NORTH DOWN
Captain: Tyron Koen
Overseas professional: Michael Copeland
Players in: Tyron Koen, Kian Hilton, Michael Copeland.
Players out: Ani Chore, Kerwin Mungroo, Aditya Adey
It was a relatively disappointing 2024 for North Down who never came close to capturing silverware, and they will be hoping for better fortunes under new captain Tyron Koen who has moved to Comber from CIYMS, having previously played for Ardmore in the North West.
They have secured the talented Kian Hilton from Cliftonville Academy, while their overseas professional is Michael Copeland, who replaces fellow countryman Kerwin Mungroo.
Copeland according to the WSX website is 'an outstanding young all-round talent originally from Kwa-Zulu Natal but now based in South Africa’s Boland Region. A clean-striking Right-handed Middle Order Batsman, Mickey is also a tidy Right-arm Off-Spinner that, with his height, is quite tricky to get away. Mickey is currently contracted with the Boland Province.'
He has UK experience with Cherry Tree where he took 36 wickets and scored over 400 runs.
They had secured the services of Aditya Adey from Woodvale, but in a change of heart he has opted to stay in Australia for the forseeable future.
"It's an exciting time for the club," said new skipper Koen. "Ally Shields will be spearheading our batting, and the signing of Kian Hilton is a really big one for us. I'm expecting a big season for him both with the bat and the gloves.
"Ambitions wise I'm hoping for us to solidifying our top six place from last year as well as giving the cup competitions a real go as well, going deep in as many as we can.
"We have a young team and I want us to be a difficult team to play, be really tough and competitive in all facets of the game, and that's going to be crucial for us.
"Hopefully with some experienced heads helping these youngsters out and develop will be a big goal for us."
It could be an exciting season at Comber with some explosive players, and you wouldn't rule out a trophy especially in the short format T20 cup.
