Lisburn and Derriaghy drawn away in Senior Challenge Cup

Derriaghy official David Skelton at the draw for the first round of the newly-sponsored Northern Cricket Union Arthur J. Gallagher Senior Challenge Cup with Gordon Markey of AJG (left) and the NCU President, Peter McMorran. The club will be away to either Donaghcloney or Academy on May 14.

Lisburn will travel to Lurgan and Derriaghy will play either Donacloney or Academy.

The tournament features the eight Premier and 10 Section 1 clubs and the full draw is:

Preliminary Round (April 30):

Donaghcloney v Academy, Saintfield v Armagh.

First Round (May 14):

Civil Service North v Saintfield or Armagh; Muckamore v Instonians; Woodvale v CIYMS; Donaghcloney or Academy v Derriaghy; Waringstown v Ballymena; Carrick v Bangor; Downpatrick v North Down; Lurgan v Lisburn.

This season’s competition will be the first in a three year sponsorship deal between the NCU and the international insurance brokers Arthur J. Gallagher.

The company says that throughout its evolution from local to international brokers it has always remained a regional service and supporting big events like the NCU Challenge Cup “is a perfect fit”.

The chairman of the NCU, Andy Clement, said the Union was delighted to welcome a new name to local cricket sponsorship.

“It will help to further strengthen Arthur J. Gallagher’s local business commitment - as well as a sport which continues to reach new levels of excellence”, he said.

The company takes over the sponsorship from Ulster Bank which stepped in in recent years until a new sponsor was found and which continues its long support of the four sections of the NCU Senior League.