Downpatrick’s Marco Wyngard Tops 2025 NCU Senior League 1 Scoring
Downpatrick Cricket Club may have faced more than their share of setbacks this season but one name has continued to shine - Marco Wyngard.
The South African overseas star not only topped the run-scoring charts in the Northern Cricket Union Senior Section 1 league but also proved his worth as a dependable wicketkeeper, captain and on-field leader.
Wyngard’s numbers with the bat were extraordinary. Across 18 matches he piled up 912 runs at an average of 53.65 and a strike rate of 101.60. His season included two centuries, seven fifties and a highest score of 131, underlined by a barrage of 40 sixes and 74 fours.
Behind the stumps Wyngard added further value with 18 catches, two stumpings and three runouts. More importantly he led from the centre guiding a young and often depleted Downpatrick side through a difficult campaign.
Club manager Ravi Ningegowda praised Wyngard’s contribution
“Marco has been fantastic for our club not just for the senior playing squad but also through his support of junior and women’s cricket programmes. On the pitch he has led from the front keeping wicket guiding the side and setting the example with his performances. We are delighted to have him re-signed for a third year in a row.”
The 2025 season was far from straightforward. A series of unexpected player unavailabilities including Ningegowda himself missing the first half of the year due to personal priorities left the team stretched thin, a sharp contrast to the settled squad that had secured promotion the year before.
“It was a challenging year,” admitted the manager. “The good news is we are secured for next season. We will regroup in Senior League 2 and aim to return to Senior League 1 stronger more prepared and determined to stay up. Plans are already in place.”
Looking ahead Downpatrick have already secured the services of key players and plan to introduce three new junior league teams next year giving greater flexibility for first eleven selection and strengthening the club’s player pathway.
Junior convenor Jeff Maguire praised Wyngard’s role in community development
“Marco was instrumental in promoting cricket in local schools. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and he has been an excellent role model for our younger players.”
Downpatrick also acknowledged AdRi Ventures for their key role this season in drafting player contracts and supporting game and player management. Their contribution has been vital and they will continue to play a big role in the coming seasons including overseas tour coordination at Club along with Castle Sports World.
For now Wyngard has returned home to South Africa to link up with his local club for the domestic season. Reflecting on his time with Downpatrick Marco said
“Another UK summer has come and gone. Lots of lessons were learnt. The season did not go according to plan. But we learn and we move forward. The cricket committee has things under control to get the club back on track and back to winning ways. I would like to thank players, committee members and supporters for all their support over the last five months. I look forward to coming back in the new year and making new memories. Thank you.”
Downpatrick can look forward with confidence knowing their leading man will be back again in 2026 to help spearhead another push for success.
Club Statement Farewell for Now
The Downpatrick Cricket Club committee Jack Mclleron, Jeremy McCready, Correna Coburn and Jeff Maguire on behalf of the players would like to extend their best wishes to Marco Wyngard as he returns home to South Africa for his club season.
Marco has been an outstanding ambassador for Downpatrick both on and off the field, leading the way with the bat and gloves, supporting our junior and women’s programmes and inspiring the squad throughout a challenging year.
We are delighted to confirm Marco will return to us for the 2026 season and we look forward to welcoming him back to The Meadow. Until then we wish him every success back home in South Africa.
