Andrew named as new Derriaghy coach

29-year-old Andrew Kerr from Tasmania, Australia will be taking the place of Sri Lankan C Pushpalal who has been unable to secure the necessary travel visa.

Andrew has spent many years coaching and playing for Woodbridge CC in a Tasmanian Grade league.

Andrew, who is a Cricket Australia Level 1 (UKCC Level 2 Equivalent) coach, will be here in time for the club’s opening league match at home to Woodvale on April 28. The Tasmanian is a batting all rounder who bowls leg spin.

He will also lead the club’s youth coaching programme which will begin next week. On Tuesday evenings from 5.45pm to 7.00pm the club has sessions for primary school children over 7 years and then from 7.00pm to 8.30pm it’s for those in year 8 and 9. Then on Wednesday evening from 6.45pm coaching takes place for 14 and 15 year olds. For all others it’s Monday and Thursday evenings from 6.30pm and all new players will be most welcome.

Derriaghy started their 2012 season with a pre-season game away to Irish champions Waringstown, and although losing by 67 runs, they put in a fighting performance that bodes well for the season ahead.

Derriaghy, missing a few first team regulars as well as their new overseas player, Andrew Kerr, lost the toss and were asked to bowl. Waringstown scored 201 all out in their 40 overs. Craig Lewis bowled economically and although he didn’t take any wickets he will be happy with his performances. The main wicket takers were Curtis Moorehead and Wayne Hughes with 3 wickets each. Moorehead bowled very nicely, belying his 16 years and his wickets were Nelson, Cousins and Bushe, not a bad trio of senior wickets. Hughes continues to impress as the clubs leading spinner and he bowled beautifully and was assisted by two stumpings by Stephen Cairnduff. There was 2 wickets for Ricky Hewitt as well who bowled economically at the start of the innings. The only sour note was an injury sustained while bowling to leading all-rounder, Craig Lewis. The ankle injury looked serious and Derriaghy will hope he can return for the league opener with Woodvale.

In reply Derriaghy batted with application and occupied the crease. They scored 134 all out with Davy Scott top scoring with 23. There was also useful contributions from Matty Jennings, Mark Coburn and Ricky Hewitt. At 78 for 3 after 25 overs Derriaghy may have hoped for slightly more, but all in all this was a good workout and the batsmen used this as practice, much more beneficial than nets. This weekend the club host Saintfield on Saturday and Cliftonville on Sunday, both games start at 1pm and are 40 over games.