I’m indebted to Jeff Maguire for prompting me to write in honour of Academy’s third Junior Cup win in five years, although it was already in my plans!
Defending a cup success is no easy achievement and Academy certainly didn’t show their hand in the league with an indifferent season to date, and a lowly position near the foot of Section Two. Perhaps the boost of another cup success will stir them to greater things in the second half of the season?
Academy deserves all the success they have achieved as their club rose from the ashes in 1965 when it looked more likely they would fold. They also lost their ground in 1987, but thanks to a hard-working core of stalwarts they have not only survived, but also prospered. Looking back at their relatively short history stirs memories of some fine players and characters, all of whom wore the Academy colours with pride and distinction. Names like Brian Sterling, Chris Davis, Ronnie McCarey, Simon Redpath for a short time, and James Jamison. They also included the indomitable Ivan Marno, and a host of excellent players who went on to star for other clubs. Many of the old Academy players made their mark elsewhere, but these days veterans like Davy Greenlees, Brian Kelso and Brian Boyd are very happy to ply their trade at Newforge. And what service they have given to the club, on and off the field.
Davy holds the distinction of scoring the most runs and taking the most wickets for the club, but Brian Kelso is not too far behind in the runs stakes, and Brian Boyd is not too far away in wickets. Perhaps that’s what keeps the Greenlees machine in such good condition, as most players with over 8,000 runs and 500 wickets would happily slip into the background. Not so Davy, who has been at the forefront of the club’s three Junior Cup successes.
Waringstown stood between them and their third win this year, but even the rain could not dampen their spirits as they comfortably romped home on Monday night with five wickets to spare. Skipper Mark Shields scored a fifty in the low-scoring game and narrowly pipped Greenlees for the Man-of-the-Match Award, in similar circumstances to last year.
Academy has a good reputation for enjoying their cricket and from all accounts they’ve worked very hard behind the scenes to build a promising youth section. The blend of youth and experience seems to be a characteristic of all their teams, and it’s great to see the ultra veteran Jimmy McCall still scoring a run or two for the Thirds. Jimmy toured Barbados with North Down in 1984 and was an excellent tourist, although he found runs a little scarce. However, he will be best remembered for the way he guarded his 40-ounce bottle of Bacardi purchased on the way out. Jimmy slept with it below his pillow, but since he was sharing a room with big Raymond Moreland and Norman Beck, perhaps that was the best method of getting it to last!
Other names that stand out in the club are the long-serving Jackie Quinn and Jonnie Lyons who played so well at Queens and wonUlster Towninterprovincial honours. Both are still doing fine stuff for the club, so well done lads.
Indeed well done Academy Cricket Club. The first Junior Cup final was staged as far back as 1891 so this magnificent old trophy has a rich history and it has been held by some of the finest cricketers in Ulster.
That includes the boys from Newforge!
Hats off to Academy.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
