Weekly Round-Up – 11 May 2025
Above: The Green by Ian Cleland
No reason to question the efforts of those representing the club over the past few days, but most — if not all — will feel we can and must do better. There was a clear lack of application with the bat, and we were too easy to play against at times.
It’s early days, but we need to find a bit more grit — a front-foot mindset that puts the opposition under pressure and asks questions. Compete with more purpose, more presence, and make sure teams know they’re in a game from ball one.
1st XI
A proud moment on Saturday as young Jaxon Dines made his competitive 1st XI debut — and marked it with his first wicket, well held by skipper TK. A special day for a talented young cricketer and his family.
But let’s be clear — the batting wasn’t good enough. Chasing 240 at Stormont against a CSNI side missing their pro, we didn’t apply ourselves and paid the price with a heavy defeat, by over 100 runs. This is the group that leads the club, and they’ll know the standards must be higher. We back TK and the guys — but there’s work to do!
Ladies 1st XI – A Debut to Remember
Sunday brought one of the most dramatic and memorable debuts in our club’s long history, as the Ladies 1st XI took on CSNI.
Kiara Fisher became North Down’s first-ever female overseas player, arriving after a marathon 22-hour, 45-minute journey from Durban via Qatar and Edinburgh. Having left at 12:05pm (local time) on Saturday, she was collected at Belfast City Airport on Sunday morning and, within an hour of landing, was out in the middle at The Green — bat in hand.
She went on to score an unbeaten 40 in a brave chase that ultimately fell 30 runs short. A defeat on paper, but a huge step forward for the squad — and a seriously impressive first showing from Kiara. If the determination she showed just to get on the field is anything to go by, we’re in for a very exciting addition this summer.
Welcome to the North Down family, Kiara!
2nd XI
The 2s suffered two more defeats this weekend, making it four losses from four to start the season — a tough run, but not without some positives.
Saturday’s clash with a Dee Kennedy-inspired CSNI was a close contest that could have gone either way. The Haire brothers, Andrew and Ryan, rescued the innings with a composed partnership and a pair of fifties, but once again early wickets and a lack of runs proved costly.
Sunday was more one-sided, with a strong Muckamore 2s outfit dominating from start to finish. The highlight was a promising spell of leg-spin from debutant Ben Ewart, who showed good control and a bit of spark on a difficult day.
The 2nd XI used 20 different players across the two days — a reflection of school exams, family commitments, and early-season availability. While it’s a credit to the club’s depth that we can field sides in such circumstances, the lack of continuity is hurting us. We need to settle the group quickly if we’re to find the consistency required.
4th XI
Sunday’s trip to Mallusk served up cricket of a different kind — and not necessarily a bad one.
The 4s put on a spirited display against a predictably strong Superkings 2nd XI, making 125 and getting halfway through the hosts’ batting line-up in a performance full of heart, which included an impressive adult debut for under 13 Lleyton Jackson. That is cricket for the real enthusiasts.
And the undoubted highlight? The return of 79-year-old Ian Shields — club historian, former president, 1st XI captain, and all-round North Down legend — who took to the field once again, this time in the club greens. When asked if it was his first outing in green, he confirmed it was — and added with a grin, “Also my first without buckle-up pads!” (Modern velcro having replaced buckles some 25 years ago…)
He went on to stroke a glorious (his words) 7 not out and walked off to warm applause from both sides. A lovely moment, and a reminder of what the club game is really all about.
Ian is now furiously checking the archives to confirm whether he’s become the oldest player in North Down history to feature in a competitive club match — a record he suspects he may have snatched (with some glee) from his brother Don, the previous holder and fellow super-veteran. The official verdict is pending, but one thing is clear: the Shields brothers are giving new meaning to the phrase “evergreen.”
Youth Cricket
Friday night saw a strong start to the season for our Boys U15s, who recorded a comfortable win over CSNI U15s. A composed performance all-round and a promising sign of things to come from a talented group.
In Summary
It’s been a challenging weekend on the field — but not without its moments. From Jaxon’s debut wicket to Ian Shields’ return and Kiara’s whirlwind arrival, there was no shortage of stories.
Off the field, the club is buzzing. Early season sunshine and busy weekends at The Green have all added to the energy — long may it continue.
All match details are available via our NV Play Hub, and don’t forget to keep an eye on our socials to see what’s coming up this week.
If you haven’t played for a while, consider this your nudge. The enjoyment in the game knows no bounds — and the vast array of young players coming through need the guidance of those who’ve got the tee shirt.
Plenty of time to turn the tide. See you out there.
