NCU Representative Directorate

Update: Graeme McCarter has not been cleared to play in the Inter Pro this week by Cricket Ireland because of back injury. He is replaced by Allen Coulter of CIYMS.

The Northern Knights team to face the North West Warriors in the three day game at Bready on the 21st-23rd June has been named.  James Shannon will captain the team after sitting out of the T20 clash between the two teams at Comber due to injury.  The selectors also elected not to bring in any overseas players for this game.  

New Ireland selector Andrew White said, "Unfortunately, Phil Eaglestone (work), Robert McKinley (Loughborough University) and Gary Kidd (work) are unavailable for selection, however this gives an opportunity for Lee Nelson to return to the squad. His all round ability will be important, especially backing up Jacob Mulder in the spin department.  It is also great to have the services of James McCollum at the top of the order again following his successful performance for Ireland 'A' last week".

Also retaining his spot in the three day squad is Nathan Smith who was forced out of the previous game against Leinster Lightning with an injury and he will be hoping to take the opportunity to make an impact.

After the shift to the shortest format of the game in their previous fixture – a 12 run loss to the same opponents in a T20 game at Comber - the Knights will be looking forward to returning to the multi day version of the game where they have shown considerable skill and resolve in claiming two draws against the Leinster Lightning in their opening two fixtures. 

At times the Knights found themselves on top but were unable to drive the advantage home and will be looking to improve upon that in this upcoming fixture and all rounder Greg Thompson is convinced the side is moving in the right direction.  "We're really looking forward to the match against the Warriors up in Bready.  It was good to finish ahead of Leinster on points from our games against them this season, however, it could be critical that in both games there were times when we had the upper hand and we weren't able to convert those into wins.  The North West will pose a different challenge and we'll have to play well to keep giving ourselves these match winning opportunities."

• James Shannon - Instonians (Captain)
• Allen Coulter - CIYMS
• Chris Dougherty - CIYMS
• Shane Getkate - CSNI
• Jamie Holmes - Carrick
• Jamie Magowan - Muckamore
• James McCollum - Waringstown
• Jacob Mulder - North Down
• Lee Nelson - Waringstown
• Nathan Smith - Instonians
• Nikolai Smith - Instonians
• Greg Thompson - Waringstown