SAINTFIELD
- Captain: Andrew McCavera
- Overseas professional: Werner Brand
- Players in/out: Brijesh Krishali
- Young Player to watch: Will McNeilly
It was an excellent 2025 for Saintfield who secured promotion to Section One by winning the Section Two title. They know it will be a tough task up the next rung of the NCU ladder but one that they intend to fully embrace and enjoy along the way.
"Being back in Section One after winning Section Two last year we know will be a big step up and will throw a lot of challenges our way," said club skipper Adam McCavera. Obviously number one priority this year will be to remain in the league with the hope of establishing our position in Section One over a period of time but I have full belief in the players that that can be achieved and that we will be competitive in each fixture.
"In terms on incomings and outcomings we have Brijesh Krishali signing who is an experienced seam bowler and hope to have another couple on board before the start of the season, with no outgoings to report.
"We are also delighted with our overseas signing Werner Brand who is extremely talented with bat and ball, and are excited to welcome him to our club and town."
The 21 year-old South African has previous UK experience, playing for Freuchie in Scotland last year. Indeed, he hit an unbeaten 207 (33 fours, 7 sixes) from just 107 balls as they beat Aberdeenshire - a performance that was rated as the best innings seen at the club in a lifetime.
If he can recapture even some of those pyrotechnics, then Saintfield's supporters could be in for a real treat!
"The atmosphere around the club over the past number of years is the reason why players love playing for Saintfield," added McCavera. "Experienced players like Gareth Harrison and Adam Sofley are a great asset to the team and a real help to me as a captain.
"We pride ourselves on our youth system with the vast majority of the senior teams playing here from juniors to seniors, an example of that is young Will McNeilly who has scored multiple hundreds across the club and will be one to watch.
"We look forward to the season ahead and the test it will bring us as a club and individual players, with plenty of cricket to enjoy across the season."
