New T20 cricket campaign starts this evening

It has been a long wait, but the fact that clubs and the local Union have found a formula that works is testament to the efforts of all parties over the last few months.

Restrictions at various sporting venues mean that only T20 cricket is a viable option for now.

The beauty of that however is that the format has the potential to be a great ‘leveller’, allowing organisers to pit clubs from both the Premier and Championship divisions together in one tournament.

This evening’s opener features two top-flight sides, albeit they have enjoyed contrasting fortunes during the extended close season.

Coleraine are the only side in the region who will have their overseas professional in the ranks this summer.

South African all-rounder Graham Hume opting to stay on the north coast at the end of the 2019 campaign as he begins what he hopes will be his qualification period towards playing International cricket for Ireland.

Hume is joined by a quartet of new-ish faces at the club as former players David Cooke, Niall McDonnell and Gareth Burns return along with highly-rated wicket-keeper/batsman Will Smale.

The 19-year old won’t be available for tonight’s game however; Smale will be arriving at the start of August as he prepares to join the North West Warriors for the short Interprovincial campaign.

Club captain Stephen Hutchinson admits that having Hume in his ranks could be important if matches are getting tight, but insisted that it wasn’t all about one player and he has believes his squad is strong throughout.

“His quality and experience could be the difference when the going gets tough, however Brigade won the double last year without an overseas pro,” he stated.

“It’s been a strange sort of build up for me personally as I’m not a massive fan of T20 cricket, however it has been difficult not to get caught up in the buzz around the club.

“We’ve been training hard since we got the go-ahead and the boys can’t wait to get started.

“The fact that we’re involved in the first game on Friday night at home to Ballyspallen is a great boost and we’re really looking forward to it.

“In fairness the T20 format gives everybody a chance and there’s the potential for plenty of surprises.

“On our team front, David Cooke is back at the club as is Niall McDonnell. Will Smale is set to come in as well and that gives our batting order a really strong look.

“Gareth Burns is back too which gives us extra options with the ball and I think it’s fair to say that after a quiet few months we’re definitely raring to go and can’t wait for the Ballyspallen game.”

Ballyspallen’s cause has been hindered by the loss of some of last year’s key performers with outgoing captain Adam McDaid, Steven McCloskey, Jamie Millar and Craig Averill among those believed to be on the move.

Like all bar Coleraine, the Bridge Park outfit won’t have their overseas man either, however Chris Moore comes out of retirement to help the cause as does his former Drummond team mate, Craig Hartin.

This of course is T20 cricket and anything can happen. While they will start underdogs, the visitors have plenty of firepower left in the squad, headed by the Kennedy boys on whom a lot will now depend.

The reality is that for most of this year it looked as if there might be no season at all therefore there will be a real sigh of relief when we do finally get going tonight, weather permitting.

There are another seven fixtures pencilled in for tomorrow across the region as the local cricket fraternity are determined to make the most of what is left of the summer.

Senior Cup Group Fixtures (Saturday, July 18): Killyclooney v Bonds Glen; Donemana v Ardmore; Brigade v St Johnston; Glendermott v Newbuildings; Burndennett v Bready; Strabane v Fox Lodge; Eglinton v Coleraine..

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