Forum

Andrew White NCU Cricket Academy to Tour South Africa
Thirteen players have been named by the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) in their Andrew White Cricket Academy Squad to tour South Africa from 21st March until 5th April 2018.
During the winter the Andrew White Cricket Academy has combined indoor cricket training with the expertise and skill sets of other sports, namely boxing and football goalkeeping. The culmination of this year’s Academy will see the players tour the South African City of Cape Town where they will combine competitive fixtures and a high performance camp.
The aim of the Andrew White NCU Cricket Academy has always been to provide an environment that challenges the players in different aspects of their game, whether that be technical, tactical, mental, physical or psychologically. This has been done by taking the players outside their comfort zone to challenge the routine methods.
With this in mind the group selected is one with a mixed age profile, all of whom are seen as potential Senior Representative players of the future.
Coaching of this group will be led by Northern Knights Head Coach Simon Johnston and Ireland U19 & U17 Coach Nigel Jones who will also draw on local expertise, notably from the Gary Kirsten Academy.
Andrew White NCU Cricket Academy Tour Squad
• Luke Allison (Donacloney Mill)
• Jack Burton (Carrickfergus)
• Max Burton (Carrickfergus)
• Matthew Foster (CSNI)
• Alex Haggan (Carrickfergus)
• James Hunter (Instonians)
• Archie Johnston (CSNI)
• James Magee (Instonians)
• Jamie Magowan (Muckamore)
• James Metcalfe (Instonians)
• Olly Metcalfe (Instonians)
• Harry Warke (Carrickfergus)
• Aaron Wright (CSNI)
• Simon Johnston (Coach)
• Nigel Jones (Coach)
NCU Chairman Alan Waite will act as Tour Manger and will be accompanied by Vice-Chairman Sam Becket and Cricket Ireland president Brian Walsh, Director of NCU Representative Cricket.

Northern Cricket Union (NCU) - Regional Development Programme (2017-2018)
In September, as many local cricket clubs were putting their grounds to rest for the winter, the Northern Cricket Union were already embarking on their annual winter coaching programme (sponsored by PwC). The programme was revitalised in 2012, and since then, has gone from strength to strength each year.
Over 190 player nominations from over twenty clubs were received in response to invitations to attend a number of coaching sessions. These sessions were facilitated by more than twenty NCU coaches and volunteers, developing the cricketing skills of boys and girls ranging in age from Under 9 up to Under 15.
In total, in excess of 110 hours of coaching were delivered over a 10 week period on Sundays at the Ulster University sports campus at Jordanstown. The indoor 3G facility was utilised to develop agility and fielding skills, and the indoor sports hall to enhance batting and bowling disciplines.
Uel Graham, who co-ordinates the programme commented, ‘the commitment of both the players and parents over the winter period has been outstanding, and the enjoyment and learning at each age group has been there for all to see. Special thanks goes to the coaches and volunteers whose support is vital to the development of our youth programme’.
Brian Walsh, Director of Representative Cricket said, ‘We have made huge strides over the past five years especially with the young cricketers’ who have been in our system over that period, some of whom started at 7 and 8 years of age. We are again taking two young teams to Cape Town next March, including those in the ‘Andrew White Academy.’ This experience also helps immensely with their development and I would also like to congratulate all the coaches who have worked so hard with their groups. Lastly I would also like to acknowledge our chairman Alan Waite for his superb support and encouragement’.
There is a brief respite for the Christmas and New Year period, but the planning for 2018 is well advanced and the sessions will commence again on 14 January, running through to Easter. Additional plans are well advanced in relation to the summer programme.

On behalf of the Ulster Cricketer team best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2018.

Good luck with that idea Keith! Can’t see it catching on around the Ballygomartin Road or Queensway!

MINOR QUALIFYING CUP 2018
1st Round 5 May
A Instonians VI v CIYMS V
B Monaghan II v Derriaghy IV
C Donaghcloney Mill IV v BISC III
D Cregagh III v CIYMS IV
2nd Round 2 June
E Templepatrick III v Saintfield III
F D v Muckamore V
G Muckamore VI v Victoria II
H A v C
I Dunmurry II v Templepatrick IV
J Cliftonville Academy IV v North Down IV
K Larne II v B
L Laurelvale III v Instonians V

Just wanting to wish everyone a belated happy christmas and a new year to come. This so to the people who run this site and all the contributors to all cricket on the island
The NCU were quick of the mark with their fixture lists this year and all other unions should take note on this as it gives players time to organise their scheduales.
PS Why not make Friday the 11th of May a green and gold day were everybody wears something in these colours to celebrate Irelands first day of Test Match Cricket

NCU Emerging Accreditation Scheme Workshops
NCU Development Team
The NCU Development Team will be running two evening workshops as support to clubs as they look to progress through the Emerging Club Accreditation Scheme ahead of the Union’s completion deadline of the 1st of April 2018.
The workshops have been confirmed for the following venues and dates to allow club officials/members to attend their preferred option:
Lurgan Cricket Club - Pollock Park, Lurgan
Tuesday, 6th February, 2018
6.30-8.30pm
OR
North Down Cricket Club - The Green, Comber
Tuesday, 13th February, 2018
6.30-8.30pm
There will be a number of NCU support staff and volunteers in attendance at these workshops to help with all aspects of the Emerging Accreditation Scheme. Clubs are requested to bring ALL of their relevant and current documentation (hard copy and/or electronic) with them on the evening so support staff and volunteers can get a clear picture of just what support is required. The intention is to share best practice and resources between clubs at these workshops, to ensure a greater level of understanding and support can be provided.
The workshops have also been designed to target those clubs who have yet to embrace or even start the Emerging Accreditation process. Notwithstanding, in advance of the workshops in early February, we wish to take this opportunity to again stress the importance to clubs of making contact with the NCU Development Team (contact information can be found on the main page of the NCU website) to arrange additional support so best practice standards can be measured and timelines met.
If clubs could please confirm their attendance with the NCU Regional Development Manager, Nigel Jones at nigel.jones@cricketireland.ie ASAP. Please note that preferred venue and/or date will be allocated on a fist come first serve basis.

Intermediate Cup 2018
1st Round 26 May
A Muckamore III v Woodvale II
B Bangor II v Laurelvale II
C Instonians III v CSNI III
D Holywood II v Donaghcloney Mill II
E Saintfield II v Derriaghy II
F Ballymena II v North Down II
G Cliftonville Academy II v Cregagh II
H Armagh II v Downpatrick II
2nd Round 23 June
I A v B
J C v D
K E v F
L G v H

Junior Cup 2018
Please note that the following 1st Round ties will be played on Sunday 20 May 2018:
Templepatrick v Belfast Super Kings
Cliftonville Academy v Larne
This is to facilitate those clubs playing in the National Cup on 19 May.

JUNIOR CUP 2018
(Sponsored by GMcG)
1st Round 19 May
A Templepatrick v Belfast Super Kings
B Saintfield v CSNI II
C CIYMS II v Monaghan
D Ballymena v BISC
E Drumaness v Cooke Collegians
F Waringstown II v Waringstown III
G Cliftonville Academy v Larne
2nd Round 2 June
H A v B
I C v D
J Dundrum v Victoria
K Muckamore II v Lisburn II
L Carrickfergus II v Dunmurry
M Donaghadee v Instonians II
N Ards v E
O F v G

Best wishes for a Happy Christmas to the Forum posters from the Editorial team.

IRELAND NAME MEN'S SENIOR AND EMERGING ACADEMY SQUADS
36 players have been named in the latest Cricket Ireland Shapoorji Pallonji Senior and Emerging Academies for the year ahead. 21 of those are in the senior ranks, with five players gaining elevation from last year's Emerging squad.
They are Rush top-order batsman Stephen Doheny, North County paceman Fionn Hand, Ballyspallen all-rounder Graham Kennedy, Merrion opening bowler Max Neville and Ireland U19 captain Harry Tector, an off-spinner and top order batsman with YMCA and Munster Reds.
Other new faces in the squad include left-arm spinners Ross Allen and Tom Stanton along with emerging fast bowlers David Delany and Aaron Cawley. Six of the senior Academy squad have international experience with James Shannon, Simi Singh, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Sean Terry and Lorcan Tucker all capped at senior level.
There are no fewer than 12 new additions to the Emerging group, five of whom will be representing Ireland Under 19's in the World Cup next month in New Zealand. They are Phoenix all-rounder Ian Anders, Coleraine leg-spinner Varun Chopra, Pembroke's talented all-rounder JJ Garth, Rush batting prodigy Neil Rock and Clontarf batsman Andrew Vinc
Academy Manager Peter Johnston is really pleased with this years intake of players saying: “We have two really strong Academy groups. It’s great to see the potential in the Emerging group while the Senior Academy contains some exciting athletes who are pushing hard for opportunities with the Wolves and senior team. Indeed, with central contracts still to be announced in the New Year, there is a chance one or two players may move up into the senior squad then.
"Every year the bar gets raised and we are developing good depth covering all bases. While our programme offers a great deal of support, ultimately it comes down to the athletes to take ownership and they should not see their efforts as a sacrifice, but as a positive decision to be the best they can be at their sport and play against the best in the world.”
There will be an Easter Academy training camp at the European Centre in La Manga, followed by a Wolves tour to the West country to play Bath and Gloucestershire. The final stages are also being compiled for a busy summer programme at all levels.
“This pre-season formula certainly helped many of our players to kick-start their season and have momentum going into the domestic season, and I don’t see next year as being any different. With so many exciting Irish and Wolves fixtures planned for next summer, along with our First-Class domestic Provincial competition there has never been a better time to be an emerging player.”
Cricket Ireland Shapoorji Pallonji Senior Academy
Ross Allen, Rory Anders, Aaron Cawley, David Delany, Stephen Doheny, Shane Getkate, Fionn Hand, Tyrone Kane, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, James McCollum, Robert McKinley, Max Neville, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Nathan Smith, Tom Stanton, Harry Tector, Jack Tector, Sean Terry, Lorcan Tucker.
Cricket Ireland Shapoorji Pallonji Emerging Academy
Ian Anders, Varun Chopra, JJ Garth, Gavin Hoey, James Hunter, Kyle Magee, Reece Malone, Oliver Metcalfe, Cian Nulty, Marcus Poskitt, Neil Rock, Sean Stanton, Alex Stiles, Mitchell Thompson, Andrew Vincent.

ANDREW WHITE APPOINTED NATIONAL CHAIR OF MEN'S SELECTORS
Andrew White has been appointed the Chair of National Men’s Selectors as Irish cricket embarks on what is destined to be an historic 2018.
White brings a wealth of experience, both past and present to the role, winning 232 caps in a glittering international career between 2000-2014, playing in both the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
The 37 year-old all-rounder captained the Northern Knights for three seasons at inter-provincial level and continues to play an integral role in the current Instonians side, which he will captain in 2018.
He has earned widespread respect for his work as a coach, having roles with both the Ireland senior team and Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Academy, as well as running his own cricket Academy in the NCU.
"It is an honour and privilege to accept the post of Chair of Selectors as we move forward as a Full Member," said White.
"Cricket Ireland is entering a challenging but hugely exciting period in its history and I am looking forward to working closely with Graham Ford, his staff, selectors and those in the high performance environment as we aim to meet the challenges head on."
Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth welcomed the appointment of White, in what will be an employed part-time position.
“The men’s selection committee has been re-structured over the last six months and the appointment of Andrew as Chair is the final part to this," said Holdsworth.
"Andrew’s role is vital to the leadership and smooth running of the national selection panel, working closely alongside his fellow selectors – the three Inter-Provincial head coaches and Graham Ford.
“The newly increased role will ensure Andrew sees current and key players of the future playing in Inter-Provincial, Ireland Wolves and Ireland teams, as well as some of the emerging talent in the club game.
"He will also travel on selected tours and have key input into selection when away. Andrew and his fellow selectors will be supported by our Assistant Head Coach, National Academy Coaches, Sports Science and Medical staff, and International youth coaches, who will provide them will key information on current players and future pathway talent.
“Andrew’s huge experience in a wide variety of roles and positions as a player, captain, coach and national selector, give him a great deal of knowledge and understanding about current professional and international cricket, as well as the current and potential players of the future, and I look forward to working closely with him." concluded Holdsworth.

Well done Ireland!
Paul Stirling’s brilliant century fired Ireland to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in the series decider in Sharjah. MOM and Man of the Series followed. Super effort Paul.
Happy days are back for Ireland.

HOME ADVANTAGE FOR CUP HOLDERS
CIYMS, holders of the Northern Cricket Union’s Arthur J. Gallagher
Challenge Cup, will face newly promoted Premiership club Armagh in
the first round of next season’s competition and will have home
advantage.
The cup features the eight Premiership and 10 Section 1 clubs and
there was only one other tie featuring teams from the top flight with
CSNI at home to Carrick.
The draw is:
Preliminary Round:
Lurgan v Cregagh
Bangor v Laurelvale
First Round:
Bangor or Laurelvale v Downpatrick
CIYMS v Armagh
Holywood v Muckamore
Derriaghy v Lisburn
Lurgan or Cregagh v Instonians
Waringstown v Woodvale
CSNI v Carrick
North Down v Donacloney Mill.

The draw was also made for the Arthur J. Gallagher Women’s Challenge
Cup which went as follows:
Preliminary round:
Carrick v Instonians
Laurelvale v Clogher
First round:
Lurgan v Donacloney Mill
Carrick or Instonians v CSNI
Waringstown v Laurelvale or Clogher
Muck more v North Down.
INQUIRIES: ROBIN WALSH 077 33 100 821