Neil Russell
NCU PRO
The Northern Knights have kicked off their pre season in earnest with nets & fitness training starting last week at UUJ.
This is another big season for the team, led again by Irish International Andrew White. Speaking at the first winter training session the Captain commented
‘It’s great to have all the lads back training again, it’s been a long winter, and it’s fair to say that all the players have returned with renewed vigour and determination to ensure the Knights have a successful 2015 campaign. At this stage it’s all about getting the guys going again and getting the body used to all the unnatural requirements needed for cricket. Eugene Moleon (Head Coach) and Gavin Rogers (Assistant Coach) will spell out their own ambitions for the upcoming season to the team very shortly no doubt, but in the meantime, it’s very much about the players ensuring their fitness is at a good level and getting used to catching, hitting and bowling the ball again’.
Commenting on the winter squad, White went on to add that he was happy with the mix of players selected and that it was very much up to each player to ‘put in the necessary work, on and off the field’ to ensure they catch the selectors eyes and remain a part of the squad moving into the new season.
Kyle McCallan (Chairman of Selectors) also commented on the squad
‘In keeping with the new NCU policy regarding overseas/non resident players, the selectors have made a firm commitment that each Knights team for the forthcoming season will consist of a minimum of nine local players. As a result, this squad has an exciting blend of youth and experience with the players who finished last season showing a lot of promise, all rewarded for their efforts’.
It certainly promises to be another exciting season for the Knights. We’ll have regular updates on how winter training is going and also throughout the season.
The squad is as follows:
- Andrew White (Captain) (Instonians)
- Lee Nelson (Vice Captain) (Waringstown)
- Mark Adair (CSN)
- Stephen Bunting (Instonians)
- James Cameron Dow (CIYMS)
- Allen Coulter (CSN)
- Adam Dennison (Waringstown)
- Chris Dougherty (CIYMS)
- Phil Eaglestone (Waringstown)
- Peter Eakin (North Down)
- Shane Getkate (CSN)
- Neil Gill (Muckamore)
- Nigel Jones (CIYMS)
- Jordan McClurkin (Instonians)
- James McCollum (Waringstown)
- Zach Rushe (Instonians)
- James Shannon (Instonians)
- Greg Thompson (Waringstown)
- Jason Van der Merwe (CSN)