CSNI and Inst to do battle in Cup final

In the intervening years that schoolboy went on to score for Ireland; become both Chairman and President of the Northern Cricket Union and Cricket Ireland.

Tomorrow at Moylena the circle will be completed as Murray Power once again marks the book for Instonians in the GMcG Junior Cup final against CSNI, the old boys’ will hope for a change of luck though.

CSNI captain Wayne Horwood also does back to where it all began as he made his debut for Muckamore in 1990.

His playing career has garnered six Challenge Cup final appearances, winning two, one with Woodvale.

It’s his second Junior Cup final, when I suggested not recalling the first he quipped – “That’s probably because you arrived after the second over!”

Another looking for luck to change but we don’t need reminding of his ability to dictate a game at the top of the order.

“Looking forward to the day, we have some of our younger guys away, indeed we have used well over 30 players on the seconds this year, but we still have that balance of youth and experience.

“We have the likes of Trevor Dalzell, Colin Andrews and James McKinney who made a century in the semi-final.

“Instonians have a good blend of youth and experienced bowlers, the likes of Eugene Moleon and some useful all-rounders, be a tough one to call.”

For Instonians, skipper Michael Warke is the face of Gardiner Brothers the league sponsors and he will be well used to silverware, it’s also his second final:

“I played in a losing final for Woodvale; we have had a good run in the cup everyone has contributed but if you were to pick performances out, Ollie Metcalfe’s 122 in the first round and “mystery” spinner Tommy Luke with 14 wickets in the last three rounds.

“Perhaps the weather is key and if Moylena is slow and low then the spinners on both sides will come into play. A lot of the younger guys in the side have had first team experience as well this season.

“I’m hopeful that Eugene Moleon will play for us and with the likes of James McKinney, Charlie Beverland and Wayne in their line, I expect a good game.”

Warke perhaps underplays his own contribution, having scored vital runs in all rounds to date.