CLIFTONVILLE ACADEMY

Captain:Matty McCord 

Outs: Max Burton (CIYMS), Richard Hood (Carrick)

In: Kian Hilton (Old Edwardians, SA), Tommy Orr (Eglinton)

“I think going into this year we have a more balanced team and look stronger than we did last year, but it’s fair to say the other nine teams in the league are in the same position," said new captain Matty McCord, "It’s a fantastic league to play in.

“We started last season off with five defeats in six games and then went on a run where we won six of our next seven. In every game last year we lost we had moments, we just need to keep learning from those pressure moments where games are won and lost and continue to win more of them than we did the previous year.

“We took some massive strides forward last season as a group, when I reflect on the journey the club has been on its very pleasing to see where we are now. When we won Section 1 three years ago we had three players with any PL experience, the whole group between league and cups have now played 40+ games at the level, there are no surprises anymore, and the group mentality is another level.

“Last season our new signings made all the difference. Jared Wilson was the league’s best all-rounder with 40 odd wickets and 900 odd runs. Francis Collins added a lot of stability with 600 runs to what was a fairly flimsy top order at times. I am really looking forward to seeing the impact Tommy and Kian can have in the side as well at the top of the order.

“When referencing the massive strides forward and mentality shift above it would be remiss to not mention returning club professional Abhishek Raut. He made everyone in the group better last year, which for me is the number 1 thing you want in your pro, and we can’t wait to have him back again this season.

"Varun Chopra will be like a new signing again this season. He had awful injury luck last year, pulling his hamstring in our first game, then pulling it again in his first game back after that as well. He showed his class with the bat in our last few games last season, and fitted seamlessly into our group. He has played cricket all winter in Australia and had a great season with bat and ball."

Young players to watch:

Kian Hilton - had a fantastic U19 World Cup with a couple of big scores. Still very young at only 19, I have no doubt when Kian gets used the well below tropical climate and slower pitches he will have a massive career ahead of him in Ireland. 

Jonny Parr - at only 14, made his premier league debut in the final game last season. Given the age much of his development will be in the 2XI this year but he will certainly be involved in some of our 1st XI fixtures this season. Hugely talented left arm seamer.