WARINGSTOWN

• Players in: Matthew Foster
  Players out: None
  Captain: Greg Thompson
  Coaches: Lee Nelson and James Cameron-Dow
  Overseas Pro: Steve Stolk

Waringstown have always been there or thereabouts when it comes to major trophies and there's no reason to think it will be any different in 2026.

They have the added incentive of it being their 175th anniversary, and will be keen to have some silverware to show for the celebrations.

Steve Stolk is their overseas professional and despite his tender years, comes with high expectations.

Also arriving at The Lawn is opening bowler Matthew Foster from CSNI. He will add a cutting edge to their new-ball attack if he can stay clear of the injury woes which have hampered his progress in recent years.

Foster, like Graham Hume and the Topping brothers have been overlooked in the latest Cricket Ireland contracts, meaning that they will unfettered access to them throughout the year without having to worry about withdrawals due to workloads...

Greg Thompson is once again entrusted with the captaincy, and he is clearly looking forward to the historic year ahead.

"As we celebrate our 175th year, we have continued to make improvements to our fantastic facilities and have feel that we have strengthened our squad with the addition of Matthew Foster and overseas professional, Steve Stolk. 

"Steve comes highly recommended and boasts a strong cricket CV despite only being 20 years old. And although we’ll have to be patient with Fozzie as he is recovering from an injury setback, we look to forward to seeing him at the Lawn with ball in hand."

Waringstown Women did the double last year and Thompson will be keen for the men's side to emulate their achievements - you wouldn't bet against it!