Boost for Warriors as Rankin and Porterfield included in Interpro Squad

The North-West warriors have been handed a major boost with the inclusion of both Boyd Rankin and Ireland captain William Porterfield for their clash with defending champions Leinster Lightning at Sydney Parade next week.

The duo bring the tally of internationals in the Warriors ranks to seven, and with their opponents fielding 10 in their squad, it should be a high quality contest.

While Porterfield appeared in last season's competition, it's a first appearance in 15 years for Rankin, who last played as a teenager back in 2003.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Rankin. "It will be a great contest and offers a great opportunity to get some overs under my belt before the Test match. I have been getting some overs in with Warwickshire but the inclement weather has been hampering my preparations.

"It will be a bit strange to be playing against Irish team mates, but friendships will all be forgotten once we step over the boundary rope."

The Warriors have a strong squad and we should be pushing in all formats this year," added the Bready man.

The three-day match at Pembroke starts at 11am each day.

NORTH-WEST WARRIORS

Andy McBrine (capt) (Donemana), Ross Allen (Eglinton), David Barr (Brigade), Aaron Gillespie (Strabane), Steve Lazars (Ardmore), William Porterfield (Formby), David Rankin (Bready), Niall O’Brien (Nantwich), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), David Scanlon (Bready), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Craig Young (Bready).