DOUBLE SWOOP FOR LISBURN

Lisburn have unveiled two major signings as they embark on a rebuild ahead of the 2026 campaign, recruiting overseas professional Jon Hinrichsen and opening batsman Judd Markham.

Judd Markham: Photo by Paul Irwin

South African opening bowler Jon Hinrichsen will add potency to their attack, with the 26-year-old looking to fill the void left by the departures of Ryan Macbeth – who is moving to Brigade – and Josh Manley, who is returning to his native South Africa.

Hinrichsen has over 100 wickets at first-class and List-A level, and is clearly also a more than useful performer with the bat having also made half centuries at that level.

The club has also signed an Irish passport holding Australian Judd Markham. The left-hander was a revelation at Donacloney Mill this season, scoring almost 1000 runs in all competitions. What was evident was not just the volume of runs that the Queenslander scored, but his strike-rate which was over 200 in his Section One league haul of 720 runs.

He has big shoes to fill in the opening role, replacing legendary Indian overseas professional Faiz Fazal, whose run-scoring exploits were instrumental in establishing Lisburn as a major force in local cricket, helping them to the All-Ireland T20 Trophy in 2024.

“We are delighted to announce the dual signings of overseas professional Jon Hinrichsen and Judd Markham,” said Lisburn captain Neil Whitworth.

“Jon comes with an excellent reputation having completed a couple of club cricket stints in England and he is exactly what we are looking for in terms of an opening bowler. He does plenty with the ball and offers good striking ability with the bat in the middle order.

"Having played against Judd during his time at Donacloney Mill, we know first-hand his ability at the top of the order that he possesses. I have no doubt he will fit in seamlessly both on and off the field at Wallace Park.”

Whitworth also paid tribute to the outgoing trio, thanking them for their efforts over the past years.

"We would also like to wish Josh Manley, Ryan Macbeth and of course former professional Faiz Fazal all the best as they move on to pastures new.”

The Wallace Park side, who last won the Premiership in 2022, endured a disappointing season by their high standards, finishing a distant third behind champions Instonians, and not challenging in the cups.

These signings though are a real statement of intent as they look to once again be very firmly in the mix for major honours in 2026.