MARVELLOUS MELVIN INSPIRES DONEMANA IN IRISH CUP

It was another horror weekend for North-West sides in the Irish Senior Cup with heavy losses for many of their representatives, but Donemana newbie Melvin Deveraj helped the Tyrone side once again fly the flag for the region as they bulldozed Cliftonville Academy out for 79 on their way to an eight-wicket win.

Deveraj was making his home debut and impressed, taking four wickets. He explained his background and how he has ended up in County Tyrone.

“I was a bit of a latecomer to cricket and only really started playing when I was 21,” said Deveraj. “I reached quite a good level back in my native India, just below the first-class Ranji Trophy.

“I travelled to Dublin to pursue my education and to complete my Masters Degree in Technology. Through a friend I started playing with Merrion Seconds, progressed quickly onto the first team and got 56 wickets in my first season at Anglesea Road.

“I was selected then for the interprovincial series with Leinster Lightning and was almost an ever-present for them last year. However, during the winter with Munster being cut from the series, the Head Coach explained to me that my chances would be limited.

“I decided that a move to the North West and playing here would give me a much better opportunity of playing representative cricket. I didn’t really know anyone here, so through my Merrion team-mate Stephen Doheny we made contact with Andy McBrine and I signed straight away with Donemana. There was subsequent interest from other clubs, both here and in the NCU, but by that stage I had committed to Donemana and wouldn’t go back on my word.

The 27 year-old has just completed his Masters in International Business at National College of Ireland, and is currently seeking employment opportunities locally.

Following his impressive display on Saturday, the 27-year-old was invited to the Warriors training session earlier this week, with Head Coach Boyd Rankin running his eye over the Warriors hopeful. He has genuine Irish ambitions, qualifying through residency next January.

He revealed that he has remodelled his action over the winter in an effort to generate more pace, and also to give him the ability to move the ball both ways.

“I underwent biomechanical analysis at one of the BCCI centres back in India. I was working with Palani Armanath, who played two seasons in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings.

“We’ve worked to lessen my chance of injury and quicken my pace. I feel I am capable of generating more. My strength is primarily moving the ball in. I haven’t quite found my rhythm just yet but I’m happy with the results so far.”

He has settled quickly into life in Tyrone, not missing the bright lights of Dublin.

“I’m happy living in Donemana, as I come from a rural background in India, so this is ideal for me after the hustle and bustle of city life in Dublin. I’m loving the quiet, beauty and solitude of the village. I’m sharing a house with professional Awais Zafar and young Zimbabwean all-rounder Luke Marrillier.

:I think we have a very talented and tight-knit side. We look to have plenty of quality and depth and hopefully we can have a very successful season and go far in the cups too, especially the Irish Senior Cup. I came agonisingly close to winning the trophy with Merrion in 2024, when as the leading wicket taker in the tournament, we lost a thrilling final by one run to Phoenix. I’d dearly love to go one better and win the cup with Donemana.”

You wouldn’t bet against it.