CRICKET: North West men selected for winter squad

Four North West cricketers have been selected for Ireland’s Emerging Players Programme squad which will train over the winter months at Bready and North County.
Ireland's David Rankin. Picture by Barry Chambers/Press EyeIreland's David Rankin. Picture by Barry Chambers/Press Eye
Ireland's David Rankin. Picture by Barry Chambers/Press Eye

Eglinton’s Ross Allen, Coleraine’s Rishi Chopra, Donemana’s Gary McClintock, Bready batsman David Rankin and CIYMS’ Chris Dougherty are all selected.

There’s a youthful look to the squad which includes no fewer than 14 former Ireland Under 19 internationals.

Cricket Ireland have revamped the EPP format, which will now operate on a centralised rather than regional basis with a new team of specialist coaches.

Ireland assistant coach Pete Johnston will head up the programme, with Ian McGregor appointed as Lead Coach. Eugene Moleon is the fast bowling coach, while Albert van der Merwe, Nigel Jones and Andrew White add their considerable experience to the coaching resources.

Brendan Connor (Strength and Conditioning) and Scott Irvine (Performance Analyst) complete the eight man coaching line-up.