The 2ndXI face a stiff task on their return to Junior League 1, but if the enthusiasm of new skipper Ryan Galway is anything to go by then they will certainly leave it all out on the field this season.
As already documented on the site (HERE), Ryan follows in his late father’s footsteps when taking on the job in charge of the 2ndXI. “I’m honoured to take on the 2nds captaincy this season, replacing Moxy who had a double winning year in 2023. They are big shoes to fill and with promotion to Junior 1, it’ll be a tough season, but one we are looking forward to. You want to be competing in the top league and we get to do it again this season.”
The reality of the challenge ahead is not lost on the affable all-rounder, who returned to the club last year after several years living on the North Coast.
“Our number one aim is to stay in Junior 1 having been relegated from the same league in 2022 – this allows our young players to play at a higher level, closing the pathway gap to the 1stXI in the years to come.”
It will be a busy campaign for the 2s one way or another because as well as the league challenge, they will play in the Junior Cup (BISC/Holywood Away), Ulster Plate (Bready 2 Home) and Junior 1 T20 Plate.
So a squad of players will be needed and the skipper is happy that he has options to chose from, “We have a great balance of experience and youth, guys that have been there and done it in Peter Shields, Andrew Haire, Hammy Coulter and Billy Adams along with talented youth such as Drew Parker, Josh Corbett and James Shields. This bodes well for the future of our club but it’s also an opportunity to make their mark now, to help the 2nds stay in the league and compete in each game. And one to watch out for is Luke Crothers, a classy bat who will grow in experience and maturity and will be an important part of our squad. It will certainly be a squad effort and one we are relishing.”
And in summing up, “There will be plenty of highs and lows throughout the season, there will be times when we really have to dig in and show lots of character but I believe we can develop the right mindset and have enough experience in the changing room to get our rewards for working hard and applying ourselves, both individually and collectively.”
So there you have it, as expected a lot of positivity with regards to the 2024 season for the 2s – we wish them well for the season ahead!
They continue their preparation with a friendly vs Downpatrick at The Green this Saturday,1pm start.
