Colhoun accepts exodus

KILLYCLOONEY of course have struggled to keep hold of their players coming through the youth set up and ex-captain James Colhoun accepted that was the case. “It’s been like that for some time now but we are where we are. Players want to move on and younger players come in to take their place - we don’t have the wherewithal of the top clubs so that will happen. “Our under-11 and under-13 teams continue to flourish but the problem with promoting players of that age is that you become loathe to ostracise boys or their parents by selecting some and not others; it becomes a fine balancing act.”
By The Newsroom
Published 31st May 2012, 11:36 BST
Peter Allen pictured at the crease for Newbuildings during their match against Fox Lodge on Saturday. INLS2212-124KMPeter Allen pictured at the crease for Newbuildings during their match against Fox Lodge on Saturday. INLS2212-124KM
Peter Allen pictured at the crease for Newbuildings during their match against Fox Lodge on Saturday. INLS2212-124KM

Turning to the rest of the season and the Killyclooney man was under no illusions about the task ahead. “One team will be relegated from Senior Two this season and we’re in a scrap to avoid being that one. We have to try to find Gordon and Snodgrass’ 50 combined wickets from somewhere and we have struggled to do that so far.

“The batting isn’t as problematic and the recent Sperrin Springs win over a strong Burndennett side did help the confidence levels which is why the cup game against Coleraine did little for us. Jordan Connor is progressing well but is still only 16 and Ashley Buchanan coming back from Donemana also adds to the cause but it looks like being a tough season ahead.”

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Turning to action this week and confirmation that there is a programme of league cricket on Saturday while the Ulster Shield games will be decided on Sunday. We asked James to give us his take on the league games and while he was hopeful of a bold showing against Drummond he was aware of the strengths of Gordon Cooke’s title-challengers. “Gordon and Steve Moore have assembled a good side at present but those two alone are capable of hurting teams. They have just lacked a little consistency at times but there are several young lads shaping up nicely down there which augurs well for them.”

“Ardmore host Eglinton in what could be a tight enough game and despite the fact that they haven’t started well Lee Brolly’s side could come good at any time. It’s actually a tough match to call especially at the Bleachgreen but the Murphy factor will again be critical. Ardmore’s performances are usually dictated by what he does so Eglinton will need to keep him quiet. They have big players of their own of course, none more so than Stephen Smyth and the head-to-head between that pair could be interesting. Eglinton would be favourites, but only just.

“Burndennett travel to Sion in good form after their cup win and playing at the top of their game right now they will be hard to beat. Both sides have improved this year to be honest and Ryan O’Neill’s young team are definitely learning the ropes at this level. Burndennett’s new players have bags of experience on top of their talent however and I just think they will be too strong here.”

Sunday sees Killyclooney head over the Glenshane as the first round of the Ulster Shield takes place, Richard McMorris’ side away at Downpatrick in what looks another big ask for them. Eglinton will hope to bounce back from their defeat by Donemana and should be too strong for Academy while in-form Burndennett will have a chance away at Muckamore. Newbuildings and Ballyspallen have both been invited into the competition to replace Drummond and The Nedd and both have tricky looking ties, Newbuildings away at Cliftonville and ’Splallen at home to Holywood St Johnston will fancy their chances at home to Templepatrick and likewise Ardmore who host Bangor but the Bleachgreen side needs to put a disappointing start behind them if they are to progress.

Related topics:Donemana