Charlie was a fine opening batsman and a mainstay in the North of Ireland 1st XI for almost fifteen years after his debut season in 1980. He was a friendly outgoing character and extremely popular with both friend and foe on the cricket field. After he retired from senior cricket, he took an active role in club affairs and at the same time built up a thriving hotel business at La Mon, just outside Comber. He also loved rugby, and it was no surprise that many cricket and rugby teams were hosted at the hotel, including the Ulster team. He was a generous sponsor and a benevolent patron to both sports.
Charlie’s sporting pedigree was nurtured at Cabin Hill and Campbell College, where he excelled at both his sporting passions. His graduation to North of Ireland was the natural progression of many fine sportsmen before him, and he soon established himself in local cricket as one of the best opening batsmen of his era. He was a solid runs accumulator of the Boycott mold, and it was often said in jest that he scored most of his runs without hitting the ball off the square! Charlie himself revelled in the banter, but he never gave his wicket cheaply, and his great powers of concentration stood the club in good stead for over a decade. He was a member of North of Ireland’s fine Schweppes Cup winning team in 1982, the same year he led the team to victory in the NCU Senior Challenge Cup final with 71 not out in the second innings. His progression into the Ulster Town interprovincial team was a formality; given the consistency of his batting, and for some time he was close to full international selection.
Charlie’s finest season was 1990 when he topped over 1,000 runs in competitive cricket, the first local player to pass this major milestone. It brought back memories to the older Ormeau members of the great scoring feats of Willie Pollock in the 1920s. He also scored a century for Ulster Town that season, and he deservedly won the prestigious Britannia Player–of-the-Year Award, eclipsing Ireland internationals Stephen Warke and Simon Corlett.
But perhaps his greatest legacy to the club he loved with a passion, was the fellowship and camaraderie he brought to a team that was one of the most sporting and talented of its era. North of Ireland in the 1980s had an exceptional side, but above all, they played the game in the right sporting spirit and Charlie Beverland was an integral part of that culture. He later had the enjoyment of watching his son Charles progress into the Civil Service North 1st XI and was surely looking forward to this season. Sadly, he has passed to a greater calling.
Our sincere condolences and prayers go to the Beverland family and to the members of the Civil Service North Club.
JCH
