Chopra secures NW Player of the Month accolade

The all-rounder scored 409 runs including an unbeaten 192 against Limavady, captured nine wickets and took four catches and a run out to amass an impressive 639 points.

That haul was just enough to see off the challenge of May’s winner - Newbuildings West Indian professional Peat Salman who gained 621 points.

Other players who impressed were the professionals from Glendermott - Azeem Ghumman (544 points) - and Eglinton’s Oraine Williams (463 points).

A special word of praise to Luke Hayes of Fox Lodge who in a golden month took 15 wickets at the incredibly low average of 5.53.

The Coleriane trio of Stephen Hutchinson, Matty Smyth and Gordon Cooke also had successful months with the ball, capturing 15, 14 and 13 wickets respectively.

The awards are calculated in conjunction with the CricketEurope Statszones, with monthly and year end prizes courtesy of League sponsor Long’s Supervalu and NW Warriors sponsor, The Best Western White Horse Hotel.

While David Lapsley was the runaway winner in last week’s Long’s SuperValu North West Performance of the Week.

The St Johnston all-rounder scored a whopping 167 points as he made 57, took three catches and four wickets to help the Donegal side claim their first league win of the season.

Other players to score above the hundred mark last week were the Killyclooney pair of Andra Henry and Keith Buchanan who scored 111 points and 103 points respectively.

Glynn King of Ardmore and Gordon Cooke of Coleraine both returned five wicket hauls which saw them make an impressive 100 points, while Bready teenager Dawson Crumley managed 101 points with a superb all-round display.

The awards are compiled in conjunction with the CricketEurope Statszones with a point awarded for every run scored, 20 for each wicket and 10 for catches and run outs.

Meanwhile Ireland cricketer Stuart Thompson has taken a break from the game as he receives treatment for performance anxiety.

The Eglinton and North West Warriors all-rounder has been absent from recent Ireland, interprovincial and club cricket.

After recent speculation, Thompson has spoken frankly about his condition and the help he has been receiving.

“I have realised it is in my best interests and everyone else involved in the squad and Cricket Ireland to be open and honest about my situation,” said Thompson.

“I have been struggling this season which culminated in needing a complete break from the game.

“With the backing of Cricket Ireland, I have received expert help and I now understand a lot more about my condition and how I can overcome it.

“I am now looking forward to practicing methods to manage my anxiety and hope to return to cricket very soon. I’ve the best team around me to help me through it and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth added: “Stuart is getting expert support which we are confident will get him back in the game soon.

“Stuart will continue to take a break from the game but hopes to be back very soon.

“We would again ask that he be allowed to recover in private for the immediate future.”