Dennison, Hall and Johnny Thompson not included in Northern Knights squad

Adam Dennison, James Hall and Johnny Thompson are the notable absentees from the Northern Knights squad for 2016.
Adam DennisonAdam Dennison
Adam Dennison

It is understood that the NCU spoke to CIYMS all-rounder Thompson about representing the Knights this summer, with the union having decided that anyone playing within the NCU is now eligible for selection.

However, the former Donemana and Brigade man, and Ireland A international, has said he is not playing any representative cricket this summer.

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Waringstown batsman Dennison, the Ireland under-19s international, and former international Hall are also not available for selection.

Johnny ThompsonJohnny Thompson
Johnny Thompson

Notable inclusions are Graeme McCarter, the North West born fast bowler who joined CSNI from Coleraine over the winter, and Jacob Mulder, the Australian leg-spinner who enjoyed a brilliant season with North Down in 2015.

The squad, captained by James Shannon, contains five Waringstown players, and three each from CIYMS, CSNI and Instonians.

Kyle McCallan has stood down as a selector with Ryan Eagleson and Robin Haire coming onto the selection panel.

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NCU chairman Andy Clement said: “I am looking forward to the 2016 season, I still very much see the Knights squad as one which is full of talent and match-winners. I think everyone in the NCU would be in agreement that the team did not perform to its potential in last year’s Inter-Pro series, but I am confident that in the coming months the squad will do the NCU proud both on and off the field. It would be excellent to see some of the Knights players performing to such a level throughout the series that Ireland opportunities come calling.

Johnny ThompsonJohnny Thompson
Johnny Thompson

“I also would like to thank all our sponsors, especially PwC NI, for their continued sponsorship in 2016 which will greatly assist in the plans for the Knights moving forward.”

Eugene Moleon has been reappointed coach for the 2016 season, with Gavin Rogers as his assistant.

Moleon said: “I am looking forward to the 2016 season and continuing working with the players named in the squad. I think we have selected a group of players who are filled with character and potential. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and working with each player, assisting them reach their full potential and bringing home some silverware to the NCU.”

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With Andrew White’s retirement from representative cricket, Shannon has taken on the captaincy. He said: “I feel extremely proud and privileged to be taking over the captaincy from Andrew White following his retirement. I am looking forward to working with the board, management and players to help produce a cricketing environment that reflects the ambitious nature of the NCU. With hard work and enjoyment I have no doubt that the 2016 season will be a successful one for the Northern Knights.”

Knights Squad: J Shannon Capt, (Instonians); M Adair (CSNI), A Coulter, (CIYMS), C Dougherty, (CIYMS), P Eaglestone, (Waringstown), P Eakin (N Down), S Getkate (CSNI), J Holmes (Carrick), N Jones (CIYMS), G Kidd (Waringstown), G McCarter (CSNI), J McCollum (Waringstown), R McKinley, (Instonians), J Mulder (N Down), L Nelson (Waringstown), N Smith, (Instonians), G Thompson (Waringstown).

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