Luke Georgeson giving CSNI extraimpetus after impressive NCU debut

Stuart Thompson’s blistering 73* from 36 balls helped them to an opening day win at Shaws Bridge before Luke Georgeson scored 75* on Thursday evening as they maintained their unbeaten start and underlined their credentials in the shortest format.

Twenty-two-year-old Irish passport holder Georgeson has started life in the NCU in fine fashion, scoring 97 runs and picking up three wickets in his first two games since moving from New Zealand.

He also top-scored with 46 on his Northern Knights debut and Ben Adair, who is stand-in captain when Gary Wilson is absent due to North West Warriors commitments, has been impressed by the all-rounder.

“He’s still quite young but his maturity has impressed me,” he said. “He comes across a lot older than he actually is.

“He captains his team back home so he is used to that role as well and he thinks about the game in a very good way. He advises and knows what’s going on, so he is a very switched on cricketer.

“As far as his ability goes, he was up at nets this week bowling leggies and the boys couldn’t pick him.

“I think he plays off no handicap in golf too so I fear he is one of those guys that is good at everything he does!

“It’s brilliant to have him around and he looks quality with the bat. We are still to see the best of him with the ball but there are really good signs from him.”

Georgeson is one of three major signings the Stormont club made ahead of this season alongside Ben White and Ben Mackey, who picked up figures of 3-18 against CIYMS.

Twenty20 hasn’t been their strong point in recent years after losing in the first round last season and finishing bottom of their group in 2019, but Adair believes the extra depth gives them a major chance of putting that record right and is looking to continue their form against Lisburn on Saturday.

“We have options everywhere,” he added.

“In previous years we have struggled a bit with Twenty20.

“I can definitely see we have put more of a focus on it and T20 in general has come a long in cricketing terms.

“We are focusing very hard on the competition and having those options is crucial.”

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