Andrew White is hoping to add to his collection of five Challenge Cup medals as Instonians look to end a 13-year drought in the NCU’s blue riband competition.

The former Ireland international is still very much an integral cog in the Shaws Bridge side who started the season well, but have suffered a few setbacks over the past week.

“We were seven from seven at one stage and that puts you in the territory of being in the hunt for trophies,” said White. “We have had some outstanding victories in terms of how we have played, but we are striving for more consistency having come unstuck recently in a few games against Waringstown and Pembroke.”

Standing in the way in the rearranged game on Sunday is North Down, for whom White won three cup medals including a Man-of-the-Match display in victory over Waringstown.  That was to be one of his last matches before switching allegiances from the Comber side to Instonians, where he has remained in the 21 years since.

“I had six brilliant years at North Down, really enjoyed playing at Comber and loved the people who were always so supportive. Naturally when you move on there’s always a bit extra in the matches, and I’ve always had that competitive streak in me and we’ve had some great battles over the years, but the friendships made there continue to this day. That was a very strong era for North Down and it was great to be a part of that.

While North Down may not be the force of yesteryear, they are still a very dangerous opponent that White and his team won’t be underestimating.

“They’ve certainly got some very good players. From my perspective being a teacher at Grosvenor it’s been great to go to Comber and see past pupils playing for them. They also have strong links with Regents House, perhaps that was an area that had dried up for them, and the fact there are now a few pupils currently in the team bodes well for them in the future.”

One familiar face in the North Down ranks is Ryan Haire, who has been in the runs in recent weeks, and was along with White a major part of their success at the turn of the century.

“We laugh when our paths cross wondering how and why we are still doing this after so many years,” chuckles White, who will turn 45 next month. “Cricket is still in his blood and as long as he’s playing, he will always be dangerous because he has got so much talent.”

White himself is still contributing to the cause, being the leading wicket taker in the NCU in 2023, and he admits the fire still burns, helped by the ever-evolving nature of Instonians.

“The team is always changing, whether that’s through players moving on, or young guys going to University. That refresh is good in some ways but frustrating in others in that it can lead to some inconsistency. But, having new faces can keep the hunger there and gives you something as a group to work towards. We have a terrific professional in Shane Dadswell and Neil Rock is a wonderful talent, so there’s plenty of optimism and energy around.”

Instonians have only won the Challenge Cup three times in their illustrious history (1964, 2009 and 2012) and for a club of their stature that is a poor return compared to Sunday’s opponents who have 32 wins and Waringstown on 27. Their first-round win by just six runs over CSNI has prompted thoughts that maybe this could be their year.

“To win it is certainly one of our ambitions as it is every year,” added White. “Given the history and prestige of the competition, it’s every player's dream to be in the showpiece final. Instonians' relatively poor showing in the cups is symptomatic of the ever-changing nature of the team. You look at the sides with impressive records and they have settled squads over a long period. That’s been the difference over the years, especially in tight games. Hopefully this can be Instonians' year when that is put right.”

In the other quarter-finals, Lisburn will be strong favourites to beat Section One outfit Donacloney Mill, Carrickfergus meet Waringstown in a repeat of the 2023 decider, while Woodvale face Cliftonville Academy in an all-Premiership clash.