Obviously both teams and their supporters will be expecting a win, but there’s a lot more to the NCU Challenge Cup Final than the two participating clubs and that’s what makes the occasion so special.
Everyone expects a sunny day and the weathermen have been sending out positive vibes, so fingers crossed they can deliver.
Lisburn Cricket club President Gary Blair and his committee will be expecting a great day in the history of their club as they mark their 175th Anniversary with the major cricket promotion in a packed itinerary of celebratory events. And the day will have particular expectations for doyen administrator Cecil Walker, MBE, who has worked like a Trojan on the ground and who expects plenty of runs and entertainment at this beautiful cricket venue.
The NCU engine-room of Chairman Roger Bell, Secretary Bryan Milford and President Murray Power will be expecting a big crowd, a trouble-free match and a showpiece fitting of the occasion, while 2011 sponsors Ulster Bank will be out to enjoy their day and make the most of the marketing opportunity.
The Wallace Park faithful will be expecting plenty of plaudits and compliments about their ground, as it is an idyllic parkland setting that has seen many epic cup matches down the years and produced so many outstanding cricketers. The Lisburn spectators will warmly welcome the supporters of the two clubs and the neutrals that have been visibly declining in recent years. Perhaps the change of venue will bring more out of the closet?
And what will the much-maligned journalists expect? At least one will expect nothing short of a Waringstown victory, but overall they’ll be looking for plenty of entertainment to fill their columns and perhaps a record or two to mark the occasion.
And then there are the umpires, sometimes even more maligned than the journalists! Alan Neil and Trevor Magee are at the top of their trade and I’m sure all they expect from everyone on and off the field, is respect. If the teams and supporters respect the officials then the spirit of cricket wins every time and, when it is absent, the game suffers. Love them or hate them, cricket is nothing without the umpires.
Finally the teams!
Waringstown will want to win, while their ardent supporters will expect them to win. Nowhere is the burden of expectation so heavy than at The Lawn, and skipper Kyle McCallan knows his players are on a hiding to nothing every time they take the field. Fortunately, he has a talented team that continues to carry that burden with aplomb, even in the absence of South African professional Obus Pienaar. There will also be an extra expectation from 14-year-old Adam Dennison, son of Davy, who will create history as the youngest player in the cup final if he makes the final team. It will break a record that has stood since the first final in 1887.
And what of Civil Service North’s expectations? Skipper Nigel Jones may not have the all-round strength of the Villagers in his ranks, but he does have several potential match-winners including himself. He also has the memory of a winning 2008 cup final against Waringstown and the confidence from ousting cup favourites North Down so emphatically in the semi-final at The Green. This certainly levels the playing field, so expectations will also be high within the Belfast camp.
And what do I expect?
I expect a closely-fought exciting game and a great day at a venue full of nostalgic memories. I expect a warm welcome from Lisburn and to meet many old friends and bask in the sunshine at one of Ulster cricket’s most beautiful grounds.
And I expect the best team on the day to win.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
