KILLYCLOONEY SUCCESS JUST WHAT THE DOC ORDERED

Killyclooney captain Timothy Dougherty believes his side have already “proven their worth” after turning pre-season predictions on their head to become one of the surprise packages of the Championship.

After losing four key performers over the winter, many expected Killyclooney to struggle, but the opposite has happened. A strong team spirit has carried them into fourth place in the league, with games in hand on those above them, and firmly in the promotion conversation.

They also produced one of the results of the season by beating Premiership side St Johnston to reach next month’s Sammy Jeffrey final, where they will face Brigade.

“So far we’ve had a strong season,” said Dougherty. “Heading into the second half, we are happy to be holding our own. Despite losing a few players and having been written off very early, we have yet again proven our worth.”

Keenan Vieira has led the batting with 490 runs, including five fifties and a century, while Cody Mehaffey, Dougherty, Alfie Moan and Giles Moan have all made important contributions.

“Keenan showed early signs of great potential and that he can be a top player for us,” said Dougherty. “After a patchy start, he has adapted well to the conditions, and it’s fair to say he’s proven his ability with bat and ball.”

Dougherty has also led from the front with 25 wickets, backed up by Mehaffey’s 18, Jason Wallace’s 14, Vieira’s 13 and Giles Moan’s 11.

“I’m happy with how the full squad has pulled together,” he added. “Saturday’s result has really given us a boost for the run-in.

“For a small club, it’s a credit to have made the Sammy Jeffrey final and given our club something to look forward to.

“We can give any team a run for their money on our day, and it’s always great to be the underdogs with nothing to lose.”