PLAYERS and supporters of North Down Cricket Club celebrated their season on Friday at the annual awards ceremony.
There was a full house a the TT Bistro as Ireland international Craig Young presented the awards to the various recipients.
The Fletcher Shield, which recognises sportsmanship, enthusiasm and a genuine love for the game, went to Harry Heron and the McVeigh Cup for Most Improved Young Player went to Jaxon Dines.
On the women’s side, the club’s first ever female overseas player – Kiara Fisher – joined proceedings from South Africa to see Gracie Keenan named the 1st Xl batter and bowler of the year. Rebecca Webster took the 2nd XI award and Rachael Gowdy was named the most improved player.
Each of the men’s captains took a turn on the microphone to give a quick reflection on their season before announcing their award winners.
Fifth XI skipper Johnny Heron described a season full of enthusiasm and team spirit. His good friend Steven Barr took the batting award, while young Lleyton Jackson claimed the bowling prize after a breakthrough year.
Fourth XI captain Dean McDonald highlighted the progress of several promising youngsters who made their mark at that level. His award winners were Josh Montgomery (batting) and Isaac Webster (bowling). Third XI captain Jo Montgomery spoke with his usual energy about the balance of fun, development and learning that defines the 3s. His winners were Gavin Anderson (batting) and Fraser Mitchell (bowling).
Peter Shields spoke on behalf of the 2s, despite not playing a match all season, leaving Drew Parker to take the reins after the elected skipper’s early withdrawal.
The 2nd XI bowling award went to Ryan Haire, who finished with 25 wickets, while Hammy Coulter topped the batting with 497 runs.
Finally, 1st XI captain Tyron Koen rounded off the team awards with a few reflections on the season.
He acknowledged the ups and downs but focused on the positives — the strong finish, the emergence of young players, and the goal of playing a more attacking brand of cricket next year.
Josh Corbett took the Bowling Award after a consistent season with the ball and Stevie Saul claimed the Batting Trophy and also took home the overall Player of the Year award for 2025.
The Shields Cup, for the Clubperson of the Year, brought a big round of applause for this year’s winner — Amy Boyd.
She stepped in as Ladies 1st XI captain, played for the 2s, helped with the Minis, coached when needed, looked after social media and even did the men’s 1s scorebook.
The Russell Cup, for Captain of the Year and in memory of Chris Russell, went to Jo Montgomery, who took charge of the 3rd XI with a clear mission: promote the team and develop young players.
This year’s Roy Thompson Coaching Award went to John Gilliland, in recognition of years of quiet, consistent dedication to developing young cricketers — particularly within the girls’ and ladies’ sections.
