With the advent of a new year the coming months are vital for representative cricketers within the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) as they enhance their skill sets for the forthcoming season. January is a time of year when many indoor facilities are out of action in schools and at universities due to the examination period. This year the Northern Cricket Union has taken a pro-active approach and secured half of the indoor 3G pitch at University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus. 

In sporting conversation the term artificial turf will evoke memories of the plastic football pitches installed at some English football clubs in the 1980's. Thirty years later and with technological advancements a revolution in playing surfaces is gathering momentum that can be utilised by other sports. The foresight of the Northern Cricket Union in seeking to use alternative sports facilities such as the artificial turf at UUJ will allow for a dedicated focus on fielding and agility throughout January.

On Sunday 8th January seven different groups: Under 9's, 11's, 13's, 17's, Knights, Girls and Ladies, made excellent use of the facility with their coaches. In so doing this allowed over one hundred NCU cricketers to hone their skills in perfect conditions.