Young star could play in local derby

Derriaghy Cricket Club are set to blood one young star ahead of Sunday's derby.
Derriaghy's teenage sensation Reece Malone.Derriaghy's teenage sensation Reece Malone.
Derriaghy's teenage sensation Reece Malone.

They host Lisburn for a rearranged fixture on Sunday at 11am and could even include a 14 year-old in their line-up.

Batsman Reece Malone has hit the headlines with a century for the Under 15s and a 54 not-out for the Seconds (see page 47).

Club captain Craig Lewis is rewarding that form with a run-out in Saturday’s Ulster Cup game against Ardmore at home.

Derriaghy will take on Lisburn again on Sunday, weather permitting. US2116-410PM Pic by Paul MurphyDerriaghy will take on Lisburn again on Sunday, weather permitting. US2116-410PM Pic by Paul Murphy
Derriaghy will take on Lisburn again on Sunday, weather permitting. US2116-410PM Pic by Paul Murphy

And should the young star shine, he could even find himself on the pitch against Lisburn.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” said Lewis. If he can put in a good performance then there’s no reason why he can’t force his way into the Premier League team. He’ll certainly put the pressure on the other lads.

“Reece played in the T20 last week against Instonians, who have possibly the best seam bowling attack in the league and definitely the quickest. He came up against an international bowler and he looked pretty comfortable for a 14 year-old. He didn’t shy away from it.

“In the nets, he is very impressive so it’ll be great to give him another game.”

Derriaghy will take on Lisburn again on Sunday, weather permitting. US2116-410PM Pic by Paul MurphyDerriaghy will take on Lisburn again on Sunday, weather permitting. US2116-410PM Pic by Paul Murphy
Derriaghy will take on Lisburn again on Sunday, weather permitting. US2116-410PM Pic by Paul Murphy

While Lewis is taking the chance to give up-and-coming players a game on Saturday, Lisburn will travel to take on Bready in their Ulster Cup tie and their skipper will be going full strength. Adam Berry’s only change will be Graeme Brown coming in for James Magowan.

“We go into every game looking for the win and it will be no different on Saturday,” he said. “We really want to get run in the competition.”

Lisburn will go into Sunday’s Premier League derby having drawn level on points with their neighbours.

That was thanks to a nail-biting win over Carrickfergus last Saturday - a result Berry was delighted to get in such close circumstances.

And now he wants to make sure they make it two league wins in a row.

“This was the game we were all looking forward to since the start of the season,” he said, “It was difficult to take anything from that first game against them but we know they’re a very good side and we know we’ll have to perform to get the right result.”

If Derriaghy are to claim the win, skipper Lewis is likely to be one of the heroes. He’s a man in form, scoring 62 in the defeat to North Down last weekend.

“Lisburn had a good win over Carrickfergus so they’ve got things going,” he said. “We haven’t had a win in a few weeks now and they will be thinking this could be their weekend. Hopefully we can get back to our top level, get a win and get back to a better position in the table.

“We have given the teams a game in recent weeks. We haven’t rolled over or been embarrassed so we’ll keep going.

“We’re enjoying the season. There’s a good feeling about the club and everyone is excited about cricket.”

The least they can all hope for this weekend are games uninterrupted by the weather.