Preview: Robinson Services Bowl Final – Bangor v Drumaness SK

Bangor will face the Drumaness Superkings at Upritchard Park on Saturday at 1pm in the final of the Robinson Services Bowl. It has been a season of redemption for the North Down side who have bounced back from the disappointment of their relegation last season to sweep everyone before them in this shortened season. All credit must go to skipper Adam McCusker who has brought a new intensity to the side in his first season as Captain. He will be hoping to add the first piece of 1st XI silverware since the infamous 2004 season, when Bangor won nearly every trophy available.

Standing between them and glory are the Drumaness Superkings, a team that Bangor have not faced since the two sides – Drumaness and Belfast Superkings merged a couple of years ago. You have to go back to 2013 for Bangor’s last matches against Drumaness, both of which were won comfortably by Bangor. Although history is on Bangor’s side, McCusker will not allow his side to let up in their quest for the prize. It would be great to see as many people as possible at Upritchard on Saturday.

Meet the Team:

Adam McCusker – Captain / Batsman / Wicket Keeper

A man who was born to lead and has done so with professionalism, determination and class throughout this Covid affected season. Never gives his wicket away. He is the man you want batting for your life.

Mark English – Batsman

If you look up the word ‘talisman’ in the dictionary there is quite probably a picture of Mark beside it. Hard to put into words his impact on the team and has scored more runs than anyone else this season. I wouldn’t drop it short on his legs if I were you.

Paddy English – Batsman / Part-Time Bowler

The elder statesman of the side but his devotion to physical fitness has led to him being a cult hero amongst his teammates. Like his brother before him, Paddy brings over thirty years of invaluable cricketing experience to the side and formed the match winning partnership in the semi-final.

Michael Martin – Batsman

First of two recruits from old rivals Donaghadee this season and Michael seems to have fitted into the side immediately. Hard hitting when he gets going he will have a job to do at the top of the order on Saturday.

Taj Onyekwelu – All Rounder

Perhaps would not have bowled a ball for Bangor this season if the pandemic had not driven him back to Bangor from his new home in England. A most welcome addition to this side, nothing fazes him and he can strike with the ball at any time.

Josh Bates – Bowler

There is no bigger cricketing fanatic on the side than Josh who joined Bangor at the beginning of the 2018 season. Has bowled some crucial spells in Bangor colours and will be required to do so on Saturday. He is known for his enthusiasm and love of the game.

Callum Houston – Batsman

Callum has taken his opportunity well during his graduation to the first XI. Has a bit of an unorthodox batting style but it has proved very effective thus far. Rarely gives his wicket away and is phenomenally quick between the wickets.

George Prince – Bowler

This season has seen George go from strength to strength and his bowling has never been better. No Bangor player has hit the stumps as regularly this season and this has led to being his most successful season ever with the ball

Chris Walton – Bowler

Chris is the second recruit from Donaghadee having played some cricket for Bangor earlier in his career. Now very much the real deal, Chris has provided a perfect foil when opening the bowling with Mike Grossett as his left arm swing goes in the opposite direction to Mike.

Mike Grossett – Bowler / Batsman

Mike has been a most welcome addition to the Bangor side since moving from the mainland back in 2017. Swings the ball a mile and rarely goes for many runs. His control with the ball makes him a key player in the Bangor attack. Useful batsman as can bat anywhere in the order.

Chris Pyper – Bowler

Chris has done exceptionally well since being introduced into the first XI on a full-time basis this season. He has gained U17 representative honours and has bowled exquisitely during this campaign, taking crucial wickets at crucial times.

A message from the Captain – Adam McCusker

“Although it has been a shorter season, with a shorter format and a shorter distance to travel, it has still felt like a long season. We started, as normal, with our indoor winter nets in February only to have our enthusiasm interrupted by the pandemic. Despite this our enthusiasm has never subsided, and in my eyes, it has grown and that has shown in our commitment to training and excellent standards in all aspects. I’d like to thank the team for their continued hard work and the committee for their tireless efforts off the pitch to allow us to get back to cricket as early and as safely as possible.”

“This final presents a perfect opportunity for Bangor to build on the momentum of a successful senior season after a disappointing finish to the 2019 season. No matter what the result is on Saturday, we have already seen the quality in depth and the youth set up that we possess. I know I speak for anyone fortunate enough to pull on a Bangor shirt this year, we already cannot wait to fight for promotion next year.”

An overview of the 2020 Season from Mark English

Few are better placed than Mark English to pass comment on the current state of cricket in Bangor having been part of the club for over 30 years. Indeed, his Mark and his brother, Paddy, have a combined age of 90 and he has been playing cricket for Bangor since 1990. As a senior statesman of the side I asked him for his views on this season and beyond:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed playing in the team this year with so many young players coming through and putting in match winning performances. It is difficult to single out individuals but Chris Pyper, in particular, has been exceptional and bowled with great maturity and skill. The enthusiasm by the younger players has been fantastic right from the first training session after lockdown. There has been a determination to practice hard and perform to the highest standards every Saturday. Moreover, the club ethos has really shown through this year, selecting 33 different players each weekend and club members supporting all three senior sides.”

“With limited holiday opportunities the club has provided a setting for families to socialise at the weekend. It has been great to see young kids playing round the ground while parents are able to relax and watch the cricket. Our youth section has thrived with over 70 kids practising on a weekly basis (boys and girls). Having a successful senior club is a big factor in inspiring the younger generations to keep practising and be part of a club.”

“On a personal level, cricket for me is about personal connections. My Dad and Paddy played on the Bangor 2nd XI that won the Junior Cup in 1990. It would be nice if Paddy and I could win a trophy for a Bangor side 30 years later.”