Double header for Lisburn

AFTER a very modest showing on their first league game of the campaign, Lisburn go into the weekend's double header knowing they must improve significantly if they are to avoid being tagged as potential candidates for the drop out of the Premier League.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Apr 2010, 11:03 BST

North Down showed the type of professional attitude that Lisburn need to acquire very quickly, but it is much too early to begin writing off Greg Thompson's men just yet. While the performance against the Comber men was substandard, it has to be set in the context of an interrupted preparation and the absence of club professional, Yasas Tllakaratne.

Yasas will undoubtedly inject his own style to the squad and will be looking to build on at least some of the few positives to be taken from the game. Ryan Ervine batted very well and some of the bowlers, such as Richard McConkey, Ervine and Davy Simpson looked to be in good form.

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There is still some doubt about when Tillakaratne will arrive in Lisburn, visa difficulties coupled with flight issues post-volcano playing a part. CIYMS and Downpatrick provide the opposition this weekend, with the first match quite probably seeing the much awaited NCU debut of former New Zealand test batsman Craig McMillan.

Wallace Park will likely see a few additional spectators keen to witness this prodigious talent, but Greg Thompson is keen that any viewing of him as a batsman will be shortlived.

"We batted badly against North Down but will put that behind us and look forward to the test that CIYMS will give us on Saturday, and Downpatrick on Monday," said Greg "Obviously there is a lot of chat about McMillan, but if he is playing, he will be just off a plane, and it might be the best time to bowl at him. If he is going to live up to his reputation, I hope it isn't against us. But CIYMS have plenty of other dangers in their side, and we will be aiming to go hard at them right from the start. I know a little less about Downpatrick as they have just been promoted but in Paul Tate, Dale Mullan, James Cunningham and others they have guys who have been there done that in the top flight and I expect a tough contest."

The action commences at the Wallace Park on Saturday at 1pm, with the club also hosting a World Beer Tour for those spectators keen on sampling a wide range of lagers.

Monday's match up is at Downpatrick, again starting at 1pm. The Thirds also kick off their campaign on Monday as they host North Down III in Wallace Park.

Related topics:LisburnPremier LeagueDownpatrick