THE 2025 cricket season is under way at North Down Cricket Club, and it promises to be the busiest in the club’s history.
With five men’s teams, two ladies’ teams, nine youth squads, school outreach programmes and regular coaching nights, all that’s needed now is a bit of sunshine to keep the momentum going.
The winter was a productive one for the club, with highlights including drainage works on the second ground — funded by Ards and North Down Borough Council — and a continuation of the Youth Academy programme for top junior talent.
Socially, the club continues to flourish as a community hub with strong links in place with North Down Hockey Club, Comber Young Men FC and Ballydrain Harriers AC. Facilities remain available for hire, and new members are invited to visit the club website or contact: info@northdowncricketclub.co.uk
Men’s Cricket
THE men’s 1st XI has undergone some changes, welcoming a new professional alongside the appointment of a player/coach and an overseas player for the season. They face a tough schedule in a strengthened Premier League and several cup competitions.
A busy summer began with the visit of north Dublin side The Hills CC to Comber for a two-day friendly. After a rain-affected Saturday, North Down posted 158 in 38 overs with notable contributions from captain Tyron Koen (40), Kian Hilton (18), and Tom Crothers (43*). Sunday’s adjusted 30-over chase saw The Hills fall just three runs short. Koen, Aahil, Shields, and McClure-Dalzell all picked up wickets in a solid bowling display.
The 1st XI continue pre-season friendlies this weekend with matches against Muckamore and Ardmore, ahead of their Premier League opener against Cliftonville Academy on April 26.
The club’s other men’s teams are also ramping up for the season. The 2nd XI plays Ards & Donaghadee this Friday and Bangor on April 21. Outdoor training is now in full swing every Tuesday and Thursday at The Green.
New signings
TYRON Koen has joined as 1st XI captain/coach on a multi-year deal. The Durban native and former KwaZulu-Natal Inland all-rounder already has NCU experience with Ardmore and CIYMS and is expected to lead with both bat and ball. Last season, Koen racked up 610 runs at an average of 36 and grabbed 28 wickets at 20 apiece.
Kian Hilton, a wicketkeeper-batsman, arrives from Cliftonville Academy after a strong 2024 season. He also represented Ireland in the U19 Cricket World Cup, where his innings of 90 against Bangladesh and a key 72 in the historic win against New Zealand helped Ireland achieve their best-ever finish at the tournament.
Chairman Dean McDonald believes Hilton will bring ‘real value on and off the field,’ with Hilton himself adding that he ‘can’t wait’ to call The Green his home ground.
“I’m also looking forward to working with Tyron Koen, who is not only a great cricketer but a fellow South African now based in Northern Ireland,” he said.
Meanwhile, Michael Copeland, a 22-year-old South African all-rounder, joins as overseas player/coach. A former South Africa U19 international, Copeland brings energy and experience from his time with Boland in the CSA first-class system and Cherry Tree CC in the UK.
Ladies & Youth Cricket
THE ladies’ section at North Down is thriving, bolstered by the arrival of South African international Kiara Fisher as the club’s first women’s player/coach. The 23-year-old, who has played over 80 professional matches, will lead the development of girls’ and women’s cricket at North Down.
The Ladies’ 1st XI begin their Premier League campaign soon and are set to host Waringstown in a cup clash on June 1.
The youth section continues to expand, and parents are invited to the Youth Launch Night on Friday, April 25 at 6pm, featuring fun cricket sessions, season information, kit samples, and a barbeque. Youth matches begin in May, with Friday evening practices for U11s and younger.
Get involved
SPONSORSHIP opportunities are still available, including matchday packages and advertising boards. A sponsors’ lunch will take place on April 26 during the 1st XI’s league opener. For more information, contact Ryan Haire at 07988 937391.
For the latest updates, fixtures, and social events, visit www.northdowncricketclub.co.uk or follow the club on social media.
