Difficult opener for Lisburn Cricket Club

LISBURN begin their Premier League Cricket season with a difficult match against North Down in the Wallace Park tomorrow (Saturday) at 1pm.

They take on the very strong Comber side without the services of Craig Ervine; the classy Zimbabwean has been called up to the Zimbabwe Twenty/20 team to compete in the World Cup in the West Indies next month.

Lisburn's intention this season was not to employ a full time professional but the absence of Craig has brought about the signing of Yasis Tillikaratne, the ex Bangor professional. He is a Sri Lankan and is a very talented all rounder who comes also as a very well recommended youth coach. However, Yasis has been affected by the recent travel restrictions and is unlikely to be in Lisburn for Saturday's match.

Craig Ervine's brother, Ryan has reached Lisburn and is looking forward to the new season having had a productive season back in Zimbabwe.

The Lisburn team takes on a few changes from last season the first of which is a new member in Sam Ethakoti. Sam is predominantly a batsman and will bat in the middle order. The rest of the batting order includes openers Ryan Ervine, Adam Berry, Captain Greg Thompson, returning member Bruce Topping, back after a long break with the club, Richard Simpson, all rounders David Simpson and Hennie Van de Merwe. Keeping wickets is Dereck McCann, while young bowlers Richard McConkey and Callum Atkinson complete the team.

The game against North Down should prove a good testing ground for a number of these players with a decent score being vital on the opening day of the season.

Lisburn Seconds also play against North Down but at Comber at The Green. Seconds Captain, Richard Booth has a team full of youth and experience at his disposal.

Experience in the shape of the skipper himself, Michael Foster, Jeff O'Hara and Johnny Ritchie should settle the team. Glen Halliday will keep wickets and the youth of the side includes Mark Berry, the brothers, Graham and John Elliott and Chris Redpath. All rounder Graeme Browne, and seam bowler David Kelly completes a well balanced team which could do well in Junior League 1.

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