Newsroom: NCU 2024

Pretorius boost for Woodvale ( )

There was good news this week for Woodvale as Ruhan Pretorius ended speculation about a possible move by penning a four-year deal with the club.

Ice cold Alex joins CIYMS ( )

The signings keep coming for CIYMS who earlier this week confirmed that Alex Armstrong is joining the club from Carrickfergus.

NCU Review 2: Woodvale ( )

It was a superb season for Woodvale who finished second in the Premiership and came very close to securing the title for the first time since 1966.

NCU Review 1: Waringstown ( )

We start our NCU club reviews with a look at the stats for Waringstown, who won the Premiership.

CIYMS sign Jake Egan ( )

CIYMS have made their second signing of the week with Jake Egan joining the club from Carrickfergus.

Bret Mulder to coach CIYMS ( )

CIYMS have confirmed that Bret Mulder is returning to the Belmont side as Senior Men's Coach for the 2025 season and beyond.

Ross Adair joins Lisburn ( )

Lisburn have confirmed that Ross Adair has joined the club for the 2025 season. The Irish international arrives from CIYMS, having previously played for CSNI and Holywood.

Stats for 2024 award contenders ( )

Before the long winter evenings it is time to reflect on those players who feature in the leading statistics categories.
(updated 11 September 2024)

Instonians pile on the agony for Carrickfergus ( )

Instonians had three centurions in their win over Carrickfergus, while Tyron Koen and Marc Ellison swapped hundreds as CIYMS edged out CSNI in the local derby, while Lisburn beat Muckamore in an entertaining contest.

Templepatrick win Section One ( )

Templepatrick will play in the NCU Premiership for the first time in their history after securing the Section One title with a thumping win at Derriaghy.

Waringstown party but Carrickfergus relegated ( )

Waringstown won the title for a record extending 32nd time and were presented with the trophy on Sunday. At the other end, Carrickfergus' relegation was confirmed.

Waringstown beat Woodvale to clinch title ( )

The Premiership title goes to Waringstown while Carrickfergus are all but doomed with another loss.

CSNI win Women's Plate ( )

CSNI clinched the NCU Women's Plate with a 49-run win over Holywood at Stormont to complete the 'Double'

Templepatrick kept waiting after Armagh win ( )

Templepatrick will have to wait at least another week for the Section One title after their match was postponed and Armagh.

Waringstown close in on Premiership title ( )

Waringstown move closer to the title thanks to a Graham Hume century, while there are also hundreds for Andrew White and Jared Wilson in wins for Instonians and Cliftonville Academy.

North Down win Graham Cup ( )

North Down won the Graham Cup with a 35-run win against Cliftonville Academy at Stormont.

Sophie's choice as Waringstown seek treble ( )

Waringstown Women's memorable season continued at the weekend as they beat title rivals Holywood to win the Premiership and complete the double. They have the chance of the treble on Sunday as they play Phoenix in the All-Ireland T20 final.

Templepatrick win again as Premiership beckons ( )

Ross Bryans powerful half century ensured Templepatrick widened the gap to 12 points at the top of Section One and all but seal their place in the top flight for the 2025 season.

Templepatrick close in on Section One crown ( )

Templepatrick edge closer to the Section One title and a Premiership place for 2025.

NCU Premiership title race hots up ( )

Waringstown now favourites, while Carrickfergus entering last chance saloon in relegation race.

Waringstown top in Premiership title race ( )

Waringstown have hit the front in the exciting race for the Premier League title with victory over Muckamore and Woodvale’s controversial defeat by Lisburn.

Lisburn beat CSNI in T20 Plate final ( )

Lisburn II's proved too strong for a youthful CSNI side, with Ian Whitten, Richard Simpson and Man of the Match Jonathan Waite all playing prominent roles.

Bangor lift T20 Trophy ( )

Bangor retained the T20 Trophy Bowl with an ultimately comfortable 7-wickets win over BISC at Upritchard Park.

Muckamore's 150th anniversary celebrations continue ( )

There were more 150th anniversary celebrations at Moylena on Sunday as a Muckamore President's XI took on a NCU President's XI in a 30-overs match that went right to the last ball.

Perfect 10 for O'Mahony ( )

Research into ‘all tens’ have traced more than sixty in Ireland, with the previous best in the NCU being William Kirkpatrick’s remarkable figures of 16-10-14-10 for Dunmurry v Cliftonville in 1950.

Wins for Donacloney Mill and Laurelvale ( )

Atish Varape and Aaron Kennedy score hundreds in Donacloney win, while Adnan Malik helps Laurelvale beat Derriaghy.

Lisburn beat Holywood in U15 Girls final ( )

Lisburn Under 15 girls produced a strong display to beat rivals Holywood and claim the Under 15 Cup in the decider at Seapark.

Lisburn edge out BISC in Midweek Cup final ( )

Lisburn made it a case of third time lucky for the Wallace Park side as they lifted the NCU Midweek Cup with a dramatic Super Over win against BISC.

Woodvale falter in title race ( )

Woodvale's loss to Cliftonville tightens up title race, while at the bottom Carrickfergus lose to CIYMS and Instonians beat CSNI.

Harrison the hero as Waringstown win Junior Cup ( )

Simon Harrison led Waringstown to a tense last over three-wickets win against Lisburn in the Junior Cup final at Bangor.

Waringstown beat Holywood to lift Women's Challenge Cup ( )

Waringstown won the NCU Women’s Challenge Cup for the second time in their history after a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Holywood at Wallace Park.

Muckamore beat Lisburn in Challenge Cup thriller ( )

Muckamore ended their 61-year wait for a second NCU Challenge Cup success as they beat Lisburn by 7 wickets (DLS) in a thrilling rain-affected final at Stormont.

Muckamore win written in the stars ( )

It was written in the stars after all. Muckamore, in their 150th year, have won the Gallagher Challenge Cup, 61 years after their only other triumph.

Humphreys hoping for week to remember ( )

Matthew Humphreys is hoping to make it a week to remember as he returns to Stormont on Friday aiming to bowl Lisburn to Challenge Cup success five days after tasting Test success there with Ireland.

Cregagh beat Lurgan to open up promotion race ( )

Adam McCormick's half century helped Cregagh to a crucial win over league leaders Lurgan in a victory that now means just four points separate the top six teams in the most competitive league in the country.

Van the Man as Muckamore go for glory ( )

JASON van der Merwe will target a magnificent seventh when he lines up for Muckamore against Lisburn in the Gallagher Challenge Cup Final at Stormont on Friday.

Whitworth keen to double up ( )

Lisburn skipper Neil Whitworth will be hoping to end a 30-year drought on Friday as his side takes on Muckamore in the Challenge Cup decider at Stormont (11am).

Home comforts for Woodvale ( )

NCU Premier League leaders Woodvale will finish the season with four home matches with a possible title decider against Waringstown on the final day.

Success for Lisburn in T20 Cup ( )

Lisburn won the first NCU trophy of the season yesterday, defeating hosts Waringstown in the final of the LVS T20 Cup by three wickets.

Lurgan late show lifts T20 Trophy ( )

Lurgan staged a late assault to wrestle the T20 Trophy from the grasp of Donacloney Mill in a thrilling conclusion to the final at the Lawn.

Lisburn lift T20 Cup ( )

Lisburn won the NCU T20 Cup for the first time chasing 128 to beat hosts Waringstown by three wickets at The Lawn.

Muckamore dare to dream ( )

Muckamore go third in the table with a tense win at Lisburn, while Woodvale move level on points at the top with Waringstown after their victory over Cliftonville Academy.

Lurgan stay top in Section One ( )

Lurgan, Templepatrick, Ballymena and Drumaness Superkings all tasted victory in Section One.

Cameron-Dow spins Waringstown to top of the table ( )

Five wickets for James Cameron-Dow and 97 from Sam Topping lead Waringstown to an emphatic win over North Down.

Lisburn and Muckamore reach Challenge Cup final ( )

Muckamore and Lisburn will meet in the NCU Challenge Cup final at Stormont on Friday August 2nd.

NCU Challenge Cup wash-out ( )

It will be a case of try again after both NCU Challenge Cup semi-finals were washed out. CSNI beat CIYMS in the only Premiership action.

Derriaghy and Cregagh win in Section One ( )

The NCU Section One title race is hotting up with wins for Derriaghy and Cregagh on Sunday.

Topping the charts ( )

There were Premiership wins for Waringstown, North Down, CIYMS, CSNI and Muckamore.

Lurgan continue to lead the way ( )

There were wins in Section One for Lurgan, Armagh, Donacloney Mill, Derriaghy and Laurelvale.

NCU Stats - 2024 season ( )

Leading Player stats up to 29 June 2024.

Magnificent Seven for RBAI ( )

It's been a truly outstanding season for the cricketers of RBAI with no fewer than seven trophies collected.

Ulster Schools side to play Leinster named ( )

Ryan Hunter will captain Ulster Schools in their two-day clash against Leinster at Osborne Park.

Adair injury casts shadow over Lisburn win ( )

Waringstown will meet Lisburn in the Final of the T20 Cup in July, but the second Semi-Final at Belmont on Sunday was overshadowed by an injury to Ireland’s leading bowler Mark Adair.

Lisburn and Waringstown reach NCU T20 final ( )

Lisburn and Waringstown will meet in the final of the NCU T20 competition on Sunday July 21st at The Lawn.

Woodvale lead Premiership ( )

There were wins in the NCU Premiership for Woodvale, Lisburn, Muckamore, North Down and Waringstown.

Instonians beat Derriaghy in Banoge Cup final ( )

Holders Instonians retained the Banoge Cup with a six wickets win overs a spirited Derriaghy at Queensway.

Ulster Schools draw with MCC ( )

MCC began their mini-tour of Northern Ireland with a drawn game against Ulster Schools At Osborne Park.

Waringstown and Holywood to meet in Women's Final ( )

Waringstown and Holywood will meet in the final of the NCU Women’s Challenge Cup after both recorded convincing wins in the semi-finals.

RBAI win record 13th Schools' Cup ( )

RBAI won the Schools’ Cup for a record 13th time after a convincing 126-run win against Ballyclare High School at Osborne Park.

Ulster Schools name squad to play MCC ( )

The following team has been selected to represent the Ulster Schools v MCC at Campbell College on Tuesday 18 June – 11.30 am start.

Wins for Lurgan, Cregagh and Donacloney Mill ( )

Lurgan, Cregagh and Donacloney Mill all won in Section One.

Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey ( )

Woodvale, Muckamore, Instonians and Lisburn are into the semi-finals of the NCU Challenge Cup.

Derriaghy top Section One ( )

There were wins in Section One for Cregagh, Donacloney Mill, Ballymena, Derriaghy and Lurgan.

Woodvale stay top despite Lisburn loss ( )

There were Premiership wins for Waringstown, Lisburn, CSNI, Muckamore and Cliftonville Academy.

Dennison ton helps Waringstown to victory ( )

ADAM DENNISON scored a magnificent unbeaten 150 as Waringstown made light work of chasing what looked a challenging 278 by Instonians. The 27-year-old struck 20 boundaries in his match-winning innings, his eighth senior hundred for the club.

Ballyclare stun Campbell to reach Schools' Cup final ( )

Ballyclare stunned Campbell College to win by five wickets and set up a final decider against holders RBAI next week at Wallace Park.

RBAI beat Strabane Academy to reach Schools Cup final ( )

Holders RBAI are safely through to the final of the Schools' Cup after a convincing 123-run win over last year's beaten finalists Strabane Academy at Osborne Park.

Woodvale continue to set pace in NCU Premiership ( )

Woodvale continue to set the pace and are the surprise leaders in the NCU Premiership making it four wins from four thanks to a six-wicket win at Waringstown.

Wins for Armagh and Templepatrick in Section One ( )

Quintin Dreyer hit 195 as Armagh beat Ballymena, while Ross Bryans 50 plus four wickets for John Busby saw Templepatrick defeat Donacloney Mill.

Five NCU sides progress in Ulster Plate ( )

There was no shortage of drama in the Ulster Plate as five NCU and three NW sides made it through to the quarter-finals, with the draw being made on Monday morning.

Challenge Cup round-up ( )

A look at how the second round of the NCU Challenge Cup panned out.

Schools Cup semi-final draw made ( )

Holders RBAI have been drawn against Strabane Academy in a repeat of last year's final, while Ballyclare High School will meet Campbell College in the other semi-final.

Ian Callender's Sunday roundup ( )

Carrickfergus won their first match of the season on Sunday, to join four other teams on four points, inspired by an all-round performance from Ashwin Shetty.

Wins for Carrickfergus and Instonians ( )

There were wins in the NCU Premiership on Sunday for Carrickfergus over Miuckamore, while Instonians edged out CSNI at Stormont.

Campbell College and RBAI reach Schools Cup semi-final ( )

Holders RBAI and Campbell College have made it through to the semi-finals of the Schools' Cup with convincing wins over Down High School and Lisneal College.

NCU Premiership round-up ( )

There were wins in the NCU Premiership for Woodvale, CSNI, North Down, Cliftonville Academy and Instonians.

Shannon hoping to inspire North Down ( )

Anyone watching Instonians playing North Down this month could have been forgiven for thinking they were in a time warp. With Andrew White bowling to Ryan Haire and James Shannon, it was 2012 all over again.

Neill hits century for NCU Under 19's ( )

Jordan Neill's brilliant century inspired the NCU Under 19's to a 27-run win over Lurgan in the NCU T20 Trophy.

Waringstown win thriller at CIYMS ( )

There were wins for Waringstown, Lisburn, Muckamore, North Down and Woodvale in the NCU Premiership.

Wins for Waringstown, Woodvale and Instonians in NCU T20 ( )

Ruhan Pretorius starred as Woodvale beat Lisburn, there were runs for Nikolai Smith as Instonians overcame North Down, while Waringstown had an easy win against Muckamore.

Schools Cup quarter-final draw made ( )

The draw has been made for the last eight of the Schools Cup.

Rock happy to be out of comfort zone ( )

Neil Rock admits he is leaving his comfort zone this season after joining NCU Premier League champions Instonians in one of the high-profile signings of the winter.

NCU Preview 10: Waringstown ( )

Waringstown were in the silverware in 2023, and after a busy close season, they looked to be even stronger for 2024, and will no doubt be at the business end of the various competitions.

NCU Preview 9: Muckamore ( )

It promises to be an exciting, historic season for Muckamore who are celebrating their 150th anniversary. Skipper Neil Gill is at the helm as the club return to the topflight.

NCU Preview 8: Instonians ( )

There’s been a bit of activity at the champions, but although they have lost some key players, they look to have filled the gaps with quality players.

NCU Preview 7: CIYMS ( )

CIYMS are always in the trophy mix and it's expected to be the same this campaign.

NCU Preview 6: Carrickfergus ( )

CJ van der Walt will once again be in the hot seat as he leads Carrickfergus in the top flight of the NCU.

NCU Preview 5: Lisburn ( )

It's the turn of 2022 NCU Premiership champions Lisburn, who have a new captain in Neil Whitworth who has taken over the reins from Callum Atkinson. There are three new faces at Wallace Park including international Mark Adair.

NCU Preview 4: North Down ( )

There has been plenty of activity at The Green over the winter, with club captain Peter Davison happy at the squad that North Down have for the year ahead.

NCU Preview 3: Woodvale ( )

Harry Warke has taken the captain's armband and is looking forward to the new season at Ballygomartin road.

NCU Preview 2: Cliftonville Academy ( )

Matty McCord is the new captain at Cliftonville Academy and they have signed two wicket-keeper batsmen in Kian Hilton and Tommy Orr.

NCU Preview 1: CSNI ( )

We begin our look at the NCU Premiership clubs with CSNI who have former Irish international Stuart Thompson donning the skipper's armband.

North Down sign South African paceman ( )

North Down have confirmed the signing of towering pace bowler Kerwin Mungroo for the upcoming campaign.

Two losses for CIYMS ( )

It was a chastening day for CIYMS in the latest round of matches in the European Championship with a ten-wicket loss against Hornchurch and a last-ball loss against Pak-I-Care.

CIYMS bowlers pummelled in two more defeats ( )

The CIYMS attack was on the receiving end of two more pastings as they were beaten by defending champions Dreux of France and Jersey kingpins Old Victorians.

McCullough stars as CIYMS beat Forfarshire ( )

Carson McCullough scored a half century and took two wickets as CIYMS started Championship week with a convincing win against Forfarshire.

CIYMS win European Group ( )

Jason van der Merwe starred as CIYMS won their group in the European Cricket league to qualify for Championship week.

Two wins for CIYMS on opening day ( )

CIYMS began their quest for European glory with two wins on the opening day of the tournament in Spain.

Neill joining CSNI? ( )

Irish U19 international Jordan Neill is believed to be joining CSNI, having left Merrion.

One in and one out at Waringstown? ( )

Double cup winners Waringstown look set to lose and gain one bowler ahead of the new season.

Instonians confirm Rock switch ( )

Instonians have won the race to sign Irish international Neil Rock, beating off the challenge of at least two other major clubs.

Ulster Plate draw ( )

Holders Donemana will start the defence of the Ulster Plate with a home tie against CSNI.

Challenge Cup draw made ( )

Holders Waringstown begin the defence of their Challenge Cup crown with a home tie against fellow Premiership rivals Cliftonville Academy.

NCU Premiership fixtures announced ( )

NCU Premier League champions Instonians will begin their defence with a trip across Belfast to Civil Service North when the new season starts on Saturday April 27.

Treble success for Waringstown ( )

There was treble cause for celebration with Waringstown the toast of the Cricket Ireland Awards.

Cregagh seeking senior coach ( )

NCU side Cregagh are on the look out for a senior coach.

Waringstown return for Hall ( )

Former Irish international James Hall is returning to Waringstown for the new season.

Waringstown sign Pakistan international ( )

Pakistan international Bilawal Bhatti has been signed by Waringstown for the 2024 campaign.

Commins set for Instonians return ( )

Murray Commins is set for a return to Instonians for the 2024 season.

North Down sign young New Zealander ( )

North Down have recruited teenage all-rounder Liam Hayman for the upcoming season.

CIYMS confirm Bamye signing ( )

CIYMS have confirmed the signing of South African pace bowler Bamanye Xenxe for the 2024 season.

Downpatrick sign Ravi Patil ( )

Downpatrick have confirmed the signing of Indian all-rounder Ravi Patil for the 2024 season.

Shields record century in vain as Grasshoppers beaten ( )

Ally Shields scored a record century for the Ulster Grasshoppers but it was in vain as they were beaten by four wickets against Claremont in their tour finale.

Shields powers Grasshoppers to victory ( )

A powerful unbeaten 70 from Ally Shields secured a second win for the Ulster Grasshoppers on their South African tour as they beat Scorpions by 42 runs.

Johnston Thundering Down ( )

Northern Knights Head Coach Simon Johnston is currently in Australia working with Sydney Thunder.

The Wright stuff ( )

Arnie Wright's superb form on the Grasshoppers tour of South Africa continued on Wednesday, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Ulster side from slipping to a four-wicket loss against Durbanville.

Grasshoppers impressed by school transformation ( )

The Ulster Grasshoppers have been paying a return visit to Chris Hansi Secondary School in Khayelitsha to witness a remarkable transformation in the facilities.

Grasshoppers lose thriller against WPXI ( )

The Ulster Grasshoppers were beaten by one wicket against a strong Western Province Chairman's XI on the second match of their South African tour, having won their opener on Saturday.

Winning start for Grasshoppers in South Africa ( )

The Ulster Grasshoppers have made a winning start on their South African tour with a 59-run win over Groot Drakenstein.

Dudgeon joins CSNI ( )

South African all-rounder Keith Dudgeon is coming back to Northern Irish shores as overseas professional at CSNI for the 2024 season.

Muckamore sign Indian professional ( )

Muckamore have further signalled their intent to make a significant mark on the NCU Premiership with the signing of Indian professional Raj Biswa.

Cliftonville Academy sign Tommy Orr ( )

Cliftonville Academy have further strengthened their ranks with the signing of Eglinton wicket-keeper batsman Tommy Orr.