Derriaghy set for new season

Skipper Matthew Jennings is delighted that Indian professional Kaushik Aphale is returning after spending the past three years at Ballymena.

Alfie will not, though, arrive before Saturday’s game, so Lurgan, who were relegated from the Premier league last season, will come into this game as favourites to not only win but to bounce back and gain promotion again.

Derriaghy had a good 2013 season, finishing fourth in the league and with the return of Kaushik Aphale to their ranks they will be hoping to improve on their position this time around.

The remainder of the squad is fairly similar and it is hoped that Peter Bell, who scored a blistering century for the Colts team against North Down last year, will cement his place in the first team.

Also hoping to play more this year is Ricky Hewitt.

Craig Lewis, the club’s, top performing all-rounder for a number of seasons will again be the man to watch and along with the ever consistent Andy Kenny are likely to be the main run scorers.Opening bowler Mark Stinson, who joined the club from Lurgan at the start of 2013, will no doubt relish Saturday’s fixture which is due to get underway at 1pm.

All associated with the club send out their congratulations to Under-15 player Ben Craig who has been selected to play in the NCU Town v Country trial match on 5 May at The Lawn.

The NCU team for the upcoming inter-provincial series will be selected after this match.

The new youth season gets underway at Derriaghy on Monday evening with primary school children training from 5.45 - 7pm and then U13 and 15s from 6.45 - 8.30pm.

All current and new members will be welcome.