CIYMS will still be tough nut to crack warns Waringstown captain

The villagers need to win two out of their final three league matches to clinch the title, and a victory over one of their closest rivals would eliminate CI from the race.

Waringstown will be favourites because’s CI’s prolific South African professional, Rassie van der Dussen, has already returned home.

However, Nelson points out that even though CI’s batting may be weaker without van der Dussen, their bowling attack remains a particularly formidable prospect.

“The CI bowling attack is still very strong,” he said. “We are still going to have to bat very well if we want to beat them.

“Their bowling attack is still one of the strongest, if not the strongest, in the league. If we don’t bat properly we’ll get beaten, it’s as simple as that. Rassie not being there doesn’t affect their bowling attack at all.”

Nelson has been pleased by the reaction of his players since the shock defeat by Civil Service North earlier this month.

They have won four consecutive matches since, with almost all of the players making key contributions.

“I have been delighted with how we’ve responded to each of the setbacks we’ve received,” he continued.

“The CSNI defeat could have been so deflating but the players bounced back really well.”

Professional Ruhan Pretorius plays his final match of the season on Saturday before returning to South Africa. He was again superb in the fine team performance at North Down at the weekend.

“I have been impressed with North Down this year,” Nelson added.

“They gave us a really tough game. Their attitude is something that we have tried to copy. In that 20-over match that they beat us in recently they showed us the fight, determination and attitude they have and we have learnt from them.”