The May Bank Holiday brought everything we love about club life at The Green: youth energy, senior cricket across all levels, burgers, beers, music, sunshine (in short spells), and a serious shift from our volunteers. Crowds were strong, the buzz was real, and the feeling around the place was one of a club with momentum.
But one moment stuck out — and not in a good way.
Moronic Moment on the Veranda
After Monday’s game had finished and the crowd had drifted off, one Instonians supporter stood on our veranda and loudly mouthed off about the club — just loud enough for locals to hear.
Not to anyone’s face. No confrontation. Just your classic loud-enough-to-be-heard slabbering — the most useless kind of effort. No purpose, no point. Just a sad attempt to be noticed. And noticed he was.
North Down’s about respect, community, and standards — and that kind of cowardly nonsense doesn’t belong here. It’s been noted. We move on.
Friday – Youth Launch & Sponsored Walk
Friday night kicked off the weekend in exactly the right way. Our Youth Section launch was full of life — kids buzzing to get started, coaches geared up, and a proper crowd of parents and supporters taking it all in.
The sponsored walk followed, with a long line of mini cricketers (and a few puffed-out grown-ups) making their way to and from Billy Neill. Every one of them earned their burger at the finish. A great night, a great turnout, and a reminder that the heart of the club is strong.
Saturday – A Day of Ups, Downs and Clean Striking
1st XI – Statement Win at CIYMS
A brilliant win for the 1s over at Belmont. After being in a bit of trouble early, Mickey Copeland dug deep and played a match-winning knock of 80-odd not out. Calm, composed and classy — just what was needed. He was well supported by Craig Young, who chipped in with a handy 40-odd.
With the game in the balance near the end, Big Daisy held his nerve and finished the job with maturity and control.
2nd XI – Tough Day at Lisburn
The 2s had a hard afternoon against last year’s league winners. Lisburn looked sharp and dominated from early on, but there were bright spots for us. Hammy struck a fluent fifty — great to see him back in rhythm — and Luke Crothers gave the watching crowd a lift with two absolute bombs over the boundary.
Best of all, it was great to see Andrew Haire back in action. A long-awaited return for a great club man.
Tough day, yes — but not a wasted one.
3rd XI – Great Start at Home
The 3s, under Jo Montgomery, got their season underway with a fine win over Waringstown at The Green. Alex Fielding was the standout, bowling with control before finishing unbeaten on 40-odd to steer us home. A great effort from a side full of energy and intent.
Sunday – Sunshine (Sort Of), Cider, and a Proper Club Day
Sunday saw the return of our annual May Day Club & Community Open Day — formerly known as the beer and cider festival, and still delivering the same good vibes with a slightly neater name.
Live music, BBQ, street food, kids’ games, a wide range of drinks and a brilliant atmosphere from start to finish. The weather didn’t exactly shine, but the people did. These are the days that make a club what it is — relaxed, open, and buzzing with energy.
A massive thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. From set-up to clean-up and everything in between, it wouldn’t happen without the people who care.
Women’s XI – Season Opener at Waringstown
Earlier in the day, our Women’s 1st XI travelled to Waringstown to begin their league campaign. The result didn’t go our way, but it’s only the beginning. There’s plenty of talent in this squad and so with time and commitment, rhythm and a few games under their belt, this team will come good.
Monday – Cricket Drama and a Serious Shift
After Sunday’s festivities, it was an early alarm for a few sore heads, but the ground crew turned up in numbers from 7am to get The Green looking the part for the Premier League clash with Instonians — and they nailed it.
1st XI vs Instonians – A Premier League Classic
North Down batted first and posted 220-odd. The standout innings came from Kian Hilton on his way to a well-made 60-odd — his first big 1st XI knock. Brilliant to see him making his mark.
Instonians replied with a calm, measured chase — led by a familiar face in Andrew White (North Down royalty of days gone by), and Cian Robertson, who gets a pass as a Comber local due to his dad owning a house in Pirrie Manor. Fair play to both — they batted well under pressure.
Despite a late push from our bowlers and a full-tilt effort in the field, Instonians got over the line with two wickets in hand and a ball to spare. Gutted? Of course. But performances like that show we’re right there. Keep playing like this and the wins will follow.
Thanks to Everyone
Players. Coaches. Parents. Walkers. Drinkers. Volunteers. Kids. Clean-up crew. Shouters. Singers. The lot. Thank you.
It was a full-on weekend that showed what we’re all about: passion, community, quality — and just the right amount of chaos.
“Everything about the weekend reminded us what this club is about. And one visitor reminded us exactly what it isn’t.”
