
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It promises to be an exciting season for Ballymena, who will be hoping to add some silverware to the Eaton Park cabinet as the season begins.
NCU Previews 13: Donacloney Mill
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There is great optimism around Donacloney Mill as the new season dawns.
NCU Previews 12: Armagh
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It promises to be an exciting season at The Mall with Armagh keen to get back into the Premier League.
NCU Previews 10: North Down
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It wasn't the best of seasons for North Down in 2022, but they have a new captain and overseas professional as they look to recapture past glories.
NCU Previews 9: Cliftonville Academy
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It was a tough baptism for Cliftonville Academy in the top flight in 2022, but they will be hopeful of better fortunes this campaign.
NCU Previews 8: Woodvale
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It wasn't a great 2022 season for Woodvale but the Ballygomartin side are more optimistic that the current campaign will be much brighter.
NCU Previews 7: Derriaghy
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Derriaghy are back in the big time in 2023, and they are determined to stay there this time.
NCU Previews 6: Waringstown
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Greg Thompson is back as captain for 2023, hoping to bring more silverware to the Lawn.
NCU Previews 5: Instonians
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There is a new captain at the helm for Instonians with Nikolai Smith taking over the reins from Andrew White.
NCU Previews 4: CIYMS
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It's all change at CIYMS with plenty of transfer activity over the close season, with John Matchett taking over the captaincy reins from Nigel Jones.
NCU Previews 3: Carrickfergus
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There's no Jacques Snyman for Carrickfergus in 2023 but they have signed a quality replacement in Michael Rippon and also have Jack Egan in their ranks for the campaign.
NCU Previews 2: CSNI
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Stuart Thompson is at the helm once again for CSNI, who have lost a few key players but have a talented crop of youngsters coming through the ranks.
NCU previews 1: Lisburn
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The champions Lisburn haven't rested on their laurels over the close season, strengthening their squad with a number of quality additions, no more so than with the acquisition of Nigel Jones.
Pienaar signs with Donacloney Mill
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NCU Section One side Donacloney Mill have signed South African wicketkeeper/batsman Peet Pienaar for the upcoming season.
Metcalfe impresses against Durham
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It may be March, but Instonians wicket-keeper batsman Ollie Metcalfe has been in action this week as Durham UCCE took on Durham at the Riverside Stadium.
CIYMS finish third in European Cup
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It all went wrong for CIYMS on Finals day at the European T10 Championships in La Manga yesterday as they lost both games to crash out before the climax.
End of the road for CIYMS as Dreux crowned Champions
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CIYMS had two chances to claim a place in the Final but lost, first to Dreux and then to Hornchurch, having beaten both earlier in the week.
CI will get two bites of the cherry
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CIYMS will get two bites of the cherry to win a place in the Euro T10 Final, as they emerge unbeaten at the end of the Round-Robin matches.
CIYMS keep to their winning ways
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With two wins today CIYMS maintained their 100% record and their position at the top of the Championship Week table.
Unbeaten CIYMS top the Table
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Unbeaten CIYMS top the Table at the end of Day 2 of the European Cricket League T10 in Malaga.
CIYMS off to a winning start in T10 Championship Week
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It was a case of just what the Doc ordered as CIYMS won their opening game of the ECL T10 Champions Week against French champions Dreux.
CIYMS begin Champions League quest
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CIYMS have made it to Finals week at the European T10 Championships.
CIYMS demolish Ariana to win group
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CIYMS clinched a place in the Championship next week after their super Saturday continued with the demolition of Swedish side Ariana KIF in the group final.
CIYMS power into T10 Final
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Jason van Der Merwe hit form on Finals Day powering CIYMS to wins over Oerias and Istanbul to carry his side to the Group Final.
Another topsy turvy day for CIYMS
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Yet again CIYMS had fluctuating fortunes on the second day of the European Cricket League group stages in Spain.
Mixed fortunes for CIYMS on opening day
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There were mixed fortunes for CIYMS on the opening day of the European Cricket League in Spain.
Carrick sign Michael Rippon as replacement pro
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Carrickfergus has announced the signing of Otago, New Zealand, and former Netherlands all-rounder Michael Rippon, as their overseas professional player/coach for the 2023 season.
CIYMS set for Spanish adventure
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CIYMS are Spanish bound this week as they play in the group stages of the European Cricket League.
Campbell face tricky start to cup defence
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Campbell College will begin their defence of the Schools Cup against either Royal School Armagh or Belfast High in the second round of this year’s competition.
Schools' Cup holders Campbell College given a bye.
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Schools' Cup holders Campbell College are among the big names receiving a bye to the second round of this year's competition.
Three awards for NCU
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Gareth Thompson, Cade Carmichael and Amy Caufield were the winners from the NCU at the Cricket Ireland awards.
James Hunter joins Lisburn
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Instonians all-rounder James Hunter is leaving Shaws Bridge,switching to Premier League Champions Lisburn for the new campaign.
Varun Chopra joins Cliftonville Academy
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Coleraine all-rounder Varun Chopra has left Coleraine to join Cliftonville Academy.
Cliftonville Academy sign South African
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Ciiftonville Academy have signed experienced South African all-rounder Aubrey Swanepoel for the upcoming campaign.
Trevor Britton joins Muckamore
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Trevor Britton is leaving CIYMS to join Muckamore. The 40 year-old enjoyed a very successful spell at CIYMS, where he enjoyed a trophy laden eight seasons.
Death of Abi Satham
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There was sad news over the weekend with the death reported of former Indian cricketer Abi Satham.
Waringstown will start Plate defence at home
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Ulster Plate holders Waringstown II will start their defence of the title with a home fixture against Donemana II.
NCU off to Spain
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Thanks to Erasmus funding, the NCU Under 14 boys side as well as a Dragons Under 18 girls side is off to Spain this weekend for a ten-day pre-season training camp.
NCU Challenge Cup draw
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Holders CIYMS will begin their defence of the Challenge Cup with an away day trip to either Dundrum or Saintfield.
Eight NCU players named in U18 Dragons squad
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There are eight NCU players included in the Dragons Under 18 squad that is heading to Spain for a week's training camp.
Nut job for CIYMS
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CIYMS have signed New Zealander Edward Nuttall after original choice Keith Dudgeon was ruled out of a return to Belmont.
Lisburn start title defence against Instonians
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Lisburn will open their defence of the Premier League title at Shaw’s Bridge with a game against Instonians on April 22.
CSNI sign New Zealander
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CSNI have signed Irish passport holding New Zealander Ryan Harrison for the 2023 season.
Muckamore recruit experienced coach
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Muckamore are another club who have been busy strengthening over the close season and have announced that experienced coach Paddy Steytler and South Africa teenager Ciaran Roundtree will be heading to Moylena this summer.
CIYMS add New Zealander to ranks
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It's been a busy close season at Belmont with plenty of ins and outs. The latest addition is Theo van Woerkom.
North Down sign South African all-rounder
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North Down have signed Andile Mokgakane for the 2023 season.
Thompson excited by Waringstown captaincy
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Greg Thompson has once again taken the captaincy at Waringstown, having previously captained the Lawn side to great success previously.
Waringstown strengthen ahead of new season
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Waringstown have signed former Carrickfergus professional Pat Botha as their overseas player for next season.
Botha joins Waringstown
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Waringstown have signed South African Pat Botha for the 2023 campaign.
Death of Dawn Johnston
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There was sad news on Tuesday when former NCU Treasurer Dawn Johnston died after a lengthy illness.
Photographs
- NCU Awards Dinner (24 November)
- Ulster Plate Final - Muckamore II v Lisburn II (18 August)
- Lisburn NCU T20 Plate winners (16 August)
- Woodvale v Muckamore - PL (10 August)
- Muckamore Head Shots (10 August)
- Waringstown, NCU Women's Cup winners (4 August)
- Junior Cup Final - Waringstown II v Lisburn II (3 August)
- Challenge Cup Final : Lisburn v Muckamore (2 August)
- Lisburn v Waringstown, T20 Cup final match pics (21 July)
- Lurgan v Donacloney Mill, T29 Trophy match pics (21 July)
- Lisburn v Waringstown, T20 Cup final presentations (21 July)
- Lurgan v Donacloney Mill, T20 Trophy Final presentations (21 July)
- Carrickfergus v North Down - PL (29 June)
- Cliftonville Academy v CSNI - PL (29 June)
- RBAI Cup Success (27 June)
- RBAI v Ballyclare HS, Schools' Cup Final (17 June)
- Waringstown v Woodvale - PL (2 June)
- Woodvale v CIYMS - PL (25 May)
- Carrickfergus v Woodvale - PL (11 May)
- Cliftonville Academy v Muckamore - PL (11 May)
Audio Interviews
Ross Bryans (7 September)
Greg Thompson after Waringstown won the Premier League (31 August)