The Green is currently looking more like the Arctic Circle than a cricket ground, but with indoor nets starting soon and a few exciting new arrivals, there’s plenty to get us thinking about the season ahead. Outdoor training and matches might still be months away, but the early signs are good for 2025—well, once the frost thaws and the covers unfreeze.
Fresh Faces in the 1s
After a tough 2024, the Men’s 1st XI are gearing up for a fresh start. TK has stepped into the captaincy, bringing energy and positivity to the squad. He’ll be joined by Aditya Adey, currently fine-tuning his game Down Under (hopefully not forgetting how to play on a green wicket), and Kian Hilton, fresh from South Africa. We’ve also got Mickey Copeland, a young overseas pro who looks ready to make his mark across the club.
There’s already a bit of a buzz around the 1s, and with some hard work indoors over the next couple of months, they’ll be hoping for a much-improved campaign. Whether they get more than 30 seconds of goodwill from the critics’ bench remains to be seen.
Nets, Prep, and a Prayer for Sunshine
Indoor nets for all teams will be underway by the end of January, giving players the chance to blow off the cobwebs, loosen the shoulders, and figure out if the kit they got last season still fits. From the experienced hands of the 1s and 2s to the juniors gearing up for another busy summer, the focus is on building toward the outdoor season.
Pre-season games are also on the cards, though much depends on the weather. After last spring’s rain-induced delay, we’re all hoping for a smoother start this time around. Gatch and the groundstaff, consider yourselves on weather-watch duty—we’re counting on you!
Leadership Across the Club
There’s plenty of change—and a few familiar faces—leading the charge this year. The Women’s 1st XI are in good hands with Gracie Keenan, taking on the captaincy at just 19, while the Women’s 2s will again be led by the ever-reliable Sandi Harrison, who seems to know exactly how to keep things ticking along.
The M2s are still waiting for someone brave enough to step into the skipper’s role. If you can handle WhatsApp notifications at all hours, weekly team selections, and the occasional fielding misjudgment, this could be your big moment.
The M3s will be guided by Jo Montgomery, a man who knows a thing or two about trophies and has likely already prepared a motivational speech for April. Over at the M4s, Chairman Dean McDonald continues in what’s almost certain to be a non-playing captaincy role (but don’t count out an appearance if numbers get tight). And leading the M5s again is Jonny Heron, who avoided batting or bowling last season—a captaincy style so revolutionary it might actually catch on.
And then there’s the big question: will Billy Adams return? The veteran seamer has been on the sidelines since early 2024, and the rumour mill is already turning. Is he working on a comeback? Or has he settled into his role as chief commentator on the critics’ bench? Time will tell.
Supporting the Future
There’s more going on than just what happens on the pitch. The club is backing a crowdfunding campaign to help support our women’s and girls’ cricket programs, building on the fantastic progress made in recent years. It’s a big step in ensuring the future of cricket at North Down is open to everyone.
The First of Many
This is just the start. Over the coming weeks, we’ll have plenty more to say about the teams, the players, and everything else going on as we build toward the season proper. For now, the hard work is happening indoors, the critics’ bench is warming up (literally), and we’re all counting down the days until cricket is back at The Green.
Let’s hope the sun eventually makes an appearance, the frost stays away, and someone remembers to bring the boundary rope.
Here’s to 2025—bring it on!
