Eaton Park cricketers embark upon new season

Ballymena are captained by Simon McDowell, skipper in 2011 and 2012, who takes over from James Kennedy.

“I’m looking forward to returning as captain in 2014,” said McDowell.

“Due to player unavailability issues, May will be a difficult month but, once we have everyone available, we will have a competitive side capable of beating any team in the Premier League.

“We also have our overseas player, Yogesh Takawale, joining us straight from the Indian Premier League and we hope he will provide some fireworks when he arrives.

“Being realistic, I think our first objective is to avoid relegation and, outside of that, hopefully we can mount a cup run.”

Takawale’s call–up to the IPL is a clear indication of his marvellous form over the last 12 months, but it deprives Ballymena of his services until late May. As well as that, Ireland Under-19 international Robert McKinley is studying at Loughborough University and will also miss the opening few games.

This will certainly ask questions of Ballymena’s strength in depth as some of the promising fringe players will have to step in to deputise. The likes of Matthew Purse, Jack Gibson and Ricky McNeill are likely to have opportunities to stake their claims for a permanent spot. Another young player who could feature is 19-year-old Sri Lankan batsman, Ronaka Ahengamage, who is studying at Queen’s.

On the batting front, the Eaton Park side will be looking to experienced players like David Kennedy, James Kennedy and William Montgomery to score vital runs until Takawale arrives.

In addition, all-rounders Steve Lazars and Fergus Taylor will almost certainly have opportunities to bat higher up the order than previously.

In bowling terms, the side will miss the steady slow bowling of last season’s overseas player Kaushik Aphale, who has returned to Derriaghy. This means that, until McKinley returns, a lot of work will fall on McDowell, Taylor, Lazars and the experienced Michael Glass.