Villagers' focus turns to cup test

Sinton is keen to use the road trip as an opportunity for team development when the Villagers visit CSNI seconds tomorrow (Saturday) in the Junior Cup.

“The game was abandoned due to the weather after about 32 overs and we probably did not do justice to our ability across the opening 27,” said Sinton. “However, then we got back into contention and produced some positive performances.

“It was great to see Lee Edgar back on form within his 10 overs.

“Simon Hughes stepped away from senior duty this season but returned due to a player shortage and claimed two wickets from two balls.

“His hat-trick delivery was postponed because of the weather but that should not take away from the overall lessons.

“Our bowling struggled for consistency and we were poor at times in the field so must work on those areas.

“We must remember the problems created by those conditions for future tests, including this weekend’s Junior Cup tie.”

Laurelvale travel to take on CSNI seconds this weekend, having been handed a first-round bye.

“The Junior Cup is a competition we want to do well in and have been frustrated with across previous seasons,” said Sinton. “We should take confidence from the positive league start of three wins from three games and must now face a rearranged date with Holywood down the line.”

Laurelvale’s commitment to grassroots cricket recently resulted in tournament success for Seagoe and Edenderry primary school pupils.

The Villagers’ Kwik Cricket programme featured play for boys and girls thanks to sponsorship support from Charles Hurst Motors.

Seagoe proved too strong for Hardy Memorial in the inaugural girls’ event, with Edenderry top of the open programme for a second successive season.

Coaching staff from Laurelvale have logged up 24 hours of support to 11 schools within the area.

The Northern Ireland finals will feature Seagoe and Edenderry at Stormont on Wednesday, June 15.

“Thanks go to the various schools for taking part,” said Laurelvale’s Wesley Best. “We hope to make the tournaments even better next year.

“Ladies and girls train each Monday night at Laurelvale, with junior training for everyone every Wednesday.

“Those coaching sessions will run from 6.30 to 8 o’clock.”

TAVERNERS

Portadown Taverners opened the season at Chambers Park on Friday with the latest meeting against The Ambassadors.

This fixture dates back across almost a decade of building on links between Portadown’s cricket panel and the football club.