Villagers face early season test

They travel to Comber to take on deadly rivals North Down after both teams opened up with confidence boosting wins last weekend.

The villagers disposed of Carrickfergus with new professional Victor Mpitsang making a good first impression with four for 29.

“He bowled very well and could even have had better figures,” said Waringstown captain Jonathan Bushe. “He has a good pedigree with South Africa and he looks a very good bowler.”

The plan to open the batting with Kyle McCallan also paid dividends. “He gives us more solidarity at the top of the order. He batted very well and we are hoping he will get a lot of runs for us this year,” added Jonathan.

North Down opened with a comfortable victory against Lisburn.

“Saturday is a big game for us,” added Jonathan. “They have lost a couple of players and we are going there full of confidence so there is no reason why we can’t turn them over.”

Selection of the team for Saturday is not until tonight (Thursday) and it should be along the usual lines.

“Young Josh Hall played last Saturday and he was picked on merit. The seconds had no match but we have to consider whether instead of batting nine and not bowling for the firsts he plays on the seconds where he opens the bowling,” said Jonathan. “But by the end of the season he could be established on the first team.”

The villagers will only be back to full strength when Gary Kidd - on international duty - and Keith Allen - at university - return.

“We have a decent squad to choose from and competition for places is quite intense at the moment,” said Jonathan.