Former Ireland all-rounder Nigel Jones was the guest of honour at Templepatrick Cricket Club’s annual dinner and awards night on Saturday.
The New Zealander, who now works as Cricket Ireland’s regional development officer for the Northern Cricket Union area, spoke about how he came to play cricket for Ireland, and some of the opponents he’s faced over the years, including one of the all-time greats, Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
He also outlined Cricket Ireland’s plans for developing the game locally, particularly the commitment to getting more girls and women involved in the game over the next few years.
Also among the guests at The Cloughan were Garth Johnston, President of Ballyclare RFC, and Michael Hingston, Active Communities cricket coach for the Newtownabbey area.
The big winners on the night were three of the club’s most talented young players - Jordi Fettis, Jay Hunter and Jordan Carlisle, who between them scooped most of the top prizes, including sharing the Young Player of the Year award.
The Billy Boyd Memorial Trophy for Players’ Player of the Year and the Roy Anderson Trophy for Most Improved Player of the Year were both shared by Jordi Fettis and Jordan Carlisle, while Jay Hunter picked up the 1st XI Best Batsman and Captain’s Player of the Year awards.

Other award winners on the night were as follows:
1st XI
Best Bowler, Robert Smith;
2nd XI
Best Batsman, David McWilliams;
Best Bowler, Peter Shepherd;
Captain’s Player of the Year, David McWilliams;
3rd XI
Best Batsman, David Clarke;
Best Bowler, Bob Wasson;
Captain’s Player of the Year, Michael Stevenson;
U15 XI
Best Batsman, Jack Magee;
Best Bowler, Andy McAlmont;
U13 XI - Player of the Year, Harry Warke and Adam Clarke;
U11 XI - Player of the Year, Nik Kane;

Representative awards were presented to -
Jordan Carlisle and Jay Hunter (Ulster Schools),
Ross Bryans (NCU U17),
Harry Warke (Northern Ireland U12).
Century ties were presented to century makers Jay Hunter (107 v Dundrum) and James Jackson (114 v Holywood II).

In addition special achievement awards were presented to

Duncan Elder (Services to Sport - Newtownabbey Borough Council ),
Arthur Bowron (Voluntary Services to Cricket – Northern Cricket Union).