NCU Youth Cricket 2026
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: Lisburn lost to Waringstown by 10 wickets (DLS).
Wallace Park, 7 June.
Lisburn 100 (38.5 overs; D Miller 20; G Hume 6-20, R Allen 2-6)
Waringstown 95-0 (7.4 overs; S Stolk 71*, A Dennison 20*) (Rain interrupted - Waringstown target 95 off 42 overs)
Graham Hume of Waringstown receives Man of the Match award from Trevor McKeown (Lee Nelson)
A devastating bowling spell by Ireland international Graham Hume ensured a comfortable passage into the Challenge Cup quarter-finals for Waringstown, and Lisburn’s first 50-over defeat of the season. Hume, bowling his 10 overs straight through, took six for 20 as the home side collapsed to 54 for seven, with only David Millar of Lisburn’s top six getting into double figures. Late runs from Ewan Wilson and Mike McComish got Lisburn into three figures but Callum Atkinson was immediately caught behind to end the innings after 39 overs, and give Ross Allen his second wicket.He conceded just six runs in 35 balls. With rain during the interval, the Waringstown target was revised to 95 off 42 overs, and Steve Stolk wasted no time in getting the runs, hitting 71 off 32 balls, with three fours and eight sixes. Adam Dennison survived a straightforward chance at point so it was a 10 wickets win in less than eight overs.
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: Instonians beat Templepatrick by 165 runs (DLS).
Shaw's Bridge, 7 June.
Instonians 272-7 (42 overs; A White 80, S Dadswell 51*, S Gould 37, D Agnew 34, N Smith 26; M Stewart 2-28, S Henderson 2-51, D Kane 2-60)
Templepatrick 107 (28 overs; F McCarthy 20; G Craigan 4-14, C Robertson 2-8, B Rose 2-29) (Rain interrupted - Templepatrick target 273 off 37 overs)
Player of the Match Andrew White (Xander McIlwaine)
Instonians, last year’s beaten finalists, eased past Templepatrick, shuffling their batting order after captain Nikolai Smith surprisingly chose to bat first. Matthew Humphreys opened but was out for three, David Agnew at No 3 hit 34 in a third wicket partnership dominated by Sully Gould who crashed 37 off 19 balls, with five fours and two sixes. Andrew White, survived a huge lbw shout to top score with 80 (11 fours and a six) and Shane Dadswell, coming in at No 8, ensured a big finish with an unbeaten 51 from 24 balls, including two fours and six sixes. The third rain interruption ended the innings after 42 overs and Templepatrick’s target was 277. But when the rain arrived again, the visitors were 66 for six and although the teams got back on the field, with only five overs lost, the new target of 273 was out of sight. George Craigan wrapped up the tail, finishing with four for 14 from his four overs.
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: Lurgan beat Cregagh by 7 wickets (DLS).
Pollock Park, 7 June.
Cregagh 135 (42.5 overs; A Watt 37; L Doddrell 3-22, I Khan 3-26)
Lurgan 132-3 (18.5 overs; J Oliver 62*, J Harrison 30; G Hassard 2-33) (Rain interrupted - Lurgan target 130 off 43 overs)
Player of the Match Jaydee Oliver (Lurgan CC)
Lurgan's impressive season continued as they secured progression to the next round with a seven-wicket victory over Cregagh at Pollock Park. A disciplined bowling performance laid the foundations for success, with Liam Dodrell and Iqbal Khan claiming three wickets apiece as Cregagh were dismissed for 135 in 42.5 overs. Alastair Watt top-scored with 37, but Lurgan's attack kept the scoring in check throughout the innings. The chase proved a routine affair as openers Jack Harrison and Jaydee Oliver dominated proceedings with a partnership of 103. Harrison struck 30, including four fours and a six, before Oliver continued the charge with a superb 62 from just 60 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes. Captain Stephen Johnston then finished the job in style with an unbeaten 18 from only nine balls as Lurgan reached their target in just the 19th over.
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: North Down v CI - abandoned.
Comber, 7 June.
CI 220-7 (44.4 overs; S Suresh 52*, C Dougherty 50, C McCullough 38, J Beattie 25; J McClure-Dalzell 2-41, C Young 2-45)
North Down (Rain interrupted - reduced to 48 overs per side)
Half century for Sathish Suresh (George Armstrong)
The weather had the final say at Comber as North Down's NCU Challenge Cup second-round clash with CI was abandoned, forcing the sides to meet again in a replay. After rain delays reduced the contest to 48 overs per side, CI posted a competitive 220-7 from 44.4 overs before further interruptions ended any chance of a result. Chris Dougherty anchored the innings with a fluent 50, striking eight fours, while Sathish Suresh provided a powerful finish with an unbeaten 52 that included four fours and three sixes. Carson McCullough made a valuable 38 and Jack Beattie contributed an important 25 as CI built a strong total. For North Down, Jacob McClure-Dalzell and Craig Young claimed two wickets each. However, with North Down unable to begin their reply, the weather emerged the only winner.
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: CSNI v Woodvale - abandoned.
Stormont, 7 June.
CSNI 61-2 (15 overs; R Pretorius 2-12)
Woodvale
The NCU Challenge Cup tie between CSNI and Woodvale fell victim to the weather after only 15 overs at Stormont, forcing the teams into a replay. CSNI had reached 61-2 when conditions brought proceedings to an early end. Woodvale made the early breakthroughs thanks to Ruhan Pretorius, who struck twice in an impressive spell of 2-12. He removed both James West and Adam Leckey to leave CSNI under pressure. However, opener Marc Ellison helped steady the innings with an unbeaten 19, while Jake Collingwood was alongside him on 17 not out when the abandonment was confirmed. The match also marked the debut of New Zealand international Michael Rae for CSNI. The pace bowler has joined the club as a replacement professional while Ashwin Hebbar returns to India for a short T20 tournament.
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: Carrickfergus v Derriaghy (DLS) - abandoned.
Middle Road, 7 June.
Derriaghy 230 (39 overs; C Lewis 80, R Bailey 45, S Chandrashekar 30, M Scoble 21; A Varape 3-25, CJ vd Walt 3-25, R Hood 2-54)
Carrickfergus 89-2 (15.1 overs; A Varape 35*) (Rain interrupted - reduced to 46 overs per side. Carrickfergus target 231 off 46 overs)
Frustration was the overriding feeling at Middle Road as Carrickfergus and Derriaghy saw their tie abandoned by rain, meaning both sides must do it all again in a replay. After a delayed start reduced the match to 46 overs per side, Derriaghy posted 230 in 39 overs. Captain Ross Bailey provided early momentum with a brisk 45 from 37 balls, including four fours and two sixes, before Craig Lewis dominated the middle order with a superb 73-ball 80 featuring six fours and five maximums. Suprith Chandrashekar added 30. Professional Atish Varape and Carrick skipper CJ van der Walt both claimed three wickets. In reply, Carrickfergus were well placed on 89-2 after 15.1 overs, with Eian Marillier making 37 and Varape unbeaten on 35 when rain ended play.
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: Bangor v Laurelvale - abandoned.
Upritchard Park, 7 June.
Bangor 147-5 (31 overs; A McCusker 50, M Hutchinson 45, B Harrison 22; K Subhani 2-36)
Laurelvale (Rain interrupted - reduced to 47 overs per side.)
Only 31 overs were possible at Upritchard Park with Bangor on 147 for five when the second rain interruption was too heavy and prolonged for the game to continue. Mark Hutchinson hit 45 and shared a fourth wicket stand of 84 with Adam McCusker who was out immediately after reaching his 50. But that proved to be the last over of the day.
NCU Challenge Cup
Round 2: Cliftonville Academy v Muckamore - abandoned.
Castle Grounds, 7 June.
Cliftonville Academy 172 (42.2 overs; A Kelso 39*, A Wylie 32, CJ Klinjhans 28, A Khan 24*; N Gill 4-46, N Brand 3-24, A Shields 2-38)
Muckamore 59-2 (8.3 overs; N Brand 42) (Rain interrupted - multiple reductions - Muckamore target 125 off 22 overs)
The last match to be called off was at the Castle Grounds with no fewer than six rain delays but when time ran out after a frustrating day, Muckamore had faced only 8.3 overs in reply to Cliftonville Academy’s all out total of 172. The home side were well placed after 30 overs on 117 for two but in the rush for quick runs between the showers they added only 55 more runs and were bowled out with four balls unused. Only Anwar Khan with 24 off 20 balls reached double figures as Neil Gill and Neil Brand shared seven wickets. Brand hit 42 of Muckamore’s 59 runs, from 22 balls with four fours and three sixes but was caught in the deep from what proved to be the last ball of the match. The teams must do it all again on Saturday.
NCU Premier League
North Down v Lisburn - postponed.
Comber, 6 June.
North Down Lisburn
NCU Premier League
Instonians v Muckamore - postponed.
Shaw's Bridge, 6 June.
Instonians Muckamore
NCU Premier League
Woodvale v CI - postponed.
Ballygomartin Road, 6 June.
Woodvale CI
NCU Premier League
CSNI v Waringstown - postponed.
Stormont, 6 June.
CSNI Waringstown
NCU Premier League
Cliftonville Academy v Laurelvale - postponed.
Castle Grounds, 6 June.
Cliftonville Academy Laurelvale
NCU Section 1
Bangor beat Derriaghy by 8 wickets.
Upritchard Park, 6 June.
Derriaghy 150-7 (28 overs; J Bell 34, M Scoble 27, R Bailey 26, C Lewis 26; C Pyper 2-23, B Harrison 2-29) Bangor 151-2 (22.5 overs; B Harrison 64*, M Hutchinson 41*, S McMillan 29) (Delayed start - match reduced to 28 overs.)
Bangor continued their perfect start to the Section One campaign with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Derriaghy in a rain-reduced 28-over contest at Upritchard Park on Saturday. After a delayed start, Derriaghy posted 150-7 from their allotted overs. Half-century partnerships provided the backbone of the innings, with Ross Bailey (26) and Matt Scoble (27) adding useful runs for the second wicket before Jonathan Bell top-scored with 34 as he and Craig Lewis (26) then shared another important stand for the fourth wicket. Chris Pyper (2-23) and Brodie Harrison (2-29) were Bangor’s most successful bowlers. Bangor’s chase was built on a solid platform from Sam McMillan, whose 29 included three boundaries. The hosts then took complete control through an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 94 between Harrison and Mark Hutchinson. Harrison continued his remarkable form - 423 runs at 105.60 - with a blistering 64 not out from just 34 balls, striking three fours and five sixes, while Hutchinson finished unbeaten on 41 as Bangor reached 151-2 in 22.5 overs to make it four wins from four and sit proudly at the top of Section One.
NCU Section 1
Armagh beat Donacloney Mill by 8 wickets (DLS)
The Mall, 6 June.
Donacloney Mill 147-8 (38 overs; L Aitken 34, S Warren 33, J Cunningham 27; A Wright 4-23, L Liebenberg 2-28)
Armagh 109-2 (19.5 overs; A Wright 47*, M Villiers 39*) (Delayed start and multiple reductions in overs. Armagh target 108 off 23 overs)
Armagh claimed their second win of the season with an impressive eight-wicket DLS victory over Donacloney Mill in a rain-affected contest at The Mall. After a delayed start and multiple reductions in overs, Donacloney Mill posted 147-8 from 38 overs. Opener Shane Warren struck six fours in a fluent 33, while overseas player Lachy Aitken continued his excellent season with a top score of 34, taking his tally beyond 400 runs for the campaign. Aaron Wright starred with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 4-23, while Luan Liebenberg claimed 2-28. Set a revised target of 108 from 23 overs, Armagh suffered early setbacks as Sam Wilson and Jamie Rogers departed cheaply. However, Wright and Michael Villiers took complete control, sharing an unbroken third-wicket stand of 88. Wright finished unbeaten on 47 and Villiers 39 not out, each striking six boundaries, as Armagh completed the win in the 20th over.
NCU Section 1
Carrickfergus v Cregagh - abandoned.
Middle Road, 6 June.
Carrickfergus 33-0 (7.1 overs) Cregagh
NCU Section 1
Templepatrick v Cooke Collegians - postponed.
The Cloghan, 6 June.
Templepatrick 
Cooke Collegians
NCU Section 1
Saintfield v Lurgan - postponed.
The Demesne, 6 June.
Saintfield Lurgan
Reddam House lost to NCU Women Under 18 by 7 wickets.
Constantia, 13 February.
Reddam House 77 (16 overs; Lucy Andrews 6-11)
NCU Women Under 18 78-3 (12 overs; N Lowry 23*)
Reddam House lost to NCU Women Under 16 by 71 runs
Constantia, 13 February.
NCU Women Under 16 141-8 (20 overs; N Kerr 36, E Cupitt 26) Reddam House 70-8 (20 overs; Emma Kennedy 4 for 15 **Including a Hat Trick**)
1st T20: Catch Trust XI lost to NCU Women Under 18 by 23 runs.
Khayelitsha, 11 February.
NCU Women Under 18 138-9 (20 overs; Grace Wilson 30, N Lowry 20; A Pita 3-43)
Catch Trust XI 115-5 (20 overs; F Ongelwa 58*; L Andrews 2-8)
NCU Under 18s (NCU)
The Under 18's made it an NCU double with a 23-run win over the Catch Trust XI. Runs for Grace Wilson (30) and Niamh Lowry (20) saw them post 138 for 9. That was enough despite a half century for Ongelwa - two wickets for Lucy Andrews.
2nd T20: Catch Trust XI lost to NCU Women Under 16 by 99 runs
Khayelitsha, 11 February.
NCU Women Under 16 139-4 (20 overs; L Humphreys 27, M McCartney 21) Catch Trust XI 40-5 (20 overs; E Kennedy 2-6)
NCU Under 16s (CricketEurope)
A fine all-round display saw the NCU Under 16's win by 99 runs. Lucy Humphreys (27) and Matilda McCartney (21) top-scored as they made 139 for 4. The hosts found the going tough as they were restricted to 40 for 5 - two wickets for Emma Kennedy.
Western Province CCbeat NCU Women Under 18 by 105 runs
Rondebosch, 10 February.
Western Province 165 (35 overs; O Roubaix 35*, M Lawlor 27, I van Schalwyk 26; V Minford 4-31, E Carville 2-17, P Speer 2-34) NCU Women Under 18 60 (19 overs; R Webster 17; G Botha 3-12)
Action from Wetsern Province (CricketEurope)
The NCU Under 18's battled bravely turning in a fine bowling display against a very strong and talented Western Province CC side that had a number of senior players in their ranks. Four wickets for Vanessa Minford and two apiece for Emily Carville and Penny Speer saw WP dismissed for 165. The batters though found the going tough as only Rebecca Webster (17) managed double figures as they were bowled out for 60.
Western Province CC beat NCU Women Under 16 by 5 wickets
Rondebosch, 10 February.
NCU Women Under 16 145 (30 overs; L Harper 24, M Mccartney 24, E Cuppitt 23; G Tanya 4-9, H Miche 2-10) Western Province 146-5 (19 overs; W Zaro 44, H Morgan 31, D Jessica 24, H Nateeta 20*; H Gordon 1-12)
NCU Under 16s (CricketEurope)
A valiant effort by the NCU Under 16s against a very strong Western Province CC side. Batting first there were runs for Lucie Harper, Matilda McCartney and Eve Cupitt, but the innings fell away with four wickets for Grace Tanya to be all out for 145. The chase was always on track despite the best efforts of the NCU with one wicket apiece for Hannah Gordon, Ellie Bullick, Laura Suffern and Emily Kennedy.
Boland lost to NCU Women Under 18 by 15 runs
Franschhoek, 8 February.
NCU Women Under 18 238-5 (35 overs; N Lowry 100*, A Hughes 65; L Daniels 3-43)
Boland 223-8 (35 overs; L Daniels 68, L De Waal 46; N Moore 2-30, J Wright 2-37, V Minford 2-42)
Amelia Hughes and Niamh Lowry shared a 165 run stand (CricketEurope)
A brilliant century from Niamh Lowry who shared a 165-run partnership with Amelia Hughes powered NCU Under 18 girls to what proved to be a match winning total of 238 for 5. Despite a fine all-round performance by Leah Daniels who took three wickets and followed it up with a top score of 68, the NCU completed a 15-run win - two wickets apiece from Natalie Moore, Joscelyn Wright and Vanessa Minford.
Boland lost to NCU Women Under 16 by 5 wickets
Franschhoek, 8 February.
Boland 146 (33 overs; L Daniels 28, M Lee-Meyer 20; K West 5-35, H Gordon 2-10) NCU Women Under 16 147-5 (23 overs; E Cupitt 43*)
Katie West took five wickets (CricketEurope)
Five wickets from Katie West and an unbeaten 43 from Eva Cupitt made it an NCU double as they beat Boland U16's by five wickets chasing 147.
1st T20: Northern Suburbs beat NCU Women Under 18 by 9 wickets.
Durbanville, 6 February.
NCU Women Under 18 120-7 (20 overs; R Lowe 37, L Andrews 37; B Chuma 2-22)
Northern Suburbs 121-1 (17 overs; A Linnae 44, X Mbala 34*; L Andrews 1-14)
The backdrop of Table Mountain (NCU)
A rusty opening display by the NCU Under 18 Girls was perhaps understandable as they were emerging from winter hibernation against a Northerns side very much fine tuned in the middle of a domestic season. Lisburn's Rebecca Lowe made a fluent 37 (6 fours) on her way to be joint top-scorer with Lucy Andrews (37) in a total of 120 for 7. Any hopes of it being a competitive score were quickly dispelled by an opening stand of 86 between Linnae (44) and Mbala (34*), with Northerns going on to complete a 9-wicket win in 17 overs - Lucy Andrews (1-14) getting the consolation wicket.
2nd T20: Northern Suburbs lost to NCU Women Under 18 by 8 wickets.
Durbanville, 6 February.
Northern Suburbs 77 (19 overs; F Chloe 27; E Carville 2-18, N Moore 1-4, P Speer 1-11, L Andrews 1-15) NCU Women Under 18 78-2 (12 overs; N Lowry 34 ret, E Mitchell 17*)
Training for the game (NCU)
The NCU under 18 Girls ended the day on a high note as they avenged the morning loss to record an emphatic eight-wicket win over Northerns in the afternoon match. A fine bowling display saw the hosts bowled out for 77 with fine efforts with the ball from Emily Carville (2-18), Natalie Moore (1-4), Penny Speer (1-11) and Lucy Andrews (1-15). There was a slight wobble when openers Emily Wilson and Rebecca Lowe both fell cheaply, but the NCU needn't have worries as Niamh Lowry impressed in a hard-hit 34 before retiring, while Erin Mitchell (17*) guided her side home much to the delight of the large travelling contingent.
2nd T20: Northern Suburbs beat NCU Women Under 16 by 6 wickets.
Durbanville, 6 February.
NCU Women Under 16 53-7 (20 overs; E Bullick 13*; L Armahale 2-6, A Hannah 2-14, M Morgan 2-14) Northern Suburbs 55-4 (9 overs; J Miche 17; E Bullick 2-9, E Kennedy 2-16)
The two NCU squads (NCU)
NCU Under 16 girls' batting failed to fire in their second T20 of the game with two wickets apiece for Armahale, Hannah and Morgan as they were restricted to 53 for 7 - Ellie Bullick top-scoring with an unbeaten 13. Bullick then grabbed two wickets as did Emma Kennedy as the NCU showed admirable fight before eventually falling to a sic-wicket loss.
1st T20: Northern Suburbs beat NCU Women Under 16 by 7 wickets.
Durbanville, 6 February.
NCU Women Under 16 111-7 (20 overs; N Kerr 36*; S Tanya 2-20) Northern Suburbs 112-3 (19 overs; L Zita 43; L Suffern 2-10, K West 1-7)
War paint on (NCU)
The NCU Under 16 Girls lost their first encounter of the day against Northern Suburbs, but they did push the South African side all the way as it took them 19 overs before reaching their target. Batting first the NCU posted 111 for 7, thanks primarily to the efforts of Nina Kerr, who hit five boundaries in an undefeated 36. Lahu Zita's 43 meant Northerns were always in control, but they were kept honest by the efforts of Laura Suffern (2-10) and Katie West (1-7).
League Tables
View the latest international, interprovincial and provincial league tables.
The Week Ahead
Fixtures scheduled for the next seven days.
From the Archives
Tournament Feature
1998 Under 19 World Cup
South Africa
Ed Liddle's Player Profiles
Godfrey Graham
Ireland 1954
Match from the Past
Ireland drew with Australia
2 Day, Rathmines, 9-10 June 1977
The CricketEurope Archives
Updated annually, the CricketEurope Archives contain international and domestic material published by CricketEurope since 2005 - results, reports, statistics, photographs, video, audio, articles, special features, blogs …
- Global and international tournaments
- CricketEurope Worldwide, Netherlands, Scotland, Jersey, Isle of Man
- Irish international matches and All Ireland competitions.
- Leinster, Munster, NCU and North West
- Feature articles and series
- Blogs and columns.
- The Online Library.