News

With the RSA Cricket Ireland Awards now just seven weeks away, it is time to take a look at some of the awards and as to who some of the likely candidates could be for each category.
With the RSA Cricket Ireland Awards now just seven weeks away, it is time to take a look at some of the awards and as to who some of the likely candidates could be for each category. Speculation is rife over who will take the awards home and the eventual winner of the Club Player of the Year sponsored by O’Neills could be listed below
Club Player of the Year sponsored by O’Neills

First up for discussion will be Club Player of the Year and there are plenty of players to choose from. Today I’m going to take a look at the players who could be in contention from the Northern Cricket Union.

James Shannon has impressed since scoring 51 in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup last season and this year he has gone from strength to strength, scoring 746 runs at an average of 62 in 18 matches. His innings of 99* from just 93 balls was a classy knock and was instrumental in Instonians beating North Down by eight wickets in the NCU Ulster Bank Senior Cup final. He also claimed a hat-trick against Ulster Bank Premier League winners CIYMS and scored the most 50s this season with eight.

He’s not the only NCU player in with a chance at winning though. The experienced Ryan Haire has once again enjoyed a prolific season and is the top all-rounder in the region, scoring a huge 954 runs at an average of 48 in 23 games. He also took 28 wickets with an average of 24.46 and helped North Down to the NCU Ulster Bank Senior Cup final with 76 in the semi-final against Lisburn.

Jeremy Bray was one of several players who made the move to CIYMS this season and though the former international only played 15 matches – no doubt due to his role as Ireland Women’s senior coach – he still scored 529 runs at 66 with a highest score of 110 against Instonians. Bray’s consistency with the bat no doubt helped CIYMS to claim the Ulster Bank Premier League.

Let’s not forget about the bowlers, though. Zach Rushe has done well after moving to Instonians from Bangor and he tops the bowling averages taking 31 wickets at 14.19 from 18 matches. And don’t discount the chances of retired Ireland player and current Sky Sports guest pundit Kyle McCallan. The veteran from Waringstown is still showing his class scoring 507 runs at an average of 46 and taking 28 wickets at an average of 17.18.

So who do you think has the best chance from the NCU? Does the newest international James Shannon represent the region’s best chance? Or could one of the older and more experienced players be in with a shout. Maybe you think it’s about time a bowler is recognised with the award? Let us know by leaving a comment below and/or by clicking the link below to

Next up I’ll take a look at the prospects from the North West Cricket Union, so until then…

Charlie

For more details on the RSA Cricket Ireland Awards click here. You can make YOUR nomination for who you think deserves to win Club Player of the Year now. To reserve your seat at the Awards NOW click here

Charlie Irwin
James Shannon received his first cap this summer © Cricket Ireland/Barry Chambers
Yes