Above: cracker win for the 2s at Bready
A busy run of fixtures saw three senior teams advance in their respective cups, a couple of high-tempo batting efforts, and no shortage of talking points — even if the club’s ongoing search for consistency continues. Still, there were signs that things might just be starting to take shape.
1st XI – T20 Cup: A Flying Start to the Weekend
The weekend began in ideal fashion — under the lights (if we had any) — with a dominant T20 Cup win over Templepatrick on Friday night.
Restricting the visitors to 126, our bowlers kept things tidy, and the batters made light work of the chase. Kian Hilton was at it again with a stylish 43 off 27, Stevie Saul added a composed 44 not out, and Mickey Copeland hammered a rapid 28 from just 8 balls* to wrap it up inside 12 overs.
It was the boost to net run rate we needed — although final qualification still depends on this week’s CSNI v Templepatrick result. Fingers crossed.
A nice postscript too, as club chairman Dean McDonald presented Templepatrick captain Ross Bryans with a plaque to mark their first senior match at The Green — a touch of class to acknowledge a club that’s made real strides.
1st XI – Challenge Cup: Through, Just About
Saturday’s Challenge Cup clash against Bangor — a side from the division below — wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective enough to book our place in the next round.
Batting first, we never quite found top gear, but Kian Hilton once again led the way with a fluent, match-shaping 82 from just 55 balls — a vital knock that held things together.
There was a welcome return to the runs for Ryan Haire, whose composed half-century added some backbone to the innings. It’s been a while since his last 50 in 1stXI colours, but this one reminded us all there’s plenty still in the tank.
With the ball, Mickey Copeland added another three wickets to his season tally, and Jaxon Dines continued his tidy run. The 27 wides were less than ideal, but the result was never seriously in doubt — a 30-run win and safe passage to the next round.
Knockout cricket is rarely perfect — but progress is progress.
2nd XI – Plate Progress at Bready
The 2s backed up last week’s league win with another solid showing — this time in the Ulster Plate, away to Bready.
Bowling first, Jacob McClure-Dalzell, Mo Aahil, and Jaxon Dines each picked up two wickets, limiting the hosts well. The target was adjusted to 110 from 15 overs after rain, and the chase was handled calmly.
Tom Crothers saw to us victory with 37 not out, while Mo Aahil and Gavin Anderson added useful contributions in the twenties to seal it with room to spare.
That sets up a home quarter-final against Donemana on Sunday 29th June — a nice marker for the calendar.
3rd XI – Into the Next Round
The 3s joined the cup-winning trio with a composed Lindsay Minor Cup victory over CACC.
Luke Crothers made 53, Alex Fielding chipped in with 35, and a tidy bowling effort — wickets for Crothers (3), DJ (3), Fielding (2) and Frazer Mitchell (2) — closed it out comfortably.
Nice to see them finding some rhythm.
4s & 5s – Youthful Sides, Learning All the Time
Away defeats for both the 4s and 5s, but far from one-way traffic — especially considering the youthfulness of the teams.
Jacob White and Isaac Webster put on 55 and 41 respectively, and William Marsh picked up three wickets. There’ll be better days — but they’re getting the experience now.
Ladies 1st XI – Cup Exit at The Green
Sunday morning’s Challenge Cup tie saw the Ladies 1st XI up against a strong Waringstown side, who proved a bit too sharp with bat and ball.
A disappointing result, but it was good to see Amy Benson back in the mix — and with Gracie Keenan returning from university this week, the squad will have a lift ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Ladies 2nd XI – Monday Night Encouragement
The Ladies 2s travelled to Holywood on Monday evening and showed glimpses of what they’re capable of, even if a target of 141 proved a stretch.
Amy Boyd (3 wickets) and Keziah Dines (2 wickets) led with the ball, and the same two players top-scored with twenties in the reply — but the hosts had done enough.
Some encouraging signs from a developing group.
In Case You Missed It…
📊 All scorecards and live data available via the NV Play Hub on our website.
📸 Matchday images from 1s v Bangor are now live in the Galleries section.
📆 2nd XI v Donemana – Ulster Plate Quarter Final – Sunday 29th June at The Green
A lot going on. Some green shoots. Some lessons too.
On we go — see you at The Green.
