After a couple of false starts the main competitive action got underway at the weekend, with a number of games across the three days.
The men’s 1sts had a tricky looking assignment on paper with a double header against 2023 PL champs Inst and powerhouses CIYMS and in truth, before a ball was bowled, they were underdogs for all three.
After taking a 9-wicket tonking (Scorecard HERE) from the Old Boys in Friday nights T20 at The Green the doom merchants were out in force, but a full scale turnaround took place on Saturday at Shaw’s Bridge as the North Down boys exacted sweet revenge. Led by none other than Inst Old Boy himself James Shannon with his first knock of note for the club, a magnifcent 86, and big South African paceman Kerwin Mungroo with a 5-for, the four points returned to The Green along side a lot more positivity for the season ahead. Scorecard HERE
Yesterday (Sunday) CIYMS were the visitors to The Green for a 20 over Premier League ‘Match 2’, and they took the spoils with a hard fought 8 run victory. Scorecard HERE
A lot of PL games are won and lost on fine margins and when it came to it, CI (the current All-Ireland T20 Champions), just had a little bit more knowhow and grafted out the victory despite a fantastic unbeaten 83 from Ani Chore.
It was a very disappointed home camp at the end of proceedings, our guys knew it was ‘one that got away’, but when the dust settles they will take great heart from the display – in particular the new signings have all settled in well and look like a competitive bunch which will help the side kick on from here…
The game also proved that it doesn’t have to be a six hitting competition to be a good watch as it ebbed and flowed throughout, watched in person by a very decent crowd who basked in the glorious weather, after surprisingly electing not to watch the game on the superb live stream available worldwide.
The women’s 1stXI also got their season underway yesterday with a trip to serial trophy winners and local rivals CSNI. Unfortunately the girl’s returned empty handed but not after handing the hosts a scare or two along the way – its a very youthful North Down side and they will grow in confidence as the season progresses. North Down POTM was the easiest decision of the day as the impressive Gracie Keenan took 4 for 18 and followed it up with 31 with the bat. Scorecard HERE
The M2s travelled to Muckamore on their return to Junior 1 with a youthful outfit and if confirmation was required that skipper Ryan Galway faces a tough assignment this year, then at 12 for 4 in reply to the home side’s 216, then they certainly got it. Peter Shields’ 81 and the captain’s 50 (alongside 2 wickets) ensured respectability, and even at one stage threatened a remarkable comeback, but the sweltering conditions took their toll and the side ran up 35 runs short. Scorecard HERE
The M3s started the season with a solid 54 run victory over Woodvale in Junior 4, 88 for Ollie Keenan and 3 wickets for Ollie Hull the highlights, it was also great to see former 1stXI trophy winning captain Jo Montgomery make a playing comeback alongside son Joshua.
Yesterday evening our M4s (top picture) hosted, and defeated, Enniskillen in their season opener – runs and wickets well spread around.
Two very youthful sides in club colours and they will be joined by the 5thXI who make their debut next weekend.
All in all, lots to learn, lots of positives and lots to look forward to.
Fixtures this week:
1sts vs Lisburn (a) T20 Friday 17th
1sts vs Ardmore (a) Irish Senior Cup Saturday 18th
2nds vs CIYMS (a) J1 Tuesday 14th
2nds vs Inst (h) J1 Saturday 18th
3rds vs Drumaness (h) J4 Thursday 16th
3rds vs BISC (a) J4 Sunday 19th
5ths vs Cliftonville (h) J11 Saturday 18th
5ths vs Muckamore (a) J11 Sunday 19th
Women’s 2nds vs Inst (a) Monday 13th
