DOWNEY HEADING FOR A LAND DOWN UNDER

Charlie Downey is preparing for a winter of valuable cricketing experience after agreeing to join White Hills in Australia’s Victorian League.

The teenager, in his first season with Bready after making the short switch from neighbours Newbuildings, has made an immediate impression with the ball. The right-arm seamer, who has been tipped by Johnny Thompson as a player capable of winning international honours, has overcome past injury worries to become Bready’s leading wicket-taker with 15 victims.

Downey has also shown useful promise with the bat, making 150 runs with a highest score of 40, underlining his potential as an emerging all-round cricketer.

Now he is set to broaden his horizons with a first overseas stint, and he is relishing the chance to test himself in different conditions.

“It’s very exciting to go overseas this winter for the first time with White Hills,” said Downey.

“White Hills looks a great outfit and a very welcoming club, having spoken to a few players there already.

“With their recent signing of Adil Ali as senior head coach for this season, I think he will be very helpful in improving my game and skills during my time over there.

“Overall, I’m very excited to experience different conditions and climates compared to back home, and I’m keen to get going.”

The move represents another significant step in Downey’s development, giving him the chance to learn in a new environment while building on a breakthrough campaign at Magheramason.

For Bready, his progress has been one of the real positives of the season.