Above: victorious ladies 2s
If this week had a theme, it was definitely the 2s. On the men’s side they clinched junior 1 safety with a strong win at The Green, while on the women’s side the 2s brought home silverware by lifting the Gallagher Challenge Plate. Two very different competitions, two very satisfying results — and both a big sign of the depth running through the club.
Men’s 2nd XI – Safety Secured with Style
Junior 1 status for 2026 is now officially in the bag. A disciplined bowling performance saw Jacob McClure-Dalzell (3-30) lead the way, backed up by Jaxon Dines (2-22), Andrew Haire (2-24) and a miserly spell from Joel Parker (1-18 off 6).
In the chase, Mohamed Aahil cracked 40 off 25 to get things motoring before Andrew Haire (31)* guided the side home with plenty to spare. A proper team effort and a perfect way to secure mid-table safety.
Ladies 2nd XI – Plate Champions! 🏆
Not to be outdone, the Ladies 2s produced the standout result of the week by lifting the Gallagher Challenge Plate at Shaw’s Bridge. Amy Boyd (2-14), Ava Heron (2-26) and Rebecca Webster (2-18) shared the wickets to keep the opposition to 107/6.
The chase was all about skipper Sandi Harrison, who anchored the innings with a classy unbeaten 44, supported by Kathryn Rogers (13) and Ali Best (11). The win was sealed with four wickets to spare — and with it, a trophy in the cabinet.
1st XI – Run-fest at The Green
Over 720 runs were scored in a single afternoon but the 1s ended up on the wrong side of it. The highlight was Kian Hilton’s maiden North Down hundred — a blistering 106 brought up in just 64 balls — ably backed by Mohamed Aahil’s 75 in a 179-run opening stand. Later on, Tyron Koen smashed 48 with five sixes to keep the chase alive. And with the ball, TK was the pick with a couple of scalps.
A defeat, but plenty of entertainment for the home crowd.
4th XI – Back-to-Back Thrillers
It was a double-header weekend for the 4s, and although both results went against them, the youngsters banked valuable runs, wickets, and first-time milestones.
On Saturday, the side piled up 211/6 with standout contributions from Isaac Webster (51), William Marsh (50) and Callum Wilson (48). For Marshy it was a special moment — his first senior fifty for the club. With the ball, Webster (3-31), Daniel Johnston (2-32) and Thomas Barr (2-48) all struck, but the chase just slipped away.
On Sunday, it was Joshua Montgomery’s superb 79 not out that stole the show — his best in senior cricket. Backed up by Pooler (22) and Johnston (13), North Down reached 155/6. With the ball, Webster (2), Barr (2), Johnston (1) and Lleyton Jackson (1) all chipped in, but Ardent Blues crept home.
Around the Club
Friday night brought a special atmosphere at The Green as we hosted a challenge match between the NI Fire Service and the PSNI. Played out in glorious late-summer sunshine, it proved an enjoyable occasion and one we’ll hopefully see repeated.
Also on Friday, our U13B side played their final at Derriaghy. The boys fell short on the night but can be hugely proud of making it all the way to the decider — a big step forward for that group of players.
On Sunday, Dean presented James Shields — arriving in a wheelchair following his recent injury — with a get well soon card and goodie bag. Brilliant to see James back at The Green, cheering on the 2s team he’s been part of all season.
Meanwhile, the third annual youth trip to Jersey was another roaring success, strengthening friendships and creating memories that will last a lifetime. A big thank you goes to organisers Neil Dalzell and Jonny Heron for all their hard work in making it happen.
What’s Next
Our Community Open Day — featuring the ever-popular Beer & Cider Festival — takes place this Sunday at The Green. With a small section of the local community allegedly planning a boycott, the rest of us are banking on a bumper turnout from the good townsfolk — because nothing says “stand by your club” quite like raising a pint in each hand.
