NCU News 2015
Gary Wilson - 'Hands on' Gary Wilson - 'Hands on' ZZZZ12:42 amZZZZ
Ireland Keeper Gary Wilson spent time with NCU keepers young and old at the Andrew White Cricket Academy
Eagy steps up a Level Eagy steps up a Level ZZZZ8:17 pmZZZZ
Ryan Eagleson will step into 2016 as the most highly qualified coach in Northern Ireland.
A Christmas message from the NCU President A Christmas message from the NCU President ZZZZ10:39 amZZZZ
Peter McMorran reviews the first few months of his term in office
MG2 Cricket come onboard with the NCU Academy MG2 Cricket come onboard with the NCU Academy ZZZZ12:23 amZZZZ
The Andrew White NCU Cricket Academy will benefit from a 3 year commitment from MG2
Junior Cup draw for 2016 announced Junior Cup draw for 2016 announced ZZZZ6:31 pmZZZZ
The wraps are finally off as the final cup draw for 2016 revealed
Sport NI workshop 'Grow Your Club' invitation Sport NI workshop 'Grow Your Club' invitation ZZZZ3:39 pmZZZZ
A few places are still available at this evening workshop free of charge to NCU Clubs
CSNI sign Graeme McCarter CSNI sign Graeme McCarter ZZZZ6:23 pmZZZZ
Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club (CSNI) has confirmed the signing of Graeme McCarter.
Premier League fixtures for 2016 announced Premier League fixtures for 2016 announced ZZZZ12:03 amZZZZ
Premier League fixtures are announced although there is opportunity to seek rearrangements up to 31 January
'Calling All Keepers' 'Calling All Keepers' ZZZZ12:00 pmZZZZ
The NCU has issued an open invitation to all its wicket-keepers and coaches to attend a Gary Wilson Masterclass.
Irish Senior Cup and National Cup draws made Irish Senior Cup and National Cup draws made ZZZZ5:06 pmZZZZ
Holders Waringstown will begin their defence of the Irish Senior Cup at home to Bready.
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. ZZZZ12:07 amZZZZ
A quick look at the League structures for 2016 reveals little, but on closer inspection…
2016 'Minor' Cup Draws announced 2016 'Minor' Cup Draws announced ZZZZ4:02 pmZZZZ
Draws have been made for the 2016 Intermediate, Lindsay (Minor) and Minor Qualifying Cups
The ‘Andrew White NCU Cricket Academy’ is up and running The ‘Andrew White NCU Cricket Academy’ is up and running ZZZZ9:43 amZZZZ
The NCU is determined to build on recent strides forward in its youth programme
Robert Smith signs for Carrickfergus Robert Smith signs for Carrickfergus ZZZZ2:20 pmZZZZ
Templepatrick’s former First XI captain Robert Smith has quit the club and agreed in principle to sign for Carrickfergus for the 2016 season to play in the Premier League.
Old Skills in safe hands Old Skills in safe hands ZZZZ6:41 pmZZZZ
Local teacher Jeremy Johnston hopes his fledgling bat repair business takes wings.
Holmes commits to Carrickfergus Holmes commits to Carrickfergus ZZZZ3:53 pmZZZZ
Carrickfergus have secured the signature of prolific New Zealander Jamie Holmes for the 2016 season.
CSNI celebrate annual awards dinner CSNI celebrate annual awards dinner ZZZZ9:47 amZZZZ
Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club (CSNI) recently held their annual Awards Dinner at the Pavilion, Stormont.
‘Icing on the cake’ for Waringstown - Ireland’s Club of the Year ‘Icing on the cake’ for Waringstown - Ireland’s Club of the Year ZZZZ12:10 amZZZZ
Success comes in twos as Club and Coach of the Year Awards head back to NCU.
Botha signs for Carrickfergus Botha signs for Carrickfergus ZZZZ11:51 amZZZZ
25-year-old Patrick Botha is the captain of the Free-State provincial side, and is also a regular in the South African franchise setup, for the VKB Knights.
CIYMS pull off massive coup with signing of Sorensen CIYMS pull off massive coup with signing of Sorensen ZZZZ3:47 pmZZZZ
CIYMS have shocked local cricket once again by announcing the signing of Ireland all-rounder Max Sorensen.
Cobus Pienaar is the new Waringstown professional Cobus Pienaar is the new Waringstown professional ZZZZ5:33 pmZZZZ
The highly-rated 30-year-old South African all-rounder, who has just been appointed captain of the Northerns first-class side, is a left-handed batsman and fast-medium bowler.

NCU announce winter U17 squad NCU announce winter U17 squad ZZZZ9:05 amZZZZ
The squad will participate in a series of sessions both before and after Christmas.
NCU review (14) Templepatrick NCU review (14) Templepatrick ZZZZ5:23 pmZZZZ
Six wins wasn't enough to save the club from relegation in what was an incredibly hard fought and competitive section one.
IACUS scoring survey IACUS scoring survey ZZZZ10:13 pmZZZZ
Irish Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers are conducting a confidential survey on scoring- open to scorers at any level.
NCU looking to the future NCU looking to the future ZZZZ9:17 amZZZZ
NCU looks to build on successes and maintain movement into the future.
NCU review (13) Academy NCU review (13) Academy ZZZZ11:56 amZZZZ
2015 saw Academy finish comfortably in mid-table, winning 8 and losing 9 of their league games in Section One.
NCU review (12) Downpatrick NCU review (12) Downpatrick ZZZZ6:18 amZZZZ
A steady if not exactly spectacular campaign by Downpatrick.
Strong NCU representation on Ireland youth squads Strong NCU representation on Ireland youth squads ZZZZ8:38 pmZZZZ
19 players from the Northern Cricket Union region are named in the Ireland youth training squads.
Top gun Klaasen flies into Lisburn Top gun Klaasen flies into Lisburn ZZZZ5:22 pmZZZZ
NCU Premier League club Lisburn have signed a leading young South African franchise batsman as their overseas player/coach for the​ ​2016 season.
NCU review (11) Muckamore NCU review (11) Muckamore ZZZZ9:35 amZZZZ
It was a case of so close but yet so far for Muckamore in 2015.
NCU review (10) Bangor NCU review (10) Bangor ZZZZ11:39 amZZZZ
A solid campaign by Bangor helped by a dominant all-round display from overseas professional Remano Esau.
NCU announces the U11, U13 & U15 Regional Development Squads NCU announces the U11, U13 & U15 Regional Development Squads ZZZZ9:38 amZZZZ
A total of 21 clubs are represented which is by the far the most since the current structure was introduced.
NCU AGM 2015 NCU AGM 2015 ZZZZ11:06 pmZZZZ
Dawn Johnston stands down after 13 years as Hon Treasurer and John Caldwell elected a Life Member of the NCU. 14 rule changes considered by the meeting.
Young sports stars get a boost at City Hall Young sports stars get a boost at City Hall ZZZZ10:26 pmZZZZ
Young sports stars received a financial boost today as Belfast City Council shared £10,000 between eight separate Regional Development Squads.
NCU review (9) Derriaghy NCU review (9) Derriaghy ZZZZ9:00 amZZZZ
Derriaghy enjoyed a successful 2015 winning the promotion race ahead of Muckamore to be claimed Section One champions.
NCU review (8) Instonians NCU review (8) Instonians ZZZZ3:32 amZZZZ
A case of what might have been for the Shaw's Bridge side in 2015.
NCU review (7) CIYMS NCU review (7) CIYMS ZZZZ7:39 amZZZZ
CIYMS won the Challenge Cup for the first time in their history, thanks to incredible knocks from Rassie van der Dussen in the final, and Chris Dougherty in the semi-final.
NCU review (6) Carrickfergus NCU review (6) Carrickfergus ZZZZ11:19 amZZZZ
Carrickfergus staged the great escape of the NCU Premier league in 2015, having been pointless and looking doomed going into the second half of the season.
NCU review (5) Ballymena NCU review (5) Ballymena ZZZZ1:57 pmZZZZ
Ballymena's seven year sojourn in the top flight of NCU cricket was finally ended after they won just two of their 14 league games to finish bottom of the pile.
NCU review (4) CSNI NCU review (4) CSNI ZZZZ8:52 amZZZZ
CSNI do not have the strength in depth to challenge for league honours, but are too strong ever to be worried about relegation. For the past few years they have been the stereotypical ‘cup team’. That probably will not change in 2016.
NCU review (3) Waringstown NCU review (3) Waringstown ZZZZ12:50 amZZZZ
As NCU league champions and Irish Cup winners, Waringstown dominated 2015 both as a team and as individuals.
Agonising defeat for NIACUS as the White Stick Trophy returns south Agonising defeat for NIACUS as the White Stick Trophy returns south ZZZZ7:14 pmZZZZ
The NIACUS side which had reclaimed the White Stick trophy last season had to hand it straight back to their colleagues from Leinster after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
NCU review (2) - North Down NCU review (2) - North Down ZZZZ8:10 amZZZZ
For the Comber club, this was a year of confounding expectations. With Haire, Larkin, Terrett, and Cameron-Dow all leaving North Down over the winter, many thought 2015 would be a season of ‘consolidation’ or ‘transition’.
NCU review 1 - Lisburn NCU review 1 - Lisburn ZZZZ8:13 amZZZZ
Seventh place for Lisburn was a drop of only one place in the table from 2014, but this season proved much more challenging for the Wallace Park outfit.
Leinster CC are the Under 11 All-Ireland Club Champions Leinster CC are the Under 11 All-Ireland Club Champions ZZZZ8:41 amZZZZ
Waringstown come up just short as Leinster CC claim the Under 11 crown.
Adair off to a flyer with Warwickshire Adair off to a flyer with Warwickshire ZZZZ6:10 amZZZZ
Mark Adair, the young Warwickshire paceman, has wasted no time in taking his maiden first-class wicket.
Waringstown U11 get home advantage after All Ireland final wash-out Waringstown U11 get home advantage after All Ireland final wash-out ZZZZ12:12 amZZZZ
The final of the All-Ireland U11 competition between Leinster and Waringstown will have to be replayed after Sunday's game was washed out.
Top averages in the NCU Premier League and Challenge Cup Top averages in the NCU Premier League and Challenge Cup ZZZZ8:40 pmZZZZ
Waringstown players James Hall and Kyle McCallan finish top of the end of season batting and bowling averages. Meanwhile CIYMS players Chris Dougherty was the top wicket keeper and Johnny Thompson the best all rounder.
Premier League Champions Waringstown finish with a win. Premier League Champions Waringstown finish with a win. ZZZZ7:48 pmZZZZ
The final Premier League fixture of the season saw Champions Waringstown emerge victorious over Instonians in a 20 over match at The Lawn.
Master blaster Kemp on way to CIYMS Master blaster Kemp on way to CIYMS ZZZZ7:28 amZZZZ
One of the biggest hitters in world cricket will be playing in the NCU next season after CIYMS announced the signing of Justin Kemp.
Dream campaign for Armagh in Section Two Dream campaign for Armagh in Section Two ZZZZ11:32 amZZZZ
Sometimes you get seasons you can only dream of and 2015 will go down in cricketing folklore at The Mall in Armagh.
NCU Review of the Year (2) NCU Review of the Year (2) ZZZZ11:29 amZZZZ
While Ballymena return to Section One after seven consecutive seasons in the top flight, Derriaghy are looking forward to life back in the Premier League in 2016.
NCU Review of the Year (1) NCU Review of the Year (1) ZZZZ11:27 amZZZZ
The big issues have been settled in the NCU Premier League. Let’s assess how the teams got on.
Saintfield promotion celebrations on hold Saintfield promotion celebrations on hold ZZZZ10:47 amZZZZ
Four days after the last match was played in Ulster Bank League Section Two, Saintfield are still waiting to hear if they won promotion.
Big-hitting all-rounder Kemp is new overseas pro at CIYMS Big-hitting all-rounder Kemp is new overseas pro at CIYMS ZZZZ9:26 pmZZZZ
South African Justin Kemp will succeed fellow countryman Rassie van Der Dussen, who will not be returning to Belmont after two prolific seasons in the NCU Premier League.
Hall praises Johnston's influence Hall praises Johnston's influence ZZZZ5:43 amZZZZ
James Hall, who puts much of his success this season down to coach Simon Johnston.
Hunter the hero as Instonians clinch U13 All Ireland Cup Hunter the hero as Instonians clinch U13 All Ireland Cup ZZZZ11:39 pmZZZZ
Hunter struck 8 fours in his 53 from just 38 balls as Instonians scored 148 for 5 in 24 overs - which DL pushed up to a 153 target for their opponents.
PSNI to face Dyfed-Powys in UK Police Championship Final PSNI to face Dyfed-Powys in UK Police Championship Final ZZZZ8:59 amZZZZ
It's the clash of the Celtic Cousins for the top spot in UK Police Cricket.
Gelston completes remarkable treble Gelston completes remarkable treble ZZZZ8:34 amZZZZ
Drumaness all rounder Neil Gelston picks up THREE Ulster Bank NCU League awards for one of the most remarkable achievements in local cricket.
Belfast Coaching Camp proves huge success for over 40 young cricketers Belfast Coaching Camp proves huge success for over 40 young cricketers ZZZZ3:15 pmZZZZ
The Belfast Coaching Camp which was recently hosted by Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club (CSNI) proved a huge success with 39 boys and two girls aged 11-17 taking part.
Belfast U14s lose to Glasgow Belfast U14s lose to Glasgow ZZZZ4:32 amZZZZ
Horror start costs Belfast dearly as they lose to Glasgow by four wickets.
Belfast U14s defeat Edinburgh Belfast U14s defeat Edinburgh ZZZZ6:00 amZZZZ
Fine all-round display sees Belfast U14's beat Edinburgh by three wickets in tense contest.
Belfast Under 14 squad named Belfast Under 14 squad named ZZZZ10:18 pmZZZZ
The Belfast Under 14 squad has been named for this year’s Triangular Cricket Tournament between Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow, which will be held at Ayr CC on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th August.
Jonty Rhodes at Comber Jonty Rhodes at Comber ZZZZ6:43 amZZZZ
Jonty Rhodes took time out of his busy schedule to hold a fielding session with the Northern Knights and North Down.
Action comes thick and fast Action comes thick and fast ZZZZ9:40 amZZZZ
THE double headers of league and cup action continue to come thick and fast for the successful teams and following the O’Neill’s Ulster Cup quarter-finals wins last weekend for North Down, Waringstown, Instonians and, in the North West, Eglinton, it is straight into the semi-finals on Sunday.
Garaway hits the mark at CSNI coaching camp Garaway hits the mark at CSNI coaching camp ZZZZ6:36 amZZZZ
Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club (CSNI) will be hosting its annual Coaching Camp week from Monday 27 July with Mark Garaway as the guest Coach for this year.
Russell heading for pastures new Russell heading for pastures new ZZZZ8:59 pmZZZZ
Instonians captain Neil Russell said the offer of a new job in England next month was simply “too good to turn down”.
Russell brews up a storm Russell brews up a storm ZZZZ11:47 pmZZZZ
INSTONIANS will have to do without their captain, Neil Russell, for the final weeks of the season as he is taking up a new job in England.
Women's Cricket in NCU - A work in progress... Women's Cricket in NCU - A work in progress... ZZZZ11:50 amZZZZ
A look at how women's cricket is faring in the Northern Cricket Union.
Winning start for NCU Under 11. Winning start for NCU Under 11. ZZZZ8:52 amZZZZ
Emphatic 82 runs win over the North West U11s at Ardmore.
Nelson and Cowden concerned over fixture congestion Nelson and Cowden concerned over fixture congestion ZZZZ8:04 amZZZZ
Lee Nelson and Andrew Cowden, the Waringstown and Civil Service North captains, are united in concern about a fixture list that is hampering their chances of reaching the last four of the Irish Cup.
PSNI reach prestigious semi-final PSNI reach prestigious semi-final ZZZZ3:04 pmZZZZ
The PSNI advanced to the Semi Final of the PSUK cricket tournament following a 50 run victory over West Midlands Police at a sun drenched Newforge last week.
Waringstown hamstrung by Hall injury Waringstown hamstrung by Hall injury ZZZZ2:30 pmZZZZ
JAMES Hall, the player of the season so far, will miss the next four to six weeks with a torn hamstring.
Oliver wants toughest Test Oliver wants toughest Test ZZZZ9:50 amZZZZ
It's never too young to set your target in life and Oliver Thorpe is already plotting his route to the top - as an umpire.
MCC defeat NCU Under 21s MCC defeat NCU Under 21s ZZZZ7:44 pmZZZZ
The MCC gained the second win of their Cricket-week by defeating the NCU U21s by 60 runs at Carrickfergus
Templepatrick U11 blitz great success Templepatrick U11 blitz great success ZZZZ5:18 pmZZZZ
Around 220 P1 - P7 boys and girls enjoyed the annual Templepatrick Cricket Club Under 11 blitz and family fun day at The Cloughan, Ballyclare.
NCU breaks new ground with Under 21 fixtures NCU breaks new ground with Under 21 fixtures ZZZZ9:38 pmZZZZ
The NCU has broken new ground by announcing a series of three fixtures at Under 21 level.
NCU Under 11 squad NCU Under 11 squad ZZZZ10:22 amZZZZ
The NCU name their Under 11 squad for new inter=pro series.
Exodus unveils North Down talent Exodus unveils North Down talent ZZZZ8:18 pmZZZZ
Whisper it softly, but the close-season exodus from The Green might just be the best thing that has ever happened to North Down.
CSNI Cricket Club hit the dogs for six! CSNI Cricket Club hit the dogs for six! ZZZZ10:37 amZZZZ
Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club (CSNI) recently held their annual fundraiser at Drumbo Park, Lisburn, where they held 'A night at the Dogs'.
Belmont hosting game with a difference Belmont hosting game with a difference ZZZZ6:52 amZZZZ
Geoff Brittain, who has been completely blind in one eye since 2005, has organised an eye patch match involving some leading names from the NCU.
Lisburn relishing change of scenery Lisburn relishing change of scenery ZZZZ8:09 pmZZZZ
When Craig Ervine decided last winter to resume his international career with Zimbabwe, the implications were enormous at Wallace Park.
Malan hoping to bring good times back to Comber Malan hoping to bring good times back to Comber ZZZZ9:40 amZZZZ
AFTER a decade of almost unbroken success, North Down find themselves in transition. The exodus of no fewer than five players over the winter has left the winners of 13 NCU league and cup trophies in the Noughties down to the bare bones.
"It's Cricket - but not as we know it." "It's Cricket - but not as we know it." ZZZZ2:20 pmZZZZ
'Blind Cricket' charity match to be held on Sunday 24th May at CIYMS
Beattie Arlow BEM - sadly gone but not forgotten Beattie Arlow BEM - sadly gone but not forgotten ZZZZ12:24 amZZZZ
Beattie Arlow was the last surviving member of that great triumvirate of Mid Ulster International umpires, Pete Reith, Peter White and Beattie Arlow.
Under 15 trial match Under 15 trial match ZZZZ11:03 amZZZZ
The NCU Under 15 selectors will run their eyes over the region's youngsters as they look to pick an interpro squad for this summer's tournament.
Ins and outs of 2015 Ins and outs of 2015 ZZZZ10:35 pmZZZZ
Who's gone where over the course of the close season,
Andy McCrea interview on chance to meet Kirsten Andy McCrea interview on chance to meet Kirsten ZZZZ8:09 pmZZZZ
CricketEurope Exclusive: The opportunity to talk cricket with one of the most respected coaches in the game was quickly taken up when offered to the group of NCU coaches on the recent tour to South Africa.
Garaway returns to Ireland Garaway returns to Ireland ZZZZ8:47 pmZZZZ
Former England Assistant Coach & Cricket Ireland High Performance Director coming to Stormont in July.
CSN scorer Peter Russell has died CSN scorer Peter Russell has died ZZZZ2:14 pmZZZZ
Apart from being the CSNICC regular scorer Peter scored numerous International and Inter-Provincial matches.
Bob Kane remembers Peter White Bob Kane remembers Peter White ZZZZ11:23 pmZZZZ
Affectionately known as the "Great White" Peter White will be missed by all his friends in cricket.
Templepatrick Cricket Club & Grange Women’s Group Get Table Cricket Initiative Up And Running Templepatrick Cricket Club & Grange Women’s Group Get Table Cricket Initiative Up And Running ZZZZ1:33 pmZZZZ
Recently Templepatrick Cricket Club joined up with members of the Grange Women’s community group in Ballyclare to take part in a table cricket challenge.
Regan West appointed CSNI's 1st XI coach Regan West appointed CSNI's 1st XI coach ZZZZ12:46 amZZZZ
Regan West's appointment sees the third big announcement for the club since the end of the 2014 season with Andrew Cowden appointed club captain and Mansoor Amjad signing as the club professional.
Templepatrick youngsters shine Templepatrick youngsters shine ZZZZ4:44 pmZZZZ
Ten of Templepatrick Cricket Club's young players have been selected by the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) to be part of its 2015 interprovincial training and development squads.
Pedagogues CC - Not quite Goodbye Mr Chips Pedagogues CC - Not quite Goodbye Mr Chips ZZZZ1:28 pmZZZZ
The debate about the value or at least the duration of schools’ cricket is one which continues to surface at least annually if not more frequently.