Thirds add league title to the club’s trophy haul

Only last week the thirds were crowned league champions of Junior Three, after winning all eight of their home games in the league and cup and remaining unbeaten for the last nine league matches.

In doing so, the team created history and will now play in Junior 2 next season, the highest league the thirds have ever played in.

“Naturally I am delighted as a league winning skipper. I would like to pay tribute to all the boys who turned out for us throughout the season,” said captain Mark Fitzpatrick. “What was so pleasing was the blend of youth and experience. We saw real stars of the future like Stuart Harrison, the Carson brothers, Jonny Hunter and Matthew Hurst contribute on a weekly basis. We also had the return of the talented Morrison brothers, the jovial Mark Carpenter, the impressive Andy Magennis and the dependable Andrew Beattie.”

Waringstown have also won the Colts Cup, courtesy of the under-17 team, with the under-11s lifting the Quoile Cup. The second eleven can add to the trophy cabinet this weekend if they can beat Civil Service North and lift the Junior One crown.

The thirds rounded their season off by beating Cregagh seconds. Andrew Magennis (1-9), Matthew Hurst (2-15), Stuart Harrison (2-5), Jonny Hunter (2-9) and Sam Matthews were among the wickets as Cregagh were dismissed for just 49 in the ninth over.

Ryan Dennison (16) and Jamie Matthews (26 not out) eased their way towards the victory target with Paddy Allen sealing victory after Dennison’s dismissal.

They also recorded a victory over Templepatrick seconds, this time the winning margin was 76 runs. Waringstown posted 184-7 with Jamie Matthews (40), Ian Morrison (39), Ryan Dennison (27) and Magennis (24) in the runs.

Beattie (2-4) and Sam Matthews (2-27) were among the wickets as Templepatrick were bowled out for 106.