Above: Gracie and Kiara record partnership at Lisburn
It’s Cup Week for the 1st XI — a trip to Shaws Bridge for a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Instonians. One of the toughest tests of the season, and a huge opportunity for this developing squad.
But they’re not the only ones making headlines — with four wins across three junior and women’s teams already this week, there’s plenty of momentum right through the club. And with a packed senior weekend ahead, it’s fair to say the season is in full swing.
Women Go Back-to-Back
Two wins in four days for the women, who followed up Saturday’s success over Muckamore with a sharp, composed 50-run win away to Lisburn on Tuesday.
Batting first at Wallace Park, they posted 179 for 1, their best T20 total of the season, thanks to an unbeaten 173-run stand from Gracie Keenan (78)* and *Kiara Fisher (79)**. Lisburn’s reply fell short at 129 for 3, with wickets for Gracie, Kiara and Rebecca Webster completing the job.
The squad is building nicely — and finding real rhythm.
U15s Hit Their Stride
Two games in two nights, and two results that underline why this group continues to impress.
On Tuesday, they progressed to the Graham Cup semi-finals with a five-wicket win over CIYMS — Isaac Webster (3 for 9) and Luke Crothers (2 for 22) doing the damage with the ball, before Crothers (42) and Jack Heron (38) chased down 108 with calm assurance.
On Wednesday, they backed it up in the league — posting 178 for 5 against Donacloney Mill (runs for Josh Parker 46, Crothers 37, Fraser Mitchell 44) before bowling them out for 67. Josh Montgomery (3 for 5), Jaxon Dines (2 for 6) and Webster again (2 for 3) led the way as eight bowlers shared the load.
Four from four in the league. Cup semi-finalists. Progress in every direction.
U11s Show Their Promise
A great win for the U11s on Tuesday night added to the feel-good factor — a young group full of energy and potential, enjoying their cricket and learning fast.
Challenge Cup Quarter-Final – Instonians v North Down
Shaws Bridge awaits on Saturday as the 1st XI face Instonians in the Challenge Cup quarter-final — a proper cup tie and one of the toughest assignments of the season so far.
We go in as underdogs. Inst are near the top of the league, full of proven performers, and playing with real momentum. But we’ve already shown we can go toe-to-toe — the league fixture earlier this season went right down to the wire, and that gives this group something to draw on.
Craig Young remains sidelined, and while Tyron Koen returns, it’s only in a batting and captaincy role. Daisy is also unavailable, leaving the seam attack stretched — but what we lack in depth, we’ll aim to make up for in clarity, effort, and belief.
Tyron Koen:
“I’m excited to be back, even if it’s just in a batting and leadership role. This season’s had its ups and downs, but that’s part of it — experience has to be earned, and this group is doing that the hard way.Big thanks to Ally for stepping in when needed — it’s never easy leading a young side through a tricky spell, and he put in a serious shift during a tough run.
We’ve got some big games coming fast now, starting with Inst. They’re flying at the moment, but we were right there with them earlier in the season. We’ll take confidence from that, go in with belief, and hopefully get the result we’re after.”
Inst will be favourites — no question. But this is cup cricket. One good day can change everything.
This squad has learned fast. Saturday’s a chance to show what’s stuck.
Full Senior Slate This Weekend
While the 1s head for cup duty, there’s a full weekend of cricket across the club:
- 2nd XI – Friday night T20 & Junior Cup match Sunday
- 3rd XI – League games Saturday & Sunday
- 4th XI – League match Sunday
Plenty of opportunity for players to stand up and carry the energy from the youth and women’s squads into the senior setup.
Let’s Go
The club’s been in a good place this week. Now it’s time to double down and go again.
Support each other. Play for the badge. And enjoy the ride.
All quiet from the keyboard… until the next result.
(Former captain turned part-time keyboard warrior — backing the guys all the way, despite a few thinking he’s crossed over to the dark side. It’s just overexcitement, lads.)
