Bright young prospects leave CIYMS on eve of season

Aaron Johnston, the outstanding young batsman, and seam bowler Adam Beattie have had their transfer forms signed by CI. The pair are set to move to Section Two club Cregagh.

The pair sought their release at the end of last week and intend to join Cregagh, where Johnston’s younger brother Mark plays.

Both youngsters played in last year’s Challenge Cup final victory over Instonians and Johnston was considered one of the brighest young batting prospects in the Premier League.

A CI spokesman said: “Aaron sustained a bad injury over the winter, which he still hasn’t recovered from, and he wishes to play cricket with his younger brother at Cregagh.

“We are disapppointed to be losing Aaron and Adam, because they are promising young cricketers but we wouldn’t stand in their way. We wish both of them every success, and Aaron a full recovery from his injury. Perhaps some day they will be back at CI.”

Johnston told the News Letter: “I enjoyed my time at CI but I have decided to move back to the club where I started in order to play with my brother Mark and other mates of mine.”

Johnston caught the eye during the first half of last season, culminating in a decisive contribution to the thrilling Twenty20 Cup final victory over Waringstown, where he clubbed a vital unbeaten 21 from just 12 balls.