The Northern Cricket Union (NCU) Under 17’s fell to defeat in their first inter-provincial match against the North West.

With the North West batting first, Coleraine all-rounder Rishi Chopra played a captains innings for his team as he top scored with an unbeaten 42 to steer the North West to 151 for 9 in their 50 overs. The NCU bowlers all impressed, with Mark Adair (2-18), Carl Rae (2-21) and Thomas Magowan (2-26) all claiming two wickets.

After a slightly wayward start with the ball, the North West settled down and soon had the NCU under pressure. Mark Adair sparkled briefly and top scored with 25, but only Paddy Park (20) offered any support, as the NCU were dismissed for 124.

Eglinton's Jamie Miller had excellent figures of 4 for 26, whilst Rishi Chopra (2-25) was also among the wickets to complete a fine afternoon for the spinner.

Following the match, Nigel Jones, Head Coach of the NCU U17 squad, said: “It was a disappointing result for sure, our batting let us down and that is an area we must address and get right before the next game on the 26th May.  I thought we showed glimpses of what we can do and there were some real positive performances with the ball.”

The next match for the Under 17’s is on 26th of May where they take on the U17 Southern XI at YMCA Cricket Club.

Match Summary:
NW Under 17s 151-9 (50 overs, R Chopra 42no, M Adair 2-18, C Rae 2-21, T Magowan 2-26)
NCU Under 17s 124 (38.4 overs, M Adair 25, P Park 20, J Miller 4-26, R Chopra 2-25, R Allen 2-31)
NCU U17 lost to NW U17 by 27 runs.