RUNS KEEP FLOWING FOR MANEESHAN

Fox Lodge also managed to get their Championship match finished, with a convincing win at Burndennett. The Foxies piled on the runs with Sri Lankan overseas professional Gayan Maneeshan making back-to-back centuries continuing his excellent start to the year. What did he attribute his scoring feats to?

“This is my third season here, so I've become well used to the conditions, and the good weather has meant the pitches have been good, and outfields fast," said Maneeshan.

“I’m also very fortunate in that the Fox Lodge middle-order is very experienced with players of the calibre of Jason Milligan and Brian Allen. That lets me play my natural game and settle without any added pressures.”

The Ballymagorry side have been drawn away to Carrickfergus in the next round of the National Cup and the 34-year-old believes that they can go far in the prestigious competition.

“We are playing well and would love to collect some silverware, but we know it will be tough there as they are a very good side and previous winners of the competition. It’s a game everyone at the club is looking forward to next week.

“While cup wins are always good, our main focus under Johnny Robinson will be to get promotion from the Championship back into the top flight. That’s the main goal for the club.”

Gayan is really enjoying his stay at Fox Lodge, and that is reflected in his form, not only this year, but last season where he scored over 1000 runs and collected 34 wickets.

“Everyone at Fox Lodge is just so friendly, and they are like a family to me. I’m so happy here that it feels like a home. It couldn’t be going any better and I’d love to repay their kindness and hospitality with a trophy.”

While the local cuisine may not be to his liking, he admits there’s one drink that is helping fuel his quest for runs.

“I’m not really a big drinker, but I do enjoy an occasional pint of Guinness, especially after a win.” It’s certainly a case of ‘Guinness is good for you’ as the slogan goes.