Donegal men looking forward

Just as importantly it is also the year that the club managed to field more teams than it ever has before, with 1st and 2nd XI, midweek, ladies and Under 12 teams all competing. Furthermore the mix of gender, culture, age and religion provides a diverse, enjoyable and educational atmosphere - there is a lot to be proud of.

As a result it is with certainty that it can be said that St.Johnston CC once again is a significant contributor to the fabric of cricket in Ireland.

The winter months saw most playing members contributing to ground and pavilion redevelopment, which sees vast improvements to the facilities players and visitors alike.

On the playing front they have secured the services of Bobby Rao, ex-international player and coach. He has been in the North West playing and coaching cricket for many years.

Raj Padmanabhan is thrilled they have secured Rao’s services for this season.

“Bobby as well as coaching cricket does substantial work as Chairman of the ethnic minority council in the North of Ireland.

“The aim, with the help of Bobby's experience and skills, is to provide a sustainable club structure, maximizing the potential for club growth through all sides of the community, as well as raising the standards of the current crop of players.

“All the players are excited with the prospect of playing in the highest league in the union. Practice started in earnest from February (indoors nets). Skipper Andrew Fleming has been very diligent in ensuring that a good turnout at the nets.

“As a club we will fight tooth and nail to play competitively in section 1, but no satisfaction would be gained in paying players to artificially stay at that level to the detriment of the facilities and infrastructure of the club.

“The same team that won the Senior II league will be back in action in 2010, with the exception of Richard Cooke who is currently in Australia.

“Rammohan Goud, from Letterkenny Indian contingent, has completely recovered from the illness that kept him out of the most of last year, and is raring to be at the forefront of the bowling attack. The Second XI is also being strengthened with the addition of some additional playing resources.”