Jay stars for NCU side

TEMPLEPATRICK Cricket Club batsman, Jay Hunter, starred for the Northern Cricket Union Under 15 XI in Dublin, where his runs tally topped 200 over three innings.

Along with club-mates Daniel McFadden and David Gibson, he played in all three matches against the North West, Munster and Leinster, scoring 217 runs in the process.

Against North West, Jay scored an undefeated 53, and shared a vital partnership of 46 with young Gibson who scored 18 not out.

McFadden confirmed his all rounder claims when he took 2 for 7 against Munster, but was overshadowed by Hunter who hit a magnificent match-winning 118 not out.

The 'Patrick trio all impressed against Leinster, with Hunter scoring 46 and McFadden 42, while Gibson returned figures of 3 for 18.

As a result of their efforts, Danny and Jay have been selected for the forthcoming Ulster Schools Under 15 tour to Lancashire.

Reflecting on the achievements of three of the club's protgs, chief coach Andy McCrea said: "Everyone at Templepatrick Cricket Club is delighted that the lads all performed superbly in Dublin against the cream of teenage talent from all over Ireland.

"It was a great honour for our club to have three players in the team, and further congratulations are extended to Jay and Danny who have been selected for the Ulster Schools XI."

Meanwhile, after having received a bye in the first round, Templepatrick stormed into round three of the Ulster Under 17s Colts Cup with fifty runs to spare against Larne.

After having been inserted at Rashee Road, Templepatrick got off to a fine start when Luke Armstrong (10) and Jay Hunter put on thirty for the first wicket, to lay the foundation for a tally of 145 for 5 in their allotted twenty-five overs.

A second wicket century stand between Hunter (55) and Danny McFadden (55) proved to be decisive, when Larne were bowled out for only 95 in twenty-two overs. Houston Saunderson (42) and Robert McKinley (20) were the seasiders' top scorers, on an evening when the home bowlers were in fine form.

Spinner Hugo Kinahan starred with 3 for 3 in three overs, and he also brought down the victory curtain when his excellent return from deep third man to wicket-keeper Armstrong left the Larne batsman well short.

The other wickets were taken by Ross Bryans 3 for 22 off five and McFadden 2 for 16 off 5.

In the third round Simon Beattie's lads face a sterner challenge when they entertain Instonians on a date still to be determined.