Downpatrick — In a significant boost to cricket in Northern Ireland, Castle Sports World successfully hosted the inaugural AdRi’s Royal Castle Cup 2026 – T10, a vibrant and highly competitive outdoor Red Hard Tennis ball tournament that brought together emerging talent and established club players from across the region and England.
Organised in association with Royal Challengers Belfast and Downpatrick Cricket Club 1849 cricket grounds, the tournament marked a landmark moment for community-driven cricket, showcasing both sporting excellence and strong regional collaboration.
The event was powered by AdRi Ventures in partnership with Samosa King Cafe by Namaste Belfast, with international backing from India-based partners Visionary Minds, reflecting the growing global connections within cricket.
High-Quality Competition
A total of six teams competed in the fast-paced T10 format, delivering an action-packed day filled with high-scoring games, disciplined bowling, and exceptional fielding displays. Participating teams included:
Dunmurry CC (Belfast)
United Kent Cricket Club (England)
Twyford House CC (England)
Royal Eagles (Belfast)
Ards Club (Newtownards)
Newry Hitterz CC
Each team contributed to a competitive atmosphere, underlining the tournament’s success in bringing together diverse cricketing talent.
Thrilling Final Showdown
The final proved to be a fitting climax to the tournament, delivering a closely fought and high-scoring contest that kept spectators engaged throughout.
Batting first, Royal Eagles, Belfast set the tone with an impressive total of 128 runs, demonstrating aggressive stroke play and composure under pressure. Their innings laid a strong foundation in what would become a tense finale.
In response, United Kent Cricket Club (England) mounted a determined chase, showcasing resilience and attacking intent. Despite their best efforts and a spirited performance, they ultimately fell short of the target, handing Royal Eagles a well-earned victory.
Champions and Recognition
Champions: Royal Eagles, Belfast
Awarded £500 cash prize and the prestigious 40 inch rolling trophy
Runners-Up: United Kent Cricket Club
Awarded £200 cash prize and 35 inch tall runner-up trophy
Individual Excellence
The tournament also celebrated outstanding individual performances:
Best Batsman: Lijo Sebastian (Royal Eagles, Belfast) — recognised for his consistency and impactful innings
Best Bowler: Justin (Royal Eagles, Belfast) — honoured for his decisive and effective bowling spells
Best Fielder: Michael (United Kent Cricket Club) — acknowledged for exceptional fielding standards and match influence
Organisation and Officiating
The smooth execution of the tournament was made possible through meticulous coordination and dedicated officiating.
The entire event was coordinated by AdRi Ventures, whose leadership and organisation ensured a seamless experience for players and spectators alike.
Scorers: Adit Ravi and Sai Darshan provided accurate and efficient match scoring throughout the tournament.
Umpires: Noah, Sammy, Jeff, Dr. Raghu Satya, Dr. Darshan Kumar, Ravi Ningegowda officiated matches with professionalism and consistency.
The presentation ceremony was conducted by Jeff Maguire of Castle Sports World in presence of Downpatrick Cricket Club president Norman Ferguson bringing the event to a celebratory close.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Ravi Ningegowda extended sincere appreciation to all teams, sponsors, officials, and supporters whose contributions were instrumental in the success of the event and special thanks to Downpatrick Cricket Club committee members for hosting the tournament.
The AdRi’s Royal Castle Cup 2026 not only highlighted the competitive spirit of grassroots cricket but also reinforced the importance of community engagement and international collaboration in the sport.
With a highly successful debut, the tournament is poised to become a key fixture in the regional cricket calendar, with expectations of even greater participation and scale in future editions.
