Above: NV Play back with a new angle, but maybe its a second camera required?
It was great to get the season underway on Saturday with both the 1s and 2s in action — and there were plenty of positives to take right across the club.
At The Green, the 1s got off to a really solid start with a convincing seven-wicket win over Cliftonville Academy. After a delayed start and a reduction to 37 overs per side, we bowled the visitors out for 99 in a very impressive all-round performance.
Mickey Copeland made an immediate impact on debut, picking up 4-17 from 6.2 overs, while new skipper Tyron Koen (2-11) and young slow left-armer Josh Corbett (2-25) also got among the wickets.
In reply, we chased the target down comfortably. Mickey finished unbeaten on 35, and together with TK — who ended 22 not out — shared an unbroken stand of 48 to see us home. Fittingly, the win was sealed with a six over midwicket.
There’s a great buzz around this young squad already, and it’s clear there’s a bond forming on and off the field. Bigger tests will come, but for Day One, we couldn’t have asked for much more. Thanks to everyone who came down to support — it’s brilliant to see The Green busy again, including at a well-organised sponsors’ lunch masterminded by our commercial guru Ryan Haire (though the 2s will be glad to welcome him back on the field next week!).
Meanwhile, the 2s made the trip to Waringstown for their Junior 1 opener — and as expected, found the going tough against a very strong, experienced home side.
It was a youthful North Down team up against some seasoned campaigners, but we were certainly not disgraced and made sure we were competitive right to the end.
Batting first, we posted 147 with Josh Parker top-scoring with 36, James Shields making 21, and skipper Drew Parker adding 20. Waringstown chased it three wickets down, with half a dozen overs to spare, but there were some excellent signs with the ball — Joel Parker picking up 2-34 and promising spells from Drew and Luke Crothers.
Plenty of positives to take away and the attitude was spot on. With a couple more experienced players due to come into the side soon, we’ll only get stronger — and these young players are improving all the time. Next up, a tough trip to last year’s champions Lisburn, but we’ll be looking forward to the challenge.
Keep an eye on the club socials this week — there’s a huge Bank Holiday weekend ahead!
- Thursday – ALL CLUB practice followed by announcemenst – BAR OPEN from 7pm
- Friday – Youth Launch & Sponsored Walk
- Saturday – 1s, 2s and 3s all in action (3s the only home game at The Green so taking centre stage)
- Sunday – Ladies 1s kick off their season away at Waringstown
- Sunday – Club’s Annual May Beer & Cider Festival and Family Fun Day at The Green
- Bank Holiday Monday – Men’s 1s host Instonians at The Green
Plenty happening on and off the field — get down and be part of it!
You can keep up to date with all results and fixtures through our NV Play Hub HERE.
And you can grab your new kit — including special 2025 pieces — now by visiting the Club Shop HERE.
