Start of 2010 Season

Donaghcloney Cricket Club would like to confirm that it is business as usual as they prepare for the imminent 2010 season. People may have noticed a lot of changes at the idyllic Factory Ground in recent months. Developers have started demolishing parts of the Ewart Liddell Linen Factory for a change to a residential development. However, cricket will continue to be a constant in the ever changing environment.

Once again the 1^st XI will ply their trade in Division 1 Section 3, but do so under the tutelage of new captain Keith Martin. Keith had a successful stint as captain of the 2^nd XI in the previous campaign which resulted in a successful promotion to Division 2 Section 2.

The 1^st XI struggled in previous seasons with a few relegation dogfights. Keith hopes to transfer the winning mentality he previously instilled in the 2^nd XI, this will hopefully see his new charges compete at the right end of the table.

Keith is looking to nurture the young talents of Jonny Stevenson, Matthew Lyttle, Phil Derby and Peter Moates to help invigorate the squad. He stated ‘with the likes of these young players coming through coupled with the experience of the likes of Topping, Hanna and Marshall there should be increased competitiveness for places in the team which will hopefully convert to improved performances and results’.

The 1^st XI kick off their season with 2 home fixtures. Firstly they take on Cregagh on Saturday 24^th April, followed with the visit of Academy on 1^st May.

The 2^nd XI captaincy has reverted back to old stager Raymie Matthews with Richie Clydesdale providing able support as his deputy. Raymie knows that he faces a tough season following promotion in the previous campaign, but is excited by the prospect of pitting his wits against his new and sometimes more illustrious counterparts.

Raymie has already earmarked the games against neighbours Lurgan as a season highlight following their relegation from the top section. Raymie too has earmarked some young talent to make an impact, ‘Timmy Savage is continuing to develop as a good leg spin bowler, Rory ‘The Racing Car’ Woods provides a good option in the pace department, while young Shane Warren has the making of a good all-rounder although his tender years may see him being used only sparingly throughout the season’.

Raymie will also call on experienced players such as the Copeland brothers, veteran Paul Lyttle, Jim Warren, Clydesdale and the ever improving bowling of Willie Fisher as he strives to be competitive in his new surroundings.

The 2^nd XI campaign kicks off on Saturday 1^st May with an away fixture to Downpatrick, while they entertain Derriaghy on May Day Monday 4^th May.

The captains and Club Committee would like to welcome everyone whether existing members or those seeking a new challenge to participate in practice sessions. Practice night for seniors take place on Mondays and Wednesdays with a 6.30 pm start. Junior/Youths practice which is for children over 8 years old, starts on Thursday 23^rd April from 6.30pm to 8pm and runs every Thursday thereafter.

The club now has 4 fully qualified coaches and has recently procured a bowling machine to help enhance practice sessions and techniques of both young and experienced players.

The club would like to thank main Club Sponsor Electronic Excellence for their continued support. They would also like to thanks all other sponsor who had been kind enough to take out signage with the club. These will all hopefully be displayed on a new club website which is in the early development stages, with address details forthcoming prior to launch.

Further developments by the club include the hosting of a Softball League which will cumulate in a Finals Day – Community Fair Day on Friday 18^th June. The club are looking for teams to participate and sponsorship for this new event. Each team will be mixed sexed and consist of 9 players, of which at least a 6 and 3 split in gender, with all participants being over 14 years of age. The club hope to release more details on the event over the coming weeks.

Whether you would like to become a new member, or you would like to show support to the club via signage or other forms off sponsorship, or request an information pack for the Softball league participation or sponsorship, please contact Keith Martin on email keith@avalonchiropractic.co.uk or telephone 07753743777.