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Archived News/Articles from 2013
 Northern Knights ready for their first battleAt the weekend the Northern Knights squad completed their final training session before their first match in the RSA Inter-Provincial series, a one day match in the ‘RSA Inter-Provincial Cup’ (IP50) against Leinster Lightning on the 6th May at The Hills Cricket Club, Dublin. Following the selection of the final Northern Knights squad, the Knights unveiled another fine addition to their squad, new key sponsor, Horwood Neill Holmes. Read more...
NCU name Under 17 boys side to face the NWCU
The Northern Cricket Union (NCU) Under 17 boys will play their North West counterparts on Sunday 5th May, at 11.30am, at Carrickfergus Cricket Club, Middle Road, Carrickefergus. Adam Dennison from Waringstown Cricket Club captains the side and will be looking for a strong showing from his boys as they take on the North West on the opening day of the U17 Inter Pros. Read more and full squad...  Cricket gets high profile at annual Newtownabbey Sports AwardsIt was another successful night for cricket at the Annual Newtownabbey Sports Awards on April 10. The Awards, compered by local TV and radio personality Jim Neilly, were attended by more than 300 guests. The gala evening showcased the best sporting talent in the Borough, and celebrated the efforts of those who contribute off the field. The conclusion of the evening saw ex-Irish international Kyle McCallan inducted into the Newtownabbey Sporting Hall of Fame to join other sporting personalities such as Willie John McBride, Denis McBride, Jimmy Nichol, Alan McDonald, Tommy Wright, Jim Baker and Paddy Hopkirk. Read more...
Inaugural Northern Knights squad announced
The NCU are pleased to announce the first Northern Knights extended training squad for the upcoming Inter provincial series. Ireland's Andrew White will captain the side which includes an exciting blend of experience and youth. Brian Walsh, NCU Chairman, said: ‘It is great to see the progress of all provincial unions in filling managerial positions and selecting their respective squads. We are very happy with the make up our squad and I would like to take this opportunity of welcoming Eugene Moleon (Head Coach), Gavin Rodgers (Assistant Coach) and Gordon Scott (Team Administrative Officer) on board, and wish the entire squad well this season’. Read more and full squad details...
Civil Service North of Ireland Corporate Sporting Dinner
Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club are hosting a Corporate Sporting Dinner on Thursday 13 June, 2013 at La Mon Hotel & Country Club and would like to invite all interested parties to attend. The night, being compared by Colin Barkley, will consist of a delicious 4 course meal with wine, followed by entertainment provided by Tim McGarry. Read more...
Level 1 IOG Course to be held in Belfast
Stephen Dyer has informed us that all places on the Level 1 - Institute of Groundsmanship course have been taken. He asks that if anyone is still interested then they can still contact him at stevendyer@sky.com in case there are any late cancellations. Read more...  Cricket Ireland announce Club Deal for RSA ChallengeCricket Ireland is offering all cricket clubs across Ireland great value prices for the RSA Challenge match (Ireland v England). There are discounted rates at just €35 per Adult ticket, whilst Under 16’s tickets are only €12. A minimum order of 10 Adult tickets is needed to receive the discounted rate. Anybody wishing to make a club order should email ticketsales@cricketireland.ie or fill in the downloadable form at the end of the main article. The deadline for this club deal is May 31st. Read more...
Northern Cricket Union Coaches Association Launch Evening Press Release
NCU Coaches Asscociation Launch - Rescheduled Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances we are having to postpone this Launch Event until the end of May/early June 2013 (final details will follow over next couple of weeks). The reason for postponing until then is that you will probably be involved within your club and we want to let the season get underway and hopefully by then things will become a little less manic! Read more...
NCU Inter-provincial fixtures announced
Cricket Ireland recently announced the fixtures for the series of Inter-provincial cricket matches for 2013/14. The Union have yet to confirm where the 3 Day match against N West will take place. As soon as this is confirmed, an update will be provided on this website. Everyone at the Union looks forward to seeing you at these games and supporting our new inter-provincial teams. Read more...  From Mallusk to Mumbai – the progress of umpire Mark HawthorneMark Hawthorne is probably the top umpire in the Northern Cricket Union area, if not in Ireland, and not only his fellow umpires but his union are justifiably proud of Mark. He is just home from the opportunity of a lifetime where he umpired at the Women's Cricket World Cup in India. Although Mark’s competitive cricket playing days are behind him, in the past Mark used to play competitively for Cliftonville 3rd and 4th XI's before he took a path into umpiring which has literally led him from Mallusk to Mumbai! Read more...
Diary of a Part Time Umpire
Everyone involved in local cricket at the moment will be aware of the serious shortage of umpires involved in the game. The Northern Cricket Union (NCU) would like to encourage anyone at all interested in taking up umpiring to contact Ian Houston by email ianatrockmount@hotmail.co.uk and you will be invited along to give it a go. A short evening long course will cover all the basics you will need and best of all you'll get paid for the matches that you umpire! For those interested in part time umpiring or have some questions, Neale Matthews, NCU Assistant Director, undertook some part time umpiring last season and has kindly opened his diary of his experience.... Read more...  NCU Board hold business planning seminarThe Northern Cricket Union's Management Board have held a business planning seminar where they looked at developing and prioritising the work of the Boardand it's Directorates over the coming years. The current NCU structures have been in place since 2005 and have served the union well. With the union now drafting a new Development Plan the NCU's Chairman Brian Walsh felt that to assist in deciding on the future direction and structure of the union, a review was necessary. Read more...
NCU announce Under 17 ‘Girls’ Regional Development Squad for 2013
The NCU are delighted to be in a position, through the increased hours of Nigel Jones’ role as Cricket Ireland’s Regional Development Officer in the Northern Cricket Union, to be able to name the U17 ‘Girls’ Regional Development Squad for 2013. Following the squad selection, Andy Clement, Development Director of the NCU said: “There is no doubt that Nigel’s enthusiasm and increased hours have resulted in the union being able to offer such a player pathway experience for our promising under 17 girls here in the Northern Cricket Union. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of those that have been selected an enjoyable and successful programme and we look forward to supporting the development of girls and women’s Cricket going forward.” See Squad and Read more...  NCU Inter-provincials - 'Knighted'The Northern Cricket Union is pleased to announce that the nickname of the new Inter provincial 50 and 20 over team will be the Northern Knights. The Union are pleased to announce that Peter Shepherd from Templepatrick Cricket Club is the winner of our naming competition. Peter wins two tickets for Ireland versus England, on the 3rd September at Malahide Cricket Ground. With five people suggesting the winning name a draw took place to pick the winner. Tickets are still available for Ireland versus England online at www.ticketmaster.ie Read more...
UMPIRE RECRUITMENT
A message from Bryan Milford, the NCU's General Secretary: Clubs will now be aware of the serious shortage of umpires in the Union. The position is such that the Northern Ireland Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (NIACUS) will be unable to provide umpires for all senior cricket matches on Saturdays throughout the coming season. The only place that new umpires can come from is our own clubs. Read more...
NCU name U11 and U13 Regional Development Squads for 2013
Following weeks of ‘selection’ trial sessions across both the U11 and U13 boys’ age-groups, the NCU youth selectors have named the following ‘Regional Development Squads’ for 2013. The ‘winter’ programme sessions will begin this Sunday the 17th of February and conclude at the end of March 2013. The NCU would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those players selected and to wish them well throughout the ‘RDS’ programme. Full squads... 
Kind Draw for Ulster Bank Schools Cup HoldersHolders Grosvenor Grammar School have received a home draw in the first round of this year’s Ulster Bank Schools Cricket Cup. They will play Ballymena Academy while last year’s runners-up Coleraine Academical Institution have received a bye and will meet either Campbell College or Methodist College in the second round. Campbell College and Methodist College are no strangers to each other in the early round of schools’ competition and the two Belfast sides will meet again in the first round. Ulster Bank Schools Cup 2013 - Full Draw... Ulster Bank Schools Under 15 Cup 2013 - Full Draw...  NIGEL JONES – ONE YEAR ONFollowing the recent announcement that Nigel Jones has retired from international cricket with Ireland and taken on an increased role as Regional Development Officer (RDO) with Cricket Ireland in the Northern Cricket Union area, Nigel talks about the challenges he has faced during his first year and the progress he has made as RDO. Read more...
Coach Education Courses 2013
Belfast City Council are organising Coach Education Courses for 2013 and will focus on the required qualifications for coaches as part of the Belfast Clubmark programme. Click on the link below to find out more details about the courses being offered. Please note that consideration will be given to clubs which are not currently registered with the Belfast Clubmark programme. Read more...
Postponement Of Matches Due To International And Interprovincial Matches
The Union's Management Board has adopted the policy in the link below in relation to the postponement of matches when players are selected for International/Inter-Provincial matches. The policy will apply from the commencement of the 2013 season. Read more...
Lord's Taverners Non-Turf Pitch Scheme Info 2013
Following a review, the The Lord's Taverners Non-Turf Pitch Scheme 2013 has re-opened. Please click on the link below for more information, as well as reading the attached guidance notes document. http://www.lordstaverners.org/charity/support-and-funding/youth-cricket.htm The Lord's Taverners Guidance Notes - Non-Turf Pitch Scheme 2013
NCU - Under 11 & Under 13 Regional Development Squad Winter Trials Schedules
Please see below links to the both the Under 11s and Under 13s news releases for Regional Development Squad Winter Trials Schedules Under 11 ‘Regional Development Squad’ winter trials for 2013 Under 13 ‘Regional Development Squad’ winter trials for 2013 Please pay careful attention to your club's relevant group sessions and notify your nominated players accordingly.  Lords Taverners Funding 2013The Lords Taverners have announced that its non-Turf Pitch Grants scheme will re-open for applications in January 2013. Through the scheme, applications can be made for grants towards the installation of non-turf pitches, practice ends and nets. Read more...
NCU name U15 and U17 Regional Development Squads for 2013
The NCU youth selectors have named the following Regional Development Squads at U15 and U17 (boys) level for the 2013 ‘winter’ programme phase. The sessions will look to begin in early February and run up to the end of March 2013. The squads will train at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown for the first time, this is an exciting new development and we look forward to working with the University in 2013. Read more...  Cricket Ireland launch new Season TicketNew membership schemes have been launched today by Cricket Ireland giving sports fans a fantastic opportunity to become an integral part of the success story of the Ireland cricket team by becoming a season ticket holder for 2013. 2013 is shaping up to be one of the busiest home seasons’ ever for Irish cricket, with Pakistan, Australia A, and England fixtures confirmed, and a series against Bangladesh also being discussed. In addition Ireland take on fierce rivals Scotland in vital World Cup qualifier games and the Intercontinental Cup. Read more... Groundsmanship
Recommended Guidelines for the construction, preparation and maintenance of cricket pitches and outfields at all levels of the game ts4-ecb-groundsmanship-2011-1337 (pdf 4mb)
NCU Regional Development Squads 2013
The NCU this winter are to introduce a more professional structure based around the selection process of the under age group squads as well as the number of contact (coaching) hours that these squads will receive throughout the RDS programme. As cricket works through the transition from the amateur to the semi-professional era at senior men’s Inter-Provincial level, it is more important than ever to review what was previously done with regards to the selection of our under age group squads and the contact time/content that was being delivered. Read more...
Northern Cricket Union launches Groundsman Association
The Northern Cricket Union in association with Cricket Ireland has formed a new Groundsman Association as part on the ongoing development of cricket within the Union. The Groundsman Association, which is free to join, will allow men and women the opportunity to meet and share knowledge, skills and expertise. The NCU has been in touch with all cricket clubs asking for possible nominees or names of those with an interest in grounds keeping to join the Groundsman Association. There is already a healthy interest from clubs in the initiative. Read more...  NCU Annual General Meeting 2012The NCU's Annual General Meeting for 2012 took place on Wednesday evening at Shaw's Bridge. During the evening Templepatrick's Arthur Bowron was presented with the Jim McMorran Award for 2012. NCU President Chris Harte, Vice-President Billy Boyd, Chairman Brian Walsh and Vice-Chairman Andy Clement were re-elected for a second year. Read more...  Fermanagh and Tyrone Primary Schools enjoy Kwik Cricket CompetitionOn a cloudy day back in late June seven Primary Schools from across Fermanagh and Tyrone took part in the Clogher Cricket Club Kwik Cricket Finals day. Lisnaskea High School very kindly offered their grounds as support towards the day. Read more...
Jack Carson - 600 not out!
It could only be described as an unbelievable season for Waringstown Under 11's player, Jack Carson, who managed to finish his season with over 600 runs and without being dismissed once, including the North v South representative match. Jack also led his Waringstown team to the All Ireland Under 11, Alex Dunlop Memorial Trophy against Clontarf with an outstanding 121 not out in a total of 187 for 5 with Clontarf making 132 for 3 in reply. Read more...
Cricket Ireland Coach Education Calender for 2012-13
Information on Courses Offered by Cricket Ireland including 2013 Course Dates and Application Form Read more...
Supporting our Umpires
Andy Clement NCU Director of Development On behalf of the Northern Cricket Union (NCU), I’d like to publicly acknowledge the dedication, commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm that our NIACUS colleagues show whilst umpiring and scoring on behalf of all our clubs and players. As we head towards the latter stages of another rain interrupted season, its only right that we as the NCU show our appreciation towards those people who week in week out provide a fantastic service without which cricket would be in a much worse place.... Read more...
Under 15 interprovincial 2012 Round Up
The NW captured the Under 15 Interprovincial trophy when they held their nerve to defeat their Leinster counterparts in a last ball thriller at Stormont. With three runs needed from the final delivery, Aaron Heywood dismissed Adam Craig to spark scenes of jubilation amongst the players and fans. The result was particularly tough on Lorcan Tucker who had looked to have brought his side to victory with an unbeaten 82 (6 fours, 2 sixes). He shared stands of 84 with Rory Anders (24) and 51 with Nathan Rooney (29) to take LCU to 147/4 after they had been 12 for 3 at one stage. Full Tournament Roundup...  Belfast win the inaugural Charlie Beverland Memorial CupThe inaugural Triangular Under 14 Cricket Tournament between Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow took place at Ayr Cricket Club on Monday and Tuesday 13 and 14 August, with Belfast emerging as winners of the tournament following wins against both Scottish sides. Belfast captain Paddy Beverland, who was top scorer in both matches, received the trophy donated in memory of his late father Charlie from West Scotland Regional Development Director Tim Hart. Craig Irvine, who had success with bat and ball received Belfast man of the series award, donated by Lion Sports. Read more...
Ulster Schools' XI v Christchurch, Australia
Ulster Schools’ XI beat Christ Church Grammar School (W Australia) by 49 runs at Wallace Park (45 over match) Ulster Schools’ XI 158 (40.2 overs, M Adair 61, J Hunter 38, J Cowan 4-25, H Williams 2-26) Christ Church GS 109 (42.1 overs, C Oakley 27no, J Riddle 23, M Adair 4-14, P Eakin 2-10, R Adair 2-15, R McKinley 2-22) Player of the Match – Mark Adair Full Squad...
NCU v North West U17 girl’s (Ulster Trials) match cancellation
Due to the extreme weather the NCU U17 girls who were due to play the North West U17 girls at Coleraine Cricket Club tonight in the Ulster Trials match has now been cancelled. The match was to pick an Ulster U17 girls squad for a two day camp being held in Dublin on the 18th and 19th July. Read more...
Ulster Bank Schools Cricket Cup Final
Grosvenor Grammar School have cantered to their first Ulster Bank Schools Cup with an eight wicket win over Coleraine “Inst”. In a stop-start final at Muckamore the Belfast school made light work of a reduced target of 93 runs off 25 overs, losing only two wickets with over nine overs to spare. And for the second day running, North Down’s Alistair Shields was the star of the show for Grosvenor. The previous day he had notched 99 not out in the semi-final win over Limavady Grammar School; this time round he was again undefeated with 43. Read more...  RSA Kwik Cricket ChallengeDespite the terrible weather on the 23rd June, the RSA Kwik Cricket challenge was partially completed with the girl’s finals taking place on the all weather hockey pitches at Stormont. The four schools who qualified from the NI Kwik Cricket Finals Days had come to play in the RSA Kwik Cricket challenge. Newbuildings and Artigarvan Primary Schools were to contest the girl’s final and Inchmarlo Prep and Newbuildings Primary School were to contest the boy’s final. Read more...
Cregagh 2012 Tour
This year’s tour saw Cregagh CC take its largest party to date of 24 members to Vilamoura in Portugal to play against a combined Barrington CC and Carvoeiro XI. Due to the financial difficulties experienced by the Barrington Club the cricket was saved by Browns Sports Complex, situated just outside Vilamoura, kindly offering the use of their artificial wicket, and over the next 2 days this would be our sporting base. Read more...
Northern Cricket Union appoint new Public Relations Officer
 The Northern Cricket Union (NCU) has appointed David Morton as their new Public Relations Officer. David was formally appointed at the NCU Board meeting on the 19th June 2012. Following the appointment, David said 'I am delighted to be appointed as the new PRO for the Northern Cricket Union. This is an exciting time to be involved in Irish Cricket and I am thoroughly looking forward to working for the NCU. I look forward to promoting the excellent work being carried out at all levels throughout the Union and within the clubs of the NCU. I would encourage everyone to please get in touch and let me know the good work you are doing so we can publicise this.' Read more...
Twenty20 Competions - Amendments/Additions to the Playing Conditions
The Northern Cricket Union's Management Board has amended playing condition 9.3 with immediate effect to read: Where both teams do not have the opportunity of batting for 5 overs on the scheduled date the match shall be replayed on the reserve date. Where both teams do not have the opportunity of batting for five overs on the reserve date the match shall be decided by a bowl-out as per playing condition 9.4. The Board has also approved a new playing condition with immediate effect: 23. Matches played on reserve dates in the Twenty20 Cup and on scheduled dates in the T20 Trophy and the Twenty20 Shield may be played on non-turf pitches on appropriate graded/registered grounds. Teams should travel prepared to play on non-turf pitches.
NCU name under 15 Interprovincial Squad for 2012
The NCU youth selectors have named the following squad for this year’s Under 15 Interprovincial Tournament which runs from the 4th to 6th July at the Stormont grounds in Belfast. The final squad of 14 players has been selected from the Regional Development Squad of 18, and it now enters its final phase before the Inter Pros at the beginning of July. NCU Under 15 Interprovincial Squad...
NCU name under 13 Interprovincial Squad for 2012
The NCU youth selectors have named the following squad for this year’s Under 13 Interprovincial Tournament which runs from the 2nd to 4th July in Cork, Ireland. The final squad of 13 players has been selected from the Regional Development Squad of 18, and it now enters its final phase before the Inter Pros at the beginning of July. NCU Under 13 Interprovincial Squad...
Cancellation of Northern Ireland Asda Kwik Cricket Finals Day 2012
Due to the terrible weather conditions this years’ Northern Ireland Asda Kwik Cricket Finals Day has been cancelled. Enormous credit should be given to the 16 schools who had qualified or been nominated for the finals day through their own local club finals day. Read more...
All Girl Asda KWIK Cricket Final creates history at Stormont
 Stormont witnessed another piece of history on the 6th June as the first ever Northern Ireland all girl Asda Kwik Cricket Finals was held at the Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Grounds, Stormont Estate. Despite competing with the weather conditions and busy school schedules, four teams; Brooklands Primary, Wallace Prep, Artigarvan Primary and Newbuildings Primary battled it out for the chance to play in the RSA Kwik Cricket Challenge during the upcoming Ireland versus Australia ODI cricket match on the 23rd June. Read more...  Ulster Bank Challenge Cup Semi Final DrawThe draw for the semi-finals of the NCU Ulster Bank Challenge Cup took place before the NCU Management Board meeting this evening. NCU Chairman Brian Walsh and NCU President Chris Harte (right) drew the balls and the draw is as follows: North Down v Lisburn Muckmore v Instonians The semi-finals will be played on June 30th and the weather-hit quarter finals are due to be played on Sunday, June 24th. .jpg "Richard Johnson (NCU Sponsorship Officer), Tommy Anderson (Managing Director, Lagan Valley Steels Ltd), Brian Walsh (NCU Chairman) and Chris Harte (NCU President)") Tommy Puts Steel into Twenty20Lisburn businessman Tommy Anderson was delighted when Ireland's cricketers qualified for the World Twenty20 Cup in Sri Lanka in September. He's always been an enthusiast of the short-form game - so much so that he's decided to sponsor the Northern Cricket Union's three T20 senior competitions. "I've always been excited by the 20-over game and Ireland's qualification in Dubai has given it a terrific boost", says the managing director of Lagan Valley Steels Ltd of Lisburn. Read more...
Northern Ireland - Asda Kwik Cricket Launch 2012
 This year’s Asda Kwik Cricket Launch was held on Monday 21st May and hosted under sunny skies by Orangefield Primary School, East Belfast - with over 50 young Cricketers in attendance. The launch was led by current & ex-Irish Cricket Internationals Nigel Jones & Ryan Eagleson, with the day consisting of Kwik Cricket skill sessions and a demonstration Kwik Cricket game involving the best young cricketers at Orangefield Primary. Asda very kindly supplied catering for all players and coaches, with local Asda staff also in attendance. Read more...
Ireland Under 17 squad announced
The Northern Cricket Union is delighted to announce that five members from local clubs have been selected to take part in the upcoming ICC European Under 17 Challenge Series against Holland being held from 31st July to 2nd August. Those selected were: James McCollum, Lurgan Mark Adair, Holywood Peter Eakin, North Down Aaron Kennedy, Waringstown Paddy Park, CSNI We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Good Luck and a safe and successful tour.
The Influence of New Media on Cricket
Last week Joe Doherty looked at the emergence of Ireland as a cricketing force on the global stage, but perhaps there have been even more startling developments off the field in how both players and anyone else with an interest in the game now assimilates their information. In the last number of years we have seen the development of cricket websites, notably led by John Elder and his Cricket Europe team, through to the Unions with their own sites and then finally down to the clubs. More recently we have seen the advent of Facebook and Twitter, or social media. Read more...  Sun & Fun at Templepatrick Cricket Club’s Under 11 BlitzJust under 200 children aged 4 - 11 years took part in Templepatrick Cricket Club’s Under 11 Cricket Blitz on Sunday, May 27th. A huge crowd of over 300 people of all ages gathered in the sunshine at The Cloughan for the Kwik Cricket style festival and Family Fun Day, which was organised by the Ballyclare-based club as part of the annual Ballyclare May Fair celebrations. Read more...
Ulster Bank Schools Cup
The second round of the Ulster Bank Schools Cricket Club has brought together last year’s finalists, RBAI and Regent House. Both won their first round games with ease - holders Belfast “Inst” by nine wickets over Bangor Grammar School Seconds and Regent by 10 wickets over Limavady Grammar’s second string. First Round Results and Second Round Draw...
NCU name Under 17 side to face Southern XI
The NCU youth selectors have named the following side for the second Interprovincial clash, which sees the boys take on the Southern XI at Muckamore Cricket club this Sunday 20th May. James McCollum from Lurgan Cricket Club captains the side again and will be looking for a much improved performance from his boys as they take on their southern counterparts. Read more...
PSNI withdraw from League Section 3
PSNI have withdrawn from Ulster Bank League Section 3. They will continue to play in the Midweek League and the Twenty20 Shield.
‘Super 8s’ – a new concept for Girls and Women’s Cricket
 On Friday 27th April 2012 a concept was turned into reality when a new format of the game for Girls and Women’s Cricket, ‘Super 8s’, was launched by Cricket Ireland in conjunction with the Northern Cricket Union. The concept was presented to invited guests by Nigel Jones, the Northern Cricket Union Cricket Development Officer. Tim Simmonite, Cricket Ireland’s National Development Manager, was also in attendance to give the guests an overview of the current landscape of Girls and Women’s Cricket in Ireland and in particular Northern Ireland. In his talk Tim identified the challenge to both engage and encourage participation in the Girls game between the stages of softball Kwik Cricket and Women’s hardball cricket. ‘Super 8s’ has been designed to bridge the gap between the two. Read more...
Templepatrick Cricket Club and cricket winners at Newtownabbey Borough Council Sports Awards 2012
 It was a fantastic night for local cricket at Newtownabbey Borough Council's annual Sports Awards on April 25. Ireland all-rounder Paul Stirling won the Adult Sportsperson of the Year award, while Templepatrick Cricket Club picked up the Club of the Year gong. Templepatrick CC's Cricket Development Officer, Andy McCrea, was named Coach of the Year - recognition of years of hard work and dedication to promoting cricket within Newtownabbey and beyond. Read more...
Promoting NI sport taster sessions on the BBC website
BBC Things To Do is an easy to use website that is integrated across other BBC websites and provides the public with a simple way of finding activities to do in their local area. The 2012 Games will certainly inspire many people across the UK to try out sport. The BBC are looking to promote sport taster activities from not-for-profit or publicly funded organisations that run from 22 June 2012 to the end of 2012. The BBC will shortly be launching their London 2012 Olympic pages that will attract millions of people over the summer, and Things To Do will be part of the website, it’s therefore a perfect way to get sport taster activities promoted to a wide audience. Further details are available in this BBC Sport press release: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/bbc2012/social/things-to-do.html How to register activities? Sports clubs/organisations/trusts can sign up at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/thingstodo/activitymaker Read more...  Templepatrick Cricket Club host Cricket Ireland Coach Education CourseApril 4th saw Templepatrick Cricket Club host an Introduction to Cricket Coaching Course. 18 enthusiastic, budding new cricket coaches attended and were put through their paces by English Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland Tutors Andy McCrea Michael Hingston and Colin Manson. The 18 coaches were from a range of experiences, backgrounds and organisations and included, current players, young players, parents and teachers who all fancy getting involved in promoting youth cricket at their clubs and schools. Read more... .jpg "Chris Harte (left), President of the NCU, and Ulster Bank executive, Stephen Cruise, at the draw for the first round of the Ulster Bank Schools Cup")
Kind Draw for Ulster Bank Schools Cup HoldersThe draws for the Ulster Bank Schools Cup and Schools Under 15 Cup have been made. The draw for the first round of the senior competition has been kind to last year's winners (RBAI) and runners-up (Regent House). Holders RBAI will be at home to Bangor Grammar School Seconds and Regent House also have home advantage over another second eleven, Limavady Grammar School Seconds. Ulster Bank Schools Cup 2012 - Full Draw... Ulster Bank Schools Under 15 Cup 2012 - Full Draw...
The draw for the 1st Round proper of the Ulster Bank Challenge Cup took place recently in Ulster Bank Headquarters, Donegall Square East, Belfast.
Holders Waringstown will be at home to Carrickfergus in next season's first round of the Northern Cricket Union's Ulster Bank Senior Challenge Cup. It will be one of three ties which bring together premiership league clubs with North Down hosting Ballymena and Lisburn entertaining CIYMS. Last year's runners-up Civil Service North, who will travel to Derriaghy, and Instonians, who will be away to either Donaghcloney or Woodvale, are the only clubs from the new eight-strong Premier League drawn against opposition from a lower league. .jpg "Andy McCrea wins Outstanding Coach of the Year Award (image (c) Getty Images/ECB)")
Andy McCrea wins Outstanding Coach of the Year AwardAndy McCrea of Templepatrick CC has been announced by the ECB as one of the winners of the prestigious Sky Sports Coach Awards which are designed to recognise those who have made a significant contribution to the support and development of coaches and coaching in cricket. Schoolteacher McCrea, from County Antrim, received The Outstanding Coaching Achievement award, for making a major contribution to talent development in the local area and helping achieve significant participation growth at his club, Templepatrick CC. Update 22 April: Main article now contains the SkySports video of an interview with Andy. Read more...
Cricket Ireland announce appointment of Development Officers for
NCU and NW regions
In another major boost for the local game, Cricket Ireland, in conjunction with support from Sport Northern Ireland, today announced the appointment of two development officers who will be working in the NCU and NW regions. 29 year old Irish international Nigel Jones will have responsibility for the NCU region. The Civil Service North captain has played 25 times for Ireland, and has gained extensive playing and coaching experience in New Zealand, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read more...  Jubilee Cup Preview 2012The official launch of the Jubilee Cup was held on Monday night in Maloney’s Diner, Lurgan. The four team tournament has been organised by Victoria Cricket Club for the 21st April, and will incorporate teams from Lurgan, Donaghcloney and Millpark. The Twenty20 competition will provide an interesting prelude to the cricket season, and should bring local cricket fans to Lurgan Park to witness a day of competitive cricket, when local pride will be very much at stake. The captains from the four clubs were present at Maloney’s Diner to oversee the draw, carried out by Colin Malone. Read more...
Under 13 and Under 15 NCU Regional Development Squads 2011/12
Over the past couple of months the NCU Under 13s and Under 15s (Provincial) Regional Development Squad sessions have been taking place in Ballyclare, Belfast and Lisburn. These sessions have seen over 120 young Cricketers across both age groups test their skills against one another in the hope of gaining final Regional Development Squad selection for 2012. Out of the 18 players selected for the final RD Squads at each age group, it is intended that 13 of these players will be selected in late May for the NCU Interprovincial Squads. Read more...
Introduction to Cricket Coaching Course
For a second year in a row, Templepatrick Cricket Club in conjunction with Cricket Ireland are running an Introduction to Cricket Coaching Course at their ground (The Cloughan, Doagh Road, Ballyclare) on Wednesday 4th April, 5.30pm till 9pm This course will allow you to work with young players on introducing basic cricket skills to them and provide you with a range of games that can be used with players to further develop their cricket experience. Read more...
Cricket Ireland - Coach Education Programme for 20
Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Cricket Foundation Part A Course
Cricket Ireland, in association with the Northern Cricket Union, are running an Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Cricket Foundation Part A Course. The details of this course are:
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Venue: Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club, Stormont Estate, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast Cost: £75 per person/club Cricket Ireland is in a position once again to offer a thorough Winter Programme of Coach Education courses. Cricket Ireland is able to offer Coach Education courses throughout the country, using their own tutors to deliver all of the available courses. The aim of these courses is to encourage clubs to develop coaching teams, and develop their existing coaches. Click the links to see the courses remaining for 2012 Read more...
Woodvale
Sixes 2012 - week 5 results and final table
After the fifth and final week of the Woodvale Sixes competition, North Down maintained their unbeaten run and are winners of the Woodvale Sixes for the 3rd consecutive year. There were also wins for Muckamore and Woodvale. Read more...
Ulster Hockey - First Aid Course at CIYMS CC on 6th and 7th March
First Aid Course Date: Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th March (Both evenings must be attended for course completion) Time: 6.30pm-9.30pm Venue: Belfast - CIYMS CC Read more...
Derriaghy CC Football Club create a piece of history by reaching the 6th round of the Irish Cup
The Derriaghy CC name has been appearing a lot in sports headlines recently but not for cricket related matters. The Northern Amateur Football League Division 1A side Derriaghy CC Football Club have created a piece of history of their own by reaching the 6th round of the Irish Cup where on 11th February they will travel to face Irish League Premiership side Ballymena United. Read more... Archived News/Articles from 2011
NCU Section 2 Averages 2011 (updated 15.11.2011 with Cooke Collegians averages)
Brian Kelso of Academy CC, with the help of most of the teams in Section 2, has compiled a set of batting, bowling and fielding averages for the 2011 season. The averages comprise performances in both NCU Ulster Bank League Section 2 and the Junior Cup. Read more...
Northern Cricket Union AGM
Chris Harte (Bangor) was elected President with Billy Boyd (Lurgan) elected as Vice-President. Brian Walsh (Instonians) is the new Chairman with Andy Clement (Muckamore) elected as Vice-Chairman. The majority of the serials proposed were passed, some with amendments proposed from the floor. The two to fail were Serials 12 (bringing forward the final date for matches in September) and Serial 16 (from Dundrum CC) Read the full list of motions/amended motions passed/rejected Updated 2011 Section 1 League Table Updated 2011 Section 2 League Table  Photos
from the NCU 125th Anniversary Dinner (updated 18/10/2011)A selection of photos from the NCU 125th Anniversary Dinner kindly supplied by Rowland White
Photos from the Lisburn 175th Anniversary Dinner
A selection of photos from Lisburn's 175th Anniversary Dinner kindly supplied by Matthew Browne of Matthew Browne Photography
A HISTORY OF THE NCU CHALLENGE CUP 1887-2011?
by Clarence Hiles This new book will go to print in October and will be available for sale at the end of the same month. In addition to being a collector?s item for local cricket enthusiasts it could be a popular Christmas present for anyone who has any connection with the ?Senior Cup? past or present?. The book will be 552 pages in size and will cover every cup competition and details of every match. Each season has been chronicled from start to finish with abbreviated scorecards for each round and the complete cup final scorecard. Almost every year includes a cup-winning team photograph and in addition, some excellent material has been unearthed from tedious research in local newspapers. Read more...
Interesting developments in the pipeline for the NCU for the 2012 season and beyond
Although the 2011 season is now done and dusted, the NCU’s work continues! Many meetings, both throughout the summer and in recent weeks have brought about some very interesting developments for the Union for season 2012 and beyond. Firstly, the NCU Board have agreed, in principal, to support the introduction of an All Ireland Junior Cup. This new initiative was proposed at the Irish Cricket Committee meeting last Wednesday in Dublin, and the Unions have been asked for their opinions. Read more...
NCU Ulster Bank Premier League Section 1 - North Down with the trophy
NCU Ulster Bank League Section 1 - Lurgan with the trophy NCU Ulster Bank League Section 2 - Captains of Academy, Laurelvale and Templepatrick with the trophy NCU Ulster Bank League Section 3 - Donaghadee with the trophy NCU Ulster Bank Challenge Cup Final Photos #1 NCU Ulster Bank Challenge Cup Final Photos #2 NCU Junior Cup Final Photos NCU Intermediate Cup Final Photos NCU Minor (Lindsay) Cup Final Photos NCU Minor Qualifying Cup Final Photo
Waringstown take Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup
Waringstown won the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup final on Sunday at a rain soaked Comber.In many ways the result was anticlimactic in that play was washed out after 29 overs of the villagers reply with 113 runs required in 21 overs to chase down Instonians 237 for 8; but good enough for a 21 run victory on Duckworth Lewis. In the first all Northern Cricket Union final since 1991 Waringstown also became the first NCU winners since North Down in 1995. Waringstown captain and former Irish international Kyle McCallan pronounced it as his proudest day as a club cricketer having waited 10 years to appear on the ultimate stage since the 2001 final with Cliftonville; ironically that game being hosted at Waringstown's home ground The Lawn. Read more...
ECB Sky Sports Award 2011
The third England – India test match at Edgbaston saw the presentation of the ECB Sky Sports Coach Awards 2011. The awards are a way of saying thank
you to people who have made a significant contribution to the support and development of coaches and coaching in cricket.Attending was Ireland’s Andy McCrea who won the European Outstanding Coaching Award. Andy has been involved in many aspects of coaching since he first became qualified in 1994 and as a volunteer, has been at the forefront of many projects, becoming a key member in the development of cricket in Ireland, particularly club, player and coach development. Read more...  Colts Cup Final 201125th August at Mullavilly Road, Laurelvale CC Holywood 96 (C Hayes 35, R Adair 26, C Moorhead 7-20, R Cumins 3-12) Derriaghy 98-6 (R Beckett 28no, M Ballantyne 27, R Adair 4-27) Derriaghy beat Holywood by 4 wickets Match Report...  Charlie Beverland Under 11 League sponsored by Norman Shannon & Co., SolicitorsUnder 11 Shield Final - 23rd August at Shaw's Bridge CSNI 78 (P McGonigle 33, B Hunter 4-10, H Lockhart 2-7) Lurgan 80-1 (C Gibson 51no) Lurgan beat CSNI by 9 wickets Man of the Match: C Gibson Under 11 Plate Final - 23rd August at Shaw's Bridge  Waringstown 52-6 (A Denver 12, H Rainey 2-6, C Auchmaty 2-2) CIYMS 55-4 (H Rainey 13no, A Weir 13no, J Carson 2-4) CIYMS beat Waringstown by 6 wickets Man of the Match: H Rainey Click her for results...  Saintfield Cricket Club receive Club Accreditation Scheme statusSaintfield Cricket Club has become the latest club to be accredited on the Cricket Ireland / Clubmark NI Club Accreditation Scheme. Saintfield are now the fifth club to be accredited on the Scheme’s ever-growing programme, joining North Down, Derriaghy, Templepatrick and Carrickfergus as the only cricket clubs in Northern Ireland to reach the expected levels. The status means that the club have demonstrated they have the capacity to reach minimum operating standards in the areas of effective management, quality coaching and competition and safety. Read more...  Waringstown make club history in Midweek League FinalWaringstown Cricket Club Midweek XI made history on Wednesday evening as they won the NCU Midweek League Final for the first time against Muckamore by 58 runs. The final was held at Cregagh CC and the hosts put on a superb display for the final which has surely found a home for the Midweek League Final for years to come. The winning margin of victory may have been a comfortable 58 runs but at the halfway stage Waringstown would have been disappointed to only make 106 for 7 from their 20 overs. Read more...  Cricket BlitzInstonians under 11s hosted a 6 a side blitz between themselves, Lurgan and Waringstown with Inst fielding an A and B team. The blitz was played with modified rules - 10 overs per innings with players retiring at 20 with the option of coming back into the action after the last man was out, everyone in the bowling team had two overs to bowl apart from the keeper. Read more...  Lurgan Ladies CricketLurgan Ladies recently played against the Lurgan U13b game in their first ever match. The game was played at Pollock Park and both teams used the evening to try things out and learn more about the sport. The girls have been training hard under the watchful eye of Callum Grieve along with mum Sandra. Read more...
Belfast Under 14's finish 3rd in Lord's Taverners' Inner Cities Tournament
Belfast Under 14's finished in third place in this year's Ford Lord's Taverners Inner Cities Cup, played this week at Arundel in West Sussex, where they joined seven other major UK cities who had qualified for the National Finals of this prestigious tournament, which was won this year by Swansea who beat Leeds by 1 wicket in a very close final. Read more...
All Ireland Under 11 Semi Final
CSNI 89-6 (30overs, J Lown 24, R Kirkpatrick 20no) Killyclooney 86 (K Magee 43, J Colhoun 27, M Foster 7-23 J Pollard 3-3) CSNI beat Killyclooney by 3 runs  Under 13 League Final18th August at Eaton Park, Ballymena CSNI 170-5 (Ben McGavock 100, Paddy Beverland 52, Dan McKimm 4-18) Waringstown 128-5 (Marcus McClean 48no, Ross Waite 28, Ewan Hamilton 3-17) CSNI beat Waringstown by 42 runs  Under 15 League Final17th August at Pollock Park, Lurgan Saintfield 143 (28.2 overs, R Smith 78no, J Curran 3-28, A Webb 2-37) Laurelvale 144-9 (29.4 overs, S McConville 61, P Telford 3-16, T McCavara 4-23) Laurelvale beat Saintfield by 1 wicket  Quoile Cup Final (Under 11) (sponsored by Solmatix)Ballymena 123-0 (20 overs, J Glass 55no, J McLean 41no) CSNI 124-4 (20 overs, R Kilpatrick 51no, P McGonigle 30, J Glass 2-9) CSNI beat Ballymena by 6 wickets  Banoge Cup Final (Under 13)Waringstown 127-5 (R Waite 53, M. McClean 40, E Hamilton 2-17) CSNI 131-1 (P Beverland 62no, N McMinn 36, B McGavock 19no) CSNI beat Waringstown by 9 wickets  Graham Cup Final (Under 15)Lisburn 100-9 (25 overs, R Moore 32, R Smyth 3-12, J Reid 2-26, R Martin 2-30) Saintfield 101-6 (21.4 overs, P Stewart 17, P Hylands 2-24, M Lightbody 2-15) Saintfield beat Lisburn by 4 wickets
Ulster
Bank Challenge Cup Man of the Match Awards - 2011
All the photos for the Ulster Bank Challenge Cup Man of the Match Awards can be found by clicking the link above. Ulster Bank Challenge Cup Final 2011
Ulster Bank League Awards
NCU Disciplinary Committee
Archived NCU News
Ulster Bank Challenge Cup - Semi Final Draw
 The
draw for the Semi-Finals of the Ulster
Bank Challenge Cup took place on Friday 24th June
in Lisburn CC Clubhouse, Wallace Park. The draw was as follows: Saturday 2nd July: North Down v CSNI Sunday 3rd July: Waringstown v Instonians (due to Irish Senior Cup on 2nd July) Click here to view photos from the draw Twenty20 Cup Fixtures
Twenty20 Shield Fixtures
Records tumble during school match
 On Saturday morning
a schoolboy player from Sullivan Upper School scored
204 not out in an Under 15 cup match against Regent
House.The schoolboy in question is Mark Adair and his innings took place on the upper pitch at North Down Cricket Club in Comber. Once he had reached his double hundred he retired in the 19th over with one over to go in the innings. To follow up his performance with the bat, in the afternoon he turned out for his club side Holywood and helped them to a 13 run victory over Woodvale by clean bowling the last 3 batsmen. Mark's coach at Sullivan Upper, Paul Osborne, is wondering if this score is an Irish Schoolboy record or if it is a record for a 20 over a side match? Mark represented the Belfast Inner Cities side last season and in 2011 is a member of the Northern Cricket Union's under 15 interprovincial team Lords Taverners Inner Cities Under
14 Cup
ECB Sky Sports Award 2011
The third England – India test match at Edgbaston saw the presentation of the ECB Sky Sports Coach Awards 2011. The awards are a way of saying thank
you to people who have made a significant contribution to the support and development of coaches and coaching in cricket.Attending was Ireland’s Andy McCrea who won the European Outstanding Coaching Award. Andy has been involved in many aspects of coaching since he first became qualified in 1994 and as a volunteer, has been at the forefront of many projects, becoming a key member in the development of cricket in Ireland, particularly club, player and coach development. Read more... Cricket BlitzInstonians under 11s hosted a 6 a side blitz between themselves, Lurgan and Waringstown with Inst fielding an A and B team. The blitz was played with modified rules - 10 overs per innings with players retiring at 20 with the option of coming back into the action after the last man was out, everyone in the bowling team had two overs to bowl apart from the keeper. Read more... Lurgan Ladies CricketLurgan Ladies recently played against the Lurgan U13b game in their first ever match. The game was played at Pollock Park and both teams used the evening to try things out and learn more about the sport. The girls have been training hard under the watchful eye of Callum Grieve along with mum Sandra. Read more... Saintfield Cricket Club receive Club Accreditation Scheme statusSaintfield Cricket Club has become the latest club to be accredited on the Cricket Ireland / Clubmark NI Club Accreditation Scheme. Saintfield are now the fifth club to be accredited on the Scheme’s ever-growing programme, joining North Down, Derriaghy, Templepatrick and Carrickfergus as the only cricket clubs in Northern Ireland to reach the expected levels. The status means that the club have demonstrated they have the capacity to reach minimum operating standards in the areas of effective management, quality coaching and competition and safety. Read more...
Solmatix are new sponsors of Quoile Cup
 The NCU are pleased to announce that local company Solmatix who specialise in the manufacture and installation of solar heating systems are the new sponsors of The Quoile Cup. The final of this Under 11 competition is played at Derriaghy each year and it is through David Skelton the competition secretary that this new sponsorship deal has materialised. The final of the 2011 Quoile Cup (under 11) will be played between CSNI and Ballymena at Derriaghy Cricket Club on Wednesday 3 August starting at 5.45pm Read more...
Clogher Cricket Club vandalised for fifth time and on this occasion the damage is the most severe yet
For reasons unknown Clogher Cricket Club has been vandalised for the fifth time and damage is very severe this time. On Saturday night on the 2nd July 2011 persons as yet unknown entered the clubs grounds and systematically broke every bit of glass on the premises. Damage to the property included all the glass in the pavilion smashed, the toilet window smashed and the club maintenance vehicle had every window smashed with a large concrete block and damage also extended to the headlamps, rear lamps and wing mirrors. Both inside and outside the pavilion was littered with broken glass. Read more...
ICC Europe Groundsman Association
In 2010 ICC Europe launched the ICC European Groundsman Association. Membership levels have been increasing; however ICC Europe are constantly looking for more people to join. Read more...  Under 13 Interprovincials - 2011 (#u13ip)Day 3 LCU u13s beat NWCU u13s by 8 wickets NCU u13s beat MCU u13s by 5 wickets Day 2 NWCU u13s beat MCU u13s by 9 wickets LCU u13s beat NCU u13s by 73 runs Day 1 NWCU u13s beat NCU u13s by 28 runs LCU u13s beat MCU u13s by 155 runs The
latest update to the NCU's list of approved transfers
between clubs (update 1st July 2011)
Updated list of transfers approved to date by the Union for the 2011 season - open list (pdf)  Ian Kerr - 43 seasons and countingEvery club across the NCU needs its own fair share of clubmen and certainly at Cregagh we have been extremely lucky in having one of the best in the form of Ian Kerr. I’m sure we all have ideas of what makes the ideal clubman, but for Ian, not just happy at his sons playing he will try and recruit any player who he comes across to come down to Cregagh for a game, and is now lending a hand within our junior section passing on his knowledge to the next generation. Read more... Under 14 Interpro - NCU v NWCU - Middle Road, Carrickfergus - 19th July 2011
NWCU 255-9 (40 overs, J Robinson 57, G McClintock 52, W McClintock 34no, A Gillespie 32, W McBrine 28, D Waterstone 25, M Campbell 3-29, B McGavock 2-28) NCU 217-9 (40 overs, A Dennison 66, J Matchett 27) North West CU won by 38 runs  Templepatrick
CC and Coleraine CC join forces for girls cricketTemplepatrick Cricket Club and Coleraine Cricket Club recently provided cricket for 40 girls aged 8 to 13 years old. Coleraine CC travelled with their Development Officer, Stephen McCartney, to Templepatrick CC in Ballyclare to play as many games of KWIK cricket as possible in 2 hours. Read more... Refurbishment
of the cricket square at The Castle Grounds
 Bancroft
Amenities Ltd a Manchester based firm specializing
in sportturf particularly cricket have won the
contract to refurbish the cricket square at The
Castle Grounds, 690 Antrim Road, Belfast.The works will comprise of stripping of the existing surface with a Koro Field Top Marker before leveling works and the import of new loam is placed on the square. Boughton County Loam has been selected for the project. Read more...
NCU Senior Cricket Working Group
The NCU have formed a Working Group who has met to discuss the main issues relating to senior cricket in the NCU. This follows the Junior Working Group last year and, following more meetings of the Senior Group, the NCU will visit clubs with Road-shows to determine the opinions of all clubs. The purpose of the group is to gauge the feeling of clubs from each section of NCU cricket. Read more...
Ulster
Schools' U19s Cricket team
The Ulster Schools' U19s Cricket team for the Inter-pro v Southern Schools' at Rathmines on 29th-30th June and the tour of Northern England on 14th-18th August has been announced. Read more...
Ulster
Bank Schools Cup 2011 - Final Report and Scorecard
 The column in a scorecard devoted to "Extras" dominated yesterday's Ulster Bank Schools Cup final - and ultimately gave RBAI victory by 12 runs over a Regent House side that was literally wide of the mark. Regent conceded a remarkable 56 extras in 40 overs to boost an "Inst" total to 180 for 6 - and 35 of them came from wides. In all, the Newtownards side gave away 23 extras more than "Inst" - as well as the equivalent of five overs - and that, in the end saw the trophy return to the Belfast school after an absence of four years. Read more...  Lurgan
Tigers Kwik Cricket BlitzOn Friday 17th June Lurgan Tigers held their annual Kwik Cricket blitz at Pollock Park. The blitz involved 85 P6/7 children, girls and boys from local schools. The teams got to play three group matches before taking a quick lunch break in the club house before finishing off a final round of matches. Read more...  Ulster
Schools' XI defeat MCCSimon Thompson the Ulster Schools' Coach reports on the their match against MCC. " MCC batted first but D Kennedy, M Nixon and A Nixon all went cheaply with some tight bowling from R McKinley, S Shannon, A Shields and G McCarter. For MCC A Kirkpatrick accumulated runs steadily to take MCC to 140 for 4." Read more...  Cregagh
Cricket Club embarks upon its 4th European tourOn Thursday 9th June 2011 Cregagh Cricket Club will embark upon its 4th European tour with the destination this time being Croatia. This year's tour sees our largest tour party to date as 20 members make the trip. Read more...
Cregagh
Cricket Club runs kwik cricket competition with
Sport NI
They say the sun always shines on The East, and it certainly did last Friday (3rd June) as Cregagh Cricket Club in association with Simon Johnston from SportNI hosted a Kwik Cricket competition for East Belfast primary schools. In what has been the best day of the summer so far, over 60 kids turned up and played in a mini tournament for over 4 hours. The games were all very competitive with some exciting last ball finishes as boys and girls from each school battled hard to get to the final. Read more... Ulster Bank Challenge Cup - Third Round Draw
The top teams in the NCU have been kept apart in the quarter finals of the Ulster Bank Senior Challenge Cup.Holders North Down have a home draw against Carrickfergus and Premier League leaders Waringstown also have home advantage over neighbours Lurgan, the only Section 1 league side still in the tournament. Both Instonians and Ballymena, who also sit in the top half of the Premiership, have home draws as well - the Belfast side against Muckamore and Ballymena against Civil Service North. The games are scheduled for June 18 and reserve dates have been set aside on June 25 and 26. The draw is as follows:
Instonians v Muckamore North Down v Carrick Waringstown v Lurgan
Junior League 1 Select side will play Lisburn 2nd XI
UPDATE: This game has fallen victim to the unrelenting rain that fell today and has had to be postponed. A new date wll be announced shortly. Read more...  Festival of cricket proves a big hit at Templepatrick Cricket ClubMORE than 200 people gathered at The Cloughan, Ballyclare on Sunday May 29th for Templepatrick Cricket Club’s official pitch opening and family fun day. Despite a strong breeze that forced some of the activities indoors, the sun shone and the event proved a big hit with players, past players, parents and club supporters who gathered for a great day’s cricket. Read more...  Sponsorship deal aims to make Templepatrick Cricket Club the Holm of youth cricketTEMPLEPATRICK Cricket Club has teamed up with Holm NI to further the promotion of youth cricket within Ballyclare and beyond. Officials at the Ballyclare-based club were delighted to welcome Holm NI Managing Director, Kevin Lynch to The Cloughan on Sunday (May 29) for the club’s official pitch opening, family fun day and ‘cricket blitz’ event involving more than 100 boys and girls aged 5 - 11 years. Read more...  Ulster Schools' U19 Cricket Trial at Ballyclare HSThe sun was shining all day for the Ulster Schools’ U19 Cricket Trial on Friday 10th June, held for the first time at Ballyclare High School’s Hollinger Park. The extremely wet conditions in the days leading up to the trial meant the wicket was damp but it would be a good test for the techniques of the leading Ulster Schools’ batsmen. Read more...
Ulster Schools' XI team to play The MCC selected
The Ulster Schools' XI to take on the MCC team at Campbell College on Tuesday 14th June has been announced. Adam Berry, from Methodist College, will captain the team and after the game the 12 man squad for the Inter-Provincial v The Southern Schools will be finalised. Read more...
NCU Under 13 and 15 squads selected for outdoor training
The NCU Under 13 and 15 squads have been selected to go to the outdoor training with their coaches. The Under 15s started with 90 participants and have now been reduced down to the last 15. The Under 13s started with 68 and are now down to last 15. Read more...  Tom Flintoft visits NCU groundsTom Flintoft, the ex Durham and Hampshire groundsman, visited the NCU area on the 6th and 7th April to give advice to club and school groundsmen. Among the clubs and schools he visited were Bangor (including Ward Park), Bangor GS, CIYMS, Campbell College, Civil Service, B.R.A. / Castle Grounds, Shaw's Bridge, Muckamore, Templepatrick, Mallusk, Carrick, Downpatrick, Millpark, Lurgan and Derriaghy. Read more...
Templepatrick and Carrickfergus Cricket Clubs receive Club Accreditation Scheme status
  Templepatrick and Carrickfergus Cricket Clubs have become the latest clubs to be accredited on the Cricket Ireland / Clubmark NI Club Accreditation Scheme. As part of the Scheme's ever-expanding programme, the two Northern Cricket Union clubs have joined North Down and Derriaghy as the only cricket clubs in Northern Ireland to reach accreditation status. The status means that the club have demonstrated they have the capacity to reach minimum operating standards in the areas of effective management, quality coaching and competition and safety. Read more...
Ulster Bank Schools Cup 2011 - First Round Report
Last year's finalists of the Ulster Bank Schools Cup, Foyle & Londonderry College and Sullivan Upper, are through to the second round of this year's competition. An undefeated 70 by Andrew Clarke helped holders Foyle to a crushing 161-run win over Bangor Grammar School's 2nd XI and Sullivan's 72-run victory over Belfast Royal Academy was mainly due to 13 year-old John Matchett. He top scored with 37 - the last wicket put on 54 - and then took three BRA wickets for 13. Read more...  Templepatrick Cricket Club host Cricket Ireland Coach Education CourseApril 27th saw Templepatrick Cricket Club host an Introduction to Cricket Coaching Course. 18 enthusiastic, budding new cricket coaches attended and were put through their paces by English Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland Tutors Andy McCrea and Michael Hingston. Read more...
Pitch opening planned for Templepatrick Cricket Club
 To celebrate the massive investment in playing and practice facilities at Templepatrick Cricket Club over the past two years, the Ballyclare based club will be holding an official pitch opening at The Cloughan on Sunday, May 29. Club officials would like to see as many current players, past players, friends, family and cricket supporters there as possible to hopefully enjoy a festival of cricket and plenty of craic. Read more...
Rotary Charity Cricket Match at Comber
North Down Cricket Club, in conjunction with Rotary International and the 
Ulster Grasshoppers, is hosting a charity Twenty20 cricket match on Friday
May 27th at The Green in Comber.North Down players Taimur Khan and Neil Russell will captain the respective teams but there is a very international flavour to both sides. Khan will have a number of overseas ‘pros’ in his ‘Rotary International XI’ line-up while Russell’s Grasshoppers team is made up of some of the top local players. Read more...  Would we really expect to play senior cricket without Umpires?The 2011 season is now upon us, and as all Northern Cricket Union clubs look forward with anticipation and enthusiasm to the new season's challenges, could I (Noel McCarey, Chairman NIACUS) politely ask the perennial question, "Can we play senior cricket without Umpires?". As cricket enthusiasts we usually approach the start of every cricket season here in Northern Ireland after a winter of reading websites as well as having listened intently to the whispers between club members on the excitement and expectations for the new season. Players moving clubs, overseas professionals, ground conditions and which teams are going to get relegated, strongly focus our minds long before the season actually starts. Throughout these thought processes do we ever wonder how, as cricket enthusiasts, we are ever going to provide the umpires to officiate at the Ulster Bank Premier League, Section 1, Section 2, Section 3 and Junior League Section 1 matches? Read more...  Criminal Damage At Clogher Cricket Club Continues For The Fourth Year In SuccessionIt would appear that a person or persons have some sort of unfounded grudge against Clogher Cricket Club at Moss Monaghan, Clogher or that they have nothing better to do than wreck valuable property and machinery at the club. On Tuesday last one of the volunteer groundsmen at the club arrived to discover that a pane of glass had been smashed in the pavilion and entry gained after a clumsy but unsuccessful attempt was made to force the locked door open. Upon entering the premises the criminal(s) tore off a cupboard door which was not even locked. Read more...
FROM THE ASHES - a new documentary
FROM THE ASHES celebrates the 30th anniversary of the most memorable Ashes series -  and the incredible events of that summer that saw the greatest
turnaround in sporting history as England overcame odds of 500-1,
Botham's career was resurrected and the country united around cricket.Featuring in-depth interviews with players including: Ian Botham, Bob Willis and Rod Marsh. Queen's Film Theatre, 20 University Square, Belfast BT7 1PA Mon 16 - Thurs 19 May, 8.40pm Read more...
Foyle Seek Ulster Bank Schools' Cup Hat Trick
 Foyle & Londonderry College have been given what should be a gentle opener as they strive for a hat trick of Ulster Bank Schools' Cricket Cup wins this season. They have been drawn away to Bangor Grammar School's second string as 32 teams line up for first round ties to be played by May 11. Read more...
Ulster Bank Schools Cricket - Saturday League Fixtures 2011
The NCU Schools Committee has published the latest version of their Saturday league fixtures for schools. Clubs may find these useful when putting their own fixtures together at the January fixture meetings. Read more...
Introduction to Cricket Coaching Courses
Following Ireland’s historic success over England during the World Cup and the all-round growth in interest in the game, Cricket Ireland are delighted to announce that during the next few weeks there are ICC Introduction to Cricket Courses being run with the support of the ‘Pepsi ICC Development Programme for Europe.’ Wednesday April 27th 5.30pm till 9pm in Northern Cricket Union at Templepatrick Cricket Club, Ballyclare - cost £10 Read more...
Andy McCrea wins ICC Europe Outstanding Coaching Award
 The European winners of the ECB Sky Sports Coach Awards 2011 have been announced today with three outstanding talents being recognised in Europe, one of them being Andy McCrea from Templepatrick Cricket Club. Read more...
NCU Courses 2011
The following courses are available in the NCU area in 2011 1. Child Protection Course - Wednesday 13th April, 6pm - 9pm (Sport Northern Ireland) : Cost: £20 2. First Aid Course - Wednesday 20th April, 5pm - 9pm (British Red Cross) - Max 15 people : Cost: £25 Read more...
Jake Torrans to run in London Marathon again
 On the 17th April Jake Torrans from Derriaghy Cricket Club will be running his second Virgin London Marathon, this time in aid of The Lord's Taverners. The Lord's Taverners is an organisation which is the official charity for recreational cricket and the UK's leading youth cricket and disability charity. Sport and recreation are essential for young people and The Taverners mission is "to give a sporting chance to those in need". Donations: http://justgiving.com/john-torrans62 or contact Jake on 07841466462 Read more...
Another local cricketer raises money for charity by running in the London Marathon
 Another one of our local cricketers will be running the Virgin London Marathon on the 17th April 2011. This time it is Ralph Coetzee latterly playing for Muckamore Cricket Club. Ralph is raising money for 'Children with Leukaemia'- the UK's leading charity dedicated to fighting Britain's biggest childhood cancer. Donations: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ralphcoetzee. Read more...
Millpark Cricket
Club are looking for a scorer for the 2011 season.
Anyone who is interested is asked to contact the club's Honorary Secretary Nigel Smith on mrn16smith@btinternet.com
Millpark Cricket
Club are seeking a player coach for the upcoming season.
If anyone is interested in this position could they please email millparkpro@hotmail.co.uk or Darrell.Martin@dfpni.gov.uk for further information on the post.
Lisburn Cricket Club 175th Anniversary Dinner - 8th October 2
Lisburn Cricket Club have announced that tickets for their Gala Dinner (special guest speaker David Lloyd) will go on general sale on Monday 7th February 2011. Details of how to order and prices will be posted on the Lisburn Cricket Club Website on Sunday 6th February.
NIACUS Announcements
1. The NIACUS Annual Dinner will take place on Friday 8th April 2011 at the La Mon Country House Hotel. 2. Short sleeved and long sleeved shirts will be available for the 2011 season for all umpires and scorers. They are made of a lighter material than the ones offered in 2010. Umpires jackets are also available to order. Read more... ICC Europe Introductory Scorer CourseThe Irish Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers is delighted to offer, for the first time in Northern Ireland, the ICC Europe Introductory Scorer Course at The Pavilion, Stormont on Saturday 26 March 2011 from 9 am to 6 pm. The fee for this course will be £25. Read more...
NCU Women's Cricket League
Last season four NCU clubs fielded a women’s team (as far as I
am aware) at one time or another. This increase in interest in the women’s
game is very welcome and we wish to see it encouraged as much as possible.
With that in mind the four clubs in question have been approached with a view to starting a women’s league in 2011 and CSNI, North Down and Waringstown have been very positive to this idea. Read More . . .
Woodvale
6s Tournament - Week 7 Results
The final round of matches in Woodvale Cricket Clubs indoor 6 a side competition took place on Sunday in Shankill Leisure Centre. North Down maintained their unbeaten record in the competition with a win over Holywood and are 2011 Woodvale 6s Champions. The other winning teams on Sunday were CIYMS, Muckamore and Saintfield. Results and Table...
"Powerplays and Pushing Boundaries"
An open forum for all interested in women's cricket. Wednesday 23 March 2011, 2000hrs - Pembroke CC, Park Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4, Ireland. [Tea and coffee will be available from 1930hrs] Read more...
NIACUS / ECB ACO Level 1a and Level 1 umpire training
courses (updated 20/03)NIACUS are running ECB ACO Level 1a and Level 1 umpire training courses March and April respectively. Level 1 Course - Friday 1st April to Sunday 3rd April 2011 Read more...
The NCU this winter have organized Regional Development Squads at Under 11, 13, 15, & 17 age-groups.
This is essential to ensure that talent continues to flow from the union through to the national under age squads and in the years to come to the National side. Read More . . .
The draw for the First and Second Rounds of the NCU Challenge Cup has taken place at Newforge Country Club and was made by NCU President Dr Murray Power and Chairman Roger Bell
The draw was also made for the First and Second Rounds of the NCU Junior Cup (sponsored by Goldblatt McGuigan)
2011 Coaching Courses
There are a number of coaching courses taking place in the coming weeks and Stephen Moreton from Cricket Ireland has provided details. Read more...
Derriaghy Cricket Club receive Club Accreditation Scheme status
Derriaghy Cricket Club has become the latest club to be accredited on the Cricket Ireland / Clubmark NI Club Accreditation Scheme. Read more... 
Cliftonville Cricket Club has announced that
it is to host a Reunion Dinner with its Inaugural Hall of Fame at Belfast’s
Europa Hotel on Saturday 16th April 2011. The purpose of the dinner
is to bring together all people for whom Cliftonville has played a
part in their lives and to meet up with old friends and former team
mates who you may have lost contact with over the last few years. It
is also to celebrate Cliftonville’s on-going success inspite
of all the adversity it has faced over the years and to recognise some
of the people who have helped to make Cliftonville one of the great
clubs of NCU cricketRead More . . . Archived News/Articles from 2010
NCU AGM 2010
The Northern Cricket Union's Annual General Meeting has passed a motion to restructure the Ulster Bank League with all Sections being of eight teams (apart from the last Section) in 2012. The other major decision taken by the AGM was to amalgamate the Division 2 and 3 leagues into a new Junior League. Summary of the outcome of NCU AGM Notices of Motion 2010 Two NCU umpires promoted to ICC Europe Elite Umpires Panel
NIACUS has announced that Alan Neill and Keith Smith have gained places on the ICC Europe Elite Umpires Panel for 2011.
Woodvale CC Indoor Sixes TournamentThe inaugural Woodvale CC indoor sixes tournament will commence on the 9th January 2011 at the newly refurbished Shankill Leisure Centre, Belfast.
Participating in the inaugural tournament in the centre, which boasts top class cricketing facilities, will be sides from local clubs Woodvale, Instonians, CIYMS, Nomads, North Down, Holywood, Saintfield and Muckamore cricket clubs. Read more...
Cregagh Cricket Club Tour - 2010
In June 2010 Cregagh C.C. embarked on their most ambitious tour to date, by playing in two different countries in two days.
Read more...
For the first time, Cricket Ireland is in a position to offer a thorough Winter Programme of Coach Education courses. We are now in a position to offer Coach Education courses throughout the country, using our own tutors to deliver all of the available courses.
The aim of these courses is to encourage clubs to develop coaching teams, and develop their existing coaches - Cricket Ireland is currently offering three entry level courses: ICC Introduction to Cricket UKCC Level One (Coaching Assistant) UKCC Level Two (Coach) Read More . . .
Sport NI have released details of a new funding programme open to clubs. Further details can be found at:
http://www.sportni.net/Funding/Sport+Matters/
Before you throw the kitbag into the back of the garage or on top of the wardrobe or into the attic space, may I ask that you take a quick look inside to see if there is anything you would regard as surplus to requirements - a bat with no middle, a ball with no spin, whites not suitable for the athletic build you now have after five months of play!
Whatever you have will not go to waste and will always be appreciated by KitAid and its partners to promote the game to those that do not have the means or facilities to play cricket.Read More . . .
Autumn Renovation of Squares
Its the time of year when groundsmen are getting ready to do the most important thing for next season . . . thats putting the bed to square.
When Tom Flintoff visited in April, he said the biggest mistake that groundsmen make is that they don't scarify wickets hard enough at the end of the season. Toms golden rules are as follows:
Each wicket should be scarified 6 to 10 times Only scarify in the direction of play. NEVER scarify across the square  Alan McIlwaine from CIYMS IVs sent this photo in of Chris Beattie and his two sons Jack (13) and Sam (11) who all played together in the last match of the season against Victoria III
 Donaghcloney - Winners of Ulster Bank Section - Photos
Donaghcloney, winners of Ulster Bank Section 2 - photos Read More . . . Under 11
Alec Dunlop Memorial Cup Final Pollock Park, Lurgan - 24th August Bready beat Lurgan by 7 wickets MATCH REPORT AND PHOTOS... Under 13 D R Pigot Memorial Cup Final The Lawn, Waringstown - 25th August Donemana beat Waringstown by 22 runs Under 15 Ian Lewis Cup Final YMCA CC - 26th August North Down beat YMCA by 2 wickets Read more... 
Shield Final - August 23 (Lower Pitch at Shaw's Bridge)
Lurgan A beat Ballymena by 10 runs MATCH REPORT AND PHOTOS (updated)... Plate Final - August 23 (Upper Pitch at Shaw's Bridge) Cregagh beat CIYMS Read More... 
Bangor III 134 (P Mcilwaine 40, A Andrews 31, J Stewart 25no, F Taylor 2-17, T McBurney 2-17)
Ballymena III 135-5 (F Taylor 31, B McGookin 27, P Harshaw 25, J Stewart 2-27) Ballymena III beat Bangor III by 5 wickets Man of the Match - Fergus Taylor (Ballymena) Read more...
Academy III 173 (B Rea 53no, CC Magarajappa 33, J Ryles 29, M Monteith 3-34, N Bell 2-28, M Caithness 2-36)
Ballymena IV 88 (A Gibson 28, D Ryles 6-22, J Ryles 2-17) Academy III beat Ballymena IV 85 runs Man of the Match - Brian Rea (Academy) Read more...
The under 13 NCU League Final, for the Tom Greenwood Memorial Trophy, was played at Ballymena Cricket Club on Monday 16 August between Armagh and CSNI A.
Unfortunately the game was reduced to 15 overs per team due to inclement weather. CSNI A won the game by 71 runs, scoring 102 for 3 with M Corry scoring 46 and Captain P Beverland scoring 34 not out against Armagh's score of 31 all out. B McGavock took 3 Armagh wickets for 15, and C Ross had figures of 2 for 9. Read More and Photos from the match...
North Down 212-6 (R Burgess 22, P Eakin 93, G Anderson 36no, D McFadden 2-17)
Templepatrick 145 (J Hunter 73, D Gibson 21, P Davidson 5-29) North Down beat Templepatrick by 67 runs Read more... 
15 August - Fox Lodge CC, BallymagorryMuckamore 323-5 (40 overs, W Horwood 141, I Kamtekar 83, D Curry 2-59) Bond's Glen 126 (28.2 overs, R Coetzee 3-16, T Neill 3-36, I Kamtekar 2-20, A McCulloch 2-20) Muckamore beat Bond's Glen by 197 runs Man of the Match - Wayne Horwood Read more...
Derriaghy II 133 (I Crothers 46, J Torrans 28, M Fell 26,
B Mullan 4-23, I McGowan 2-41) Saintfield II 137-4 (I McGowan 66no, C Patterson 22) Saintfield II beat Derriaghy II by six wickets Man of the Match – Ian McGowan Read more...
This week saw Lurgan Cricket Club visit Templepatrick Cricket Club in Ballyclare to initiate both clubs first Under 11 Cricket Blitz. This saw 70 Under 11 boys and girls from both clubs participate in cricket with children as young as 5 years old getting a chance to enjoy the game.
This idea was put together by both Clubs' Cricket Development Officers, Jonny Gillespie of Lurgan CC and Andy McCrea of Templepatrick CC. Read more...
8 August
Limavady 160 (39.5 overs, Dean Curry 47no, N Thompson 28, S Shannon 4-43, A White 3-15) Instonians 161-6 (33.5 overs, J Stevenson 30, R McCann 33, A White 47no, S Thompson 2-37, Decker Curry 3-35) Instonians beat Limavady by 4 wickets 
The Management Committee of Lisburn Cricket Club are delighted to confirm that Sky Sports pundit and former Test Cricketer David Lloyd has agreed to be the special guest speaker at the Gala dinner on 8th October 2011 as part of the season of celebration to mark the clubs 175th Anniversary in 2011.
Read more...
31 July
North Down 262-6 (50 overs, T Khan 89, N Russell 57) CIYMS 188 (42.1 overs, C McMllan 49, M Hingston 49, T Khan 3-14) North Down beat CIYMS by 74 runs Man of the Match: T Khan (North Down) Twenty20 Cup and Shield
1 August (The Green, Comber)
11.30am - Shield Final Cliftonville beat Saintfield by 18 runs 3.00pm - Cup Final CIYMS beat Muckamore by 3 wickets
The Banoge Cup Final was played tonight (Wednesday 4th August) at Stormont and the winners were Waringstown
CSNI won the toss and put Waringstown in to bat first. Waringstown 94-6 (A Dennison 57) CSNI 47-8 Waringstown beat CSNI by 47 runs 
Lurgan Under 11s lifted the BB Consultants sponsored Quoile Cup at Derriaghy CC on 4 August with a fine 38 run victory over Armagh
Read more...
The Cricket Development Directorate recently established a Taskforce to consider the future of Junior Cricket. A report of its work and its recommendations can be found here.
Before bringing proposals to the 2010 AGM the Directorate would like to hear the views of clubs on the Taskforce Report. A series of meetings will be held:
Tuesday 31 August Carrickfergus CC Clubhouse Thursday 2 September Shaws Bridge Clubhouse NOTE: 2 changes have been made to the previously published report: Teams permitted to schedule no more than 2 fixtures on days other than a Saturday at fixture meetings except for the bottom team in the club It is recommended that the number of players to be starred for each team below the 2nd XI be increased from 7 to 9 Read more...
The Task Force was set up by the NCU Cricket Development Directorate to consider the future of Junior cricket (below Division 1) and in particular how to encourage adults to continue / resume playing.
Other factors to be considered were the failure of teams to fulfil fixtures and a perceived desire for shorter matches in the more junior games. Read more... NCU Under 13 League Final
The NCU Under 13 League Final (for the Tom Greenwood Trophy) will be played on Monday 16 August at 2.00pm at Ballymena Cricket Club between Armagh and CSNI A (The reserve day is Wednesday 18 August)
Armagh defeated Academy in the first semi final played on 6 August by 44 runs with Andrew Hoey top scoring with 78. CSNI A defeated North Down last night by 8 wickets in the second semi final, with Jack Biggerstaff taking 5 wickets for 4 runs.
The Northern Cricket Union in conjunction with the family of the late Jim McMorran (Past Chairman, President and Life Member of the NCU) is instigating an annual award for voluntary service to cricket
Read more...
Competition
Under 11 Semi Final: Monday 9th August Lurgan CC 109 (27 overs, C Gibson 20, S Wilson 11, S McCollum 12, E Currie 10) Leinster CC 24 (9.2 overs, C Gibson 5-9, J Hunter 4-14, N Allen 1-0) Lurgan beat Leinster by 85 runs Final: Lurgan v Bready at Lurgan Under 13 Semi Final: Donemana beat North County on Sunday 8th August Final: Waringstown v Donemana at Waringstown on Wednesday 25th August at 3pm Under 15 Semi Final: North Down/Templepatrick (13th August) v Donemana Final: YMCA v winners Read more...
In the Norman Shannon & Co Solicitors sponsored Charles Beverland Under 11 league the final placings have now been agreed and the draw for the 1/4 finals of the knock out Shield competition are as follows
B Waringstown v Downpatrick C CSNI v Carrickfergus D Ballymena v Saintfield Semi final draw - games to be played by 19 Aug
Winner of D v Winner of B
B Lisburn v Ards C North Down v Academy D Muckamore v CIYMS Semi final draw - games to be played by 19 August
Winner of B v Winner of D
8 August
Limavady 160 (39.5 overs, Dean Curry 47no, N Thompson 28, S Shannon 4-43, A White 3-15) Instonians 161-6 (33.5 overs, J Stevenson 30, R McCann 33, A White 47no, S Thompson 2-37, Decker Curry 3-35) Instonians beat Limavady by 4 wickets 7 August
Merrion 202-9 (50 overs, J Anderson 104, V Mpitsang 4-26) Waringstown 121 (41.2 overs) Merrion beat Waringstown by 81 runs Railway Union 315-6 (50 overs, T Fisher 123, K Carroll 92) Fox Lodge 192 (38.1 overs, J Heywood 47, A McGinnis 41, B Allen 40, P Conliffe 3-59) Railway Union beat Fox Lodge by 123 runs
The Management Committee of Lisburn Cricket Club are delighted to confirm that Sky Sports pundit and former Test Cricketer David Lloyd has agreed to be the special guest speaker at the Gala dinner on 8th October 2011 as part of the season of celebration to mark the clubs 175th Anniversary in 2011.
Read more... 
Ex-Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga will be making a visit to Ballymena Cricket Club from about 5.45pm on Tuesday the 24th August where he plans to take a fast bowling net with 10 cricketers from clubs in Northern Ireland.
Read more...
Sport NI/University of Ulster have setup three evening conferences with Paul MacKinnon, the New Zealand All Blacks High Performance Player Manager.
Read more... 31 July
North Down 262-6 (50 overs, T Khan 89, N Russell 57) CIYMS 188 (42.1 overs, C McMllan 49, M Hingston 49, T Khan 3-14) North Down beat CIYMS by 74 runs Man of the Match: T Khan (North Down) |
