Laurelvale will be playing in the NCU Premiership next season after the NCU granted Carrickfergus permission to decline promotion to the top flight.
Laurelvale (Paul Irwin)
The Middle Road club felt the club wasn't strong enough to challenge at Premiership level, and the NCU Board agreed to their wishes at a meeting last week.
For Laurelvale, it's a happy ending to their 150th anniversary year, with the club playing its first match on September 16th 1875.
They pipped Lurgan to second place in Section One, and will have the opportunity to test themselves against the elite clubs of the NCU next year.
The Northern Cricket Union released a statement on Monday afternoon which said the following:
"The Northern Cricket Union received a formal request from Carrickfergus Cricket Club to decline promotion from Section One to the Premier League. Carrick expressed a number of concerns regarding the impact of promotion to the Premier League.
"On Thursday, 18th September, the NCU Board convened to discuss the matter.
"Carrick’s request is unprecedented within the NCU, and as such, the Board has approached the situation with due care and consideration.
"While NCU rules & regulations state that the club finishing first in each senior league will be promoted, we also recognise our responsibility to support clubs and safeguard their long term sustainability.
"Following careful deliberation, the NCU Board has agreed to accept Carrick’s request. NCU staff, along with the Domestic Directorate, will meet with Carrick to provide development support and ensure the club is better positioned for future promotion opportunities.
"As a result of this decision, the NCU has extended an invitation to Laurelvale Cricket Club, who finished second in Section One, to take Carrick’s place in the Premier League. Laurelvale has accepted this invitation."
