The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) have offered advice and guidance on what works may be possible to be carried out throughout this period, and, what works may be required once cricket resumes.
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In consultation with Cricket Ireland and the other Provincial Unions, the NWCU have decided to extend the suspension of all activities under our auspices until at least 28 May 2020.
The NWCU have been issuing updates to a number of different groups today in relation to the Coronavirus.
NWCU is liaising with Cricket Ireland as well as working closely with relevant sporting authorities, to ensure we are fully informed about the pandemic, and acting in accordance with the best advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team, relevant public health bodies and the World Health Organisation.
The North West Cricket Union has announced that it is to receive funding of £35,000 from Derry & Strabane District Council to help support the high-profile International T20 games between Ireland and New Zealand at Bready scheduled for this summer. Kane Williamson’s side will play a three-match series against the hosts with the games taking place on 19, 21 and 23 June.
Bringing the World Cup finalists to the North West is a massive coup for the local Union however with the game set to attract global attention and television viewers in the millions worldwide, the staging costs will be high. Union Chairman Brian Dougherty and General Manager Peter McCartney have been hard at work in terms of attracting the necessary funding over the past number of months and were delighted to get the green light from Council last week.
Confirming details of the support, Mr Dougherty said that DSDC had agreed to help with the cost of ground equipment, legacy grassroots programmes and marketing & media promotion. “The confirmation of Council’s financial commitment to this major sporting event represents a significant landmark in relations between our Union and DSDC. We are grateful not only for their monetary contribution but also for how they have committed to ensuring the series helps promote the region on the world stage” he began.
“We are confident their support will also help lever additional finances going forward. This of course is also testament to the work of the Union, the hosts Bready CC and also Eglinton CC who will facilitate New Zealand training sessions during their stay here. We must also recognise the ongoing support of Cricket Ireland for cricket in the region and their backing for staging such high profile games in Bready.”
Mayor, Michaela Boyle echoed those sentiments and suggested that this was an opportunity to show the sporting world what the North West has to offer. “The Cricket World Cup finalists coming to Bready for a competitive senior international is exciting news not just for cricket fans but for the wider sports fraternity in the North West.”
“I am delighted that Council have been able to support this high level fixture through the National Event Fund and I would like to congratulate Bready Cricket Club and the North West Cricket Union for their tireless work to secure these games.”
“This is one of the biggest sports fixtures to ever take place in our Council area. The games are an opportunity to showcase our region as a host for world class sports events both to the many spectators who will arrive in the city and to the viewers of across UK, Ireland and the World.”
“We look forward to working with Cricket Ireland to host the players and supporters of New Zealand and cricket fans from all over Ireland, we can promise you an unforgettable experience in our City and District.”
The NWCU has announced that Letterkenny CC have entered a team into the Long’s SuperValu league ahead of the 2020 season. The region’s newest club played in the Derry Midweek League in 2019 and are confident that they now have the structure to make the step up to weekend cricket.
Letterkenny will travel all the way to Drummond to play their home games with former Indian Test player Bobby Rao believed to be instrumental in securing the Roe Valley venue for the coming season.
Union Administrator, David Bradley has confirmed that the Donegal side will compete in Qualifying League 2, while another couple of new teams, Burndennett 2nds and Newbuildings 3rds will be added to Qualifying League 3.
Fixtures for all Qualifying Leagues are set to be published later this month.
The North West Cricket Union is pleased to announce an additional U13 cricket camp taking place over the Easter holidays.
The North West Girls U18 regional squad training has been underway since November 2019.
The NWCU have been shortlisted as ‘National Governing Body Champion’ at the upcoming Female Sports Forum Awards.
In recent months the playing numbers attending the North West Cricket Union’s under 11 regional sessions have been higher than they’ve ever been.