LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE ON THE SAME SPOT

15 May 2013

The NCU selectors have kept faith with the team that lost narrowly against the Leinster Lightning in the first match of the new RSA Interprovincial Series.

LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE ON THE SAME SPOT

  They obviously support the concept that lightning doesn’t strike twice on the same spot as the prospect of another Kevin O’Brien mauling might prove the death-knell of some of our bowlers. The selectors have acted wisely given the team did little wrong at the Hills as the Leinster victory was on the back of a tremendous individual performance by O’Brien that is unlikely to be equalled.

  But perhaps not.

  Standards in limited overs cricket have risen beyond all recognition in recent times and many bowlers are fodder for big hitters like O’Brien in the latter stages of an innings. The Railway Union man had nothing to lose when he launched his amazing onslaught and he has the ability to do it again should the situation arise. What we don’t expect is a similar performance from a North-West Warrior on the placid Coleraine pitch.  If it happens, hopefully the Knights’ bowlers will adapt to the situation on the back of their haunting experience and reverse the outcome.

  It would be difficult to find fault with the selectors in backing skipper Andrew White and his team, but the omission of the talented North Down duo of Ryan Haire and Peter Eakin will be a big disappointment for Comber supporters. Regent House all-rounder Eakin was not considered due to a side strain although he scored 38 not out for North Down against Leinster in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup on Saturday. Meanwhile Haire is the North Down captain and appears to have closed the door on representative cricket after informing coach Gavin Rodgers and Chairman of Selectors Kyle McCallan he could not commit to the requirements of Interprovincial Squad training prior to the first match. His omission is a huge disappointment for his many admirers, but the requirements of this competition mean total commitment from everyone. Ironically the selectors might have looked at the North Down captain’s teammate as a ready-made replacement as Johnny Terrett’s prolific form this season has been one of the highlights of the NCU season.

  12th Man Mark Adair was not considered because of injury, but on a positive note Robert McKinley has recovered from a hamstring injury and takes his place.    

  Much interest in this game will revolve around the inclusion of two overseas professionals in the North-West Warriors team and while some of their supporters have been quick to criticise the other two teams for selecting players not likely to play for Cricket Ireland, they can’t have their cake and eat it with these two picks!

  On paper the Northern Knights have the ability to register their first win irrespective of the inclusion of the pros provided they play to their ability.

  But therein lies the great variable in competitive sport.

Clarence Hiles

Editor

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