Holmes and Thompson boosts

The New Zealand batsman, who holds an Irish passport, is due to arrive in Northern Ireland today (Thursday) in a move that should give Lurgan an added dimension.

Captain Stephen Johnston said, “The first two matches have shown that we need more runs in the middle order and hopefully Jamie should provide that. I haven’t spoken to him yet but my feeling would be that he bats in the middle order.

“I was pleased with how we played against North Down. The bowlers did well and 230 wasn’t a big score to chase at North Down. But the middle order let us down after a good start. James McCollum batted as well as I’ve ever seen him.”

Waringstown meanwhile travel to Bonds Glen looking to banish the memory of Saturday’s home defeat by Instonians. Greg Thompson makes his competitive debut after missing the opening two weekends because of hockey commitments.

McCallan said, “Saturday was very disappointing, we just didn’t play well enough. This league is a good standard and if you don’t play well enough you won’t beat the top teams. We batted poorly and I include myself in that, a number of players played very poor shots. 190 odd was never going to be enough at Waringstown.”

McCallan warned his side against complacency as they prepare to face a team in the North West Championship.

“It’s a bit unpredictable because the game is at Bonds Glen and we’ve never been there before having Greg available is an enormous boost.”