Fox Lodge sit proudly at the top of the Championship after an excellent win at Glendermott with superb individual displays from overseas professional Gayan Maneeshan who scored a century and seamer Levi Kerr, who took six wickets.

“Those were my best figures at any level of cricket including youth matches,” said Kerr whose previous best was a five-wicket haul in 2023.

“I bowled two of them and three were caught behind by Charlie Simpson, who actually caught five in total and has been fantastic with the gloves all year and that really helps the bowling unit. We have been super impressed with him.

“Gayan has been superb and I personally think he’s the best professional in the league and I’m sure other clubs would as well. It’s not just the volume of runs, but also what he brings off the field, with the training that he puts on. He’s also become a very good friend to us all which is so important.

“You have to admire the way he went about his innings on Saturday after a lot of our batters didn’t perform. There were a lot of low scores aside from Ali Doherty. Gayan was actually dropped early, but after that he built his innings, taking his time and it was a superb match-winning effort that really set us up.”

There’s a joyfulness in the way that Fox Lodge play their cricket, a throwback to when local sides were very much family or village affairs, and this team spirit is very much evident in the Ballymagorry side.

“The reason why we are always so happy playing cricket is that we are all a bunch of friends as well. There is a real good mix at the club including a few of the more senior heads. Johnny Robinson has come in as captain and there’s a real hunger and desire to get us back to the Premiership.

“Brian Allen was probably going to retire this year but the craic and the friendships he has persuaded him to play on. Jason Milligan has so much experience, and Aaron Heywood is probably the best spinner in the league. We have so many guys we can depend on. As much as there is a real drive to win, the friendships we have are equally as important.”

Robinson has taken over the captaincy reins from Heywood, with ‘Bap’ putting his own stamp on the leadership role.

“They both have the winning mentality and get the group going in a similar fashion,” said Kerr. “Johnny likes to try different things, but the importance of Gayan as vice-captain is also crucial. Johnny likes to channel his ideas through him at times. He also will give opportunities to players who train hard and are performing with the seconds.

“We all know we have to keep performing to keep our places. I’m bowling well at the minute but know I have to keep doing it as it’s become very competitive to get into our first team. Everyone knows the situation, including Ali Doherty who is in a great run of form. You have to do it week in, week out or there will be someone from the seconds ready to step up.

“Bap can be quite ruthless at times as well. If boys aren’t bowling well, then they can get the hook. He has plenty of options around him, even though he isn’t bowling himself at the minute, probably after his shoulder injury last year.The boys know they have to be on it or someone else is going to be handed the ball.”

Kerr, who works as a Manager with Learning Pool in Derry, has been in and out of the first team over the years. Turning 30 later this year, he attributes have finally nailed down a starting berth to a more responsible personal attitude on and off the field.

“The trend at Fox Lodge over the years is that we have produced more bowlers than batters, so it’s always been tough to get in. On a personal level this year, I’ve changed my lifestyle, not drinking or socialising as much. That’s helped big time. I’m training harder, going to the gym more and reaping the rewards. I’m much fitter, getting more overs under my belt and obviously more confident and settled too.

“We have a great bowling unit, and I haven’t even mentioned Adam Walker, who in my opinion is the best seam bowler in the league. He has great wheels and when he’s on it, he’s on it. Great pace and an explosive option with the ball. He got early wickets on Saturday but was brought off after four or five overs, as he is coming back from injury.

“We have a big game this weekend against Ballyspallen, so hopefully I continue to get more overs under my belt and help the side get a vital win. Their loss against the Saints last week means if we win here, there’s a gap opened that would hopefully mean it doesn’t go to the last game of the season. We are all well aware just how competitive this league is with no easy games. I believe that Fox Lodge are a Senior One team as shown by our Senior Cup win in 2022, so hopefully we will be back in the top flight next year.”