2013 turned out to be a solidly good, if not remarkable, season. With the First and Second XIs having both been promoted last year our aim this year was to consolidate and lay solid foundations for the years ahead. ( which ultimately they did )

For the First XI it was a case of 'mission accomplished' in Section 1 - the main aim was to avoid relegation and find our feet and we did that. There were some great moments - narrow wins over Cliftonville and Woodvale among them, and some disappointments too - losing away at Donacloney with the game all but won, and losing by two runs to eventual league winners Muckamore.
Overall it was a great season so congratulations to Richard Greer, James Jackson and all the players on a job well done.

During many matches the opposition players/officials commented on the young average age of our team, the talented individuals we have playing for us and our superb athleticism in the field - things that should stand us in good stead for league and cup campaigns in the years to come.

Similarly, the Second XI had to find their feet in a new league and it took a few games for them to get going, but thanks to captain Niall Dalton and a few others who helped out over the season the team secured some good wins and were more than happy to settle for mid table mediocrity in their new league.

The Third XI, captained by Stevie Fettis, also enjoyed a good season. Often playing with a very young and inexperienced team, with the odd old duffer trailed out of retirement, they did well to claim several notable victories and finish the season with a few wins to lift them up the league table. Well done to Stevie and all the players and hopefully they can push for promotion next season.

Our youth cricket continued to go from strength to strength in 2013, with more young players than ever before joining TCC and having a go at cricket, which was great to see. We also started 'B' teams at U11 and U13 to give more kids the chance to play competitive games.
Once again our Under 11 Cricket Blitz and Open Day proved a big hit and our Under 11 sessions continued to grow.

At Under 13 and Under 15 level we competed in tough leagues but there is definitely progression being made with the core cricket principles being instilled.
We also fielded a ladies team for the first time ever, and their game against CIYMS ladies proved to be a great success. Hopefully this is something we can build on in the years ahead as we want to see as many people, boys, girls, men and women, playing cricket as possible. We are entering a ladies team into the NCU ladies league for 2014.

Thanks to all the players who represented the club this season, their parents for their ongoing support and all the coaches for their hard work and dedication.

WG Grace said 'To acquire all round proficiency, I am strongly convinced that constant practice and sound coaching have all to do with it.' So thanks to Andy McCrea, Warren Clunes, Rebecca McCrea, Claire Campbell, Artie Campbell, Michael Hingston, Phil Kernaghan, Bobby Smith, Peter Shepherd, Jay Hunter , Mark Thompson and all those who helped out over the season to help create the proficient all-rounders of the future!

Congratulations to all those who picked up awards at our end of season dinner, which was attended by Cricket Ireland's Nigel Jones, but special mention must go to Harry Warke, Jay Hunter, Ross Bryans and Jordan Carlisle who all earned representative honours this season. Well done also to Jane Kenny, Brooke McCullough and Storm Cobain who were selected for the NCU U17 Girls Regional Development Squad.

Off the field we continued to invest in our playing facilities and the £38,000 spent on new equipment purchased with funding from Biffa Award and Newtownabbey Borough Council should help us make further improvements to our square and outfield in the years ahead. Thanks go to Arthur Bowron and Sam Reynolds for all their hard work on the ground over the year, and all those who helped them out, particularly Jeff Hunter and Stevie Fettis - their efforts are really starting to pay off and the place is looking in great shape.
Thanks also to Arthur for making the teas and all the other work he does throughout the season. He won the NCU's Voluntary Services to Cricket Award earlier this year and I believe the award couldn't have gone to a more deserving recipient.

Thanks also to Peter Jackson and others for scoring for the First XI during the season.

As well as Biffa Award and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their continuing support, thanks must also go to our club sponsors Richard Greer Car Sales, Hilton Templepatrick, Holm, and Geoff Bryans Catering and Haulage - their financial assistance, and the fundraising efforts of players, parents and friends - are very much appreciated.

Thanks also to the members of the general committee for their hard work over the past year, particularly Andy McCrea who continues to be the major driving force behind much of the good work that we do. His efforts as treasurer, coach and Cricket Development Officer are much appreciated.

While we didn't win any silverware in 2013, I believe 2013 was a good one for the club. We consolidated our league positions and continued to build for the future on and off the playing field. We are in a very healthy position and I hope that we can continue to push forward and progress in 2014.