WARRIORS UNFAZED BY THREAT OF LIGHTNING

The North West Warriors make their competitive debut at the beginning of the much touted RSA Inter-Provincial series next week when the local side travels south to take on Leinster Lightning at Dublin's College Park from 14-16 May. There will be three different competitions in the various formats of the game throughout the summer however the Warriors kick off with a three-day match in the Inter-Provincial Championship against their southern counterparts.

The North West 12-man squad was announced yesterday and with Andy Britton and Stuart Thompson both unavailable selectors took the necessary time to weigh up their options. The three-day format allows for a maximum of 2 overseas professionals per side and Head Coach Bobby Rao has opted to bring in the full quota and the 12 selected are-


Iftikhar Hussain- Recently confirmed as Warriors skipper for the series "Ifti" is a quality top order batsman who despite being selected for Pakistan "A" a number of years ago is playing in his first representative role in this country. The Fox Lodge man's wealth of experience will be invaluable for a fledgling squad and his very accurate bowling will be a big part of the Warriors' armoury.


Niall McDonnell- Vice captain of the squad, Niall is seen very much as someone who has the potential to go on and play an established role in the full International squad in the near future. He opened the domestic campaign this season with a century for his new club Coleraine and looks certain to fill the Number 1 spot next week.


Scott Campbell- McDonnell's opening partner at Coleraine, Scott has been a mainstay for the Ireland under-19 side in the past couple of seasons. A stylish left hand bat and dangerous left arm spinner he has really progressed for his time with Rao and the other Ireland coaches. Another for the future without a doubt but that youthful exuberance might be no bad thing against the quality of Leinster.


Andy McBrine- An almost identical profile to Campbell, McBrine has come through the exact same set up and is believed to be on the radar of at least one English County side at present. Described this week by Donemana skipper Richard Kee as "the best player I have ever seen on a cricket pitch for his age bar none", the 20- year old has a big reputation to live up to, but is an all-rounder of genuine quality.


David Barr- Another from the youth category the 19- year old Bready lad has been opening the innings at club level for a couple of seasons and boasts one of the most correct batting styles in the league. David has represented Ireland at all the under-age levels but is new to the senior ranks, however his is a very worthy selection given that he is a very under-rated bowler as well.


David Rankin- Has been opening the batting at Bready with David Barr this season and Rankin comes into the squad as one of the most in-form players despite his club's lowly position. Likes to attack but has it in his make up to play whatever role is required depending on the match. Has also played at under-19 level for Ireland and despite seeming to be around forever is still just 25 years old. Gives the squad great options as he is a superb fielder and a regular wicket-keeper as well.


Johnny Thompson- One of the most instantly recognisable players in domestic Irish cricket "JT" has really come into his own in the past couple of years. His form last season for Brigade earned him a call up to the Ireland "A" squad and his spell of bowling on the final day of last year's senior cup final was as good as anything you are likely to see. A very talented batsman as well this competition could really see Thompson in his true light.


Andrew Riddles- "Aggie" was Limavady skipper in 2012 and now plays his club cricket at Ardmore and such is his quality that it will be a major surprise if the Bleachgreen club doesn't finish in the top two this season. Riddles is at his best when there is pace in the pitch however he is also capable of good runs in the middle order and has the correct attitude for these types of games. A real competitor in every sense he looks set to play a big role this summer.


Ricky-Lee Dougherty- Donemana's wicket-keeper batsman is yet another of the fresh faces in the North West squad but don't let that impression fool anyone as he has been one of the main driving forces behind Donemana's recent run of success. A quick and agile glove man who is incidentally also a superb outfielder, Dougherty's batting has been a revelation in the past few seasons. If there is a cleaner hitter of a cricket ball in the region then he must be hiding as this lad has the fire-power to clear any and every boundary in the sport. Will be great to watch in the T20's in particular.


Peter Connell- New to the North West scene having played a bit in the NCU and in the UK, Connell joined Strabane ahead of this season and has made a bright start to his new career. The 31-year old is of course a full Ireland International who will bring genuine pace and quality to the Warriors attack. The New Zealand born bowler knows exactly what is required at this level and looks certain to be taking the wrapper off the new ball for the Warriors throughout the summer. Is capable with the bat too and not a bad player to be coming in with the lower order.


Kamran Sajid- Two professionals allowed in the 3-day squad and the first of them is the Donemana all-rounder who has become familiar with conditions here after a couple of seasons at the Holm. Sajid is a more composed option at the top of the order, a player who revels in building his innings therefore this format should be right up his street. The Pakistani was miles clear in the North West batting stakes in 2012 posting close to 1500 runs and as a more than useful seam option as well he gives the side a good balance.


Romano Ramoo- Little was known about Romano before he joined Bready this season but the 26-year old has got off to a flying start in the North West despite their two league losses. That poor show certainly hasn't been the South African's fault as he currently averages 160 in his new surroundings although he will almost certainly be used exclusively as a batsman. The right hander has played Class "A" cricket back home but this will be his first taste of representative action as well however he gives the top order a solid look for this task.