NCU Annual Dinner celebrates another memorable season of cricket

The Northern Cricket Union celebrated the achievements of players, clubs, coaches and volunteers at the 2026 NCU Annual Dinner, held on Saturday 24 October at The Pavilion, Stormont.

Despite the stormy weather, guests gathered in the Castleview Suite for an evening of celebration, reflecting on another successful season of NCU cricket. NCU President Ian Houston welcomed guests to the annual event, which once again recognised the outstanding performances, achievements and contributions of individuals and teams from across the Union.

One of the highlights of the evening was the induction of two distinguished cricketers, Reggie Stinson and Gary Wilson, into the NCU Hall of Fame.

Armagh stalwart Reggie Stinson was inducted by Andrew White in recognition of his remarkable contribution to cricket. Reggie spoke fondly of his playing days with Armagh Cricket Club and was joined on the evening by his wife Audrey and a strong contingent of club members to celebrate the occasion.

Former Ireland international and current Ireland Men’s Head Coach Gary Wilson was also honoured with induction into the Hall of Fame. Unable to attend due to his commitments with the Ireland Men’s team in Namibia, Gary shared a video message expressing his gratitude for the recognition and reflecting on his cricketing journey. In his absence, the award was enthusiastically accepted by his three young sons, who entertained the audience during a brief interview with Andrew White.

A particularly special moment of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Bryan Milford Award, introduced in memory of the late Bryan Milford, who served as NCU President in 2025. The award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the administration, development and running of cricket clubs across the Union. The first recipient was Ballymena Cricket Club’s George Glass, whose dedication and service to the club over more than four decades has made a lasting impact on cricket in Ballymena. George’s contribution, spanning coaching, committee work, grounds maintenance and club leadership, made him a fitting recipient of this new award.

Donacloney Mill Cricket Club received the Grounds Team of the Year Award in recognition of their remarkable efforts following the devastating flooding at their ground earlier this year. The flooding caused significant damage and presented considerable challenges ahead of the cricket season. However, through the dedication and hard work of the club’s grounds team, staff and volunteers, the ground was restored to a playable condition, allowing a full season of cricket to take place as normal.

As always, the evening provided an opportunity to recognise the outstanding individual performances and contributions from across the 2026 season.

The Cricketers of the Year awards, voted for by fellow players, were presented by John Kerstens of Cartwrights Sports, recognising performances across the men’s and women’s senior leagues.

Cartwrights Sports Cricketers of the Year

• Men’s Premier League – Adam Leckey (CSNI)
• Women’s Premier League – Abbi Harrison (Waringstown)
• Men’s Senior League 1 – Samuel Wilson (Armagh)
• Women’s Senior League 1 – Laura Tonks (Bangor)
• Men’s Senior League 2 – Dayananda Gowdappa (BISC)
• Men’s Senior League 3 – Neil Gelston (Drumaness Super Kings)

Youth and special recognition awards

Presented by Yogesh Kashyap of Sports Hub, sponsors of NCU Youth Competitions:

• Boys U15 Cricketer of the Year (Hasley Trophy) – Felix McMillan (Bangor)
• Girls U15 Cricketer of the Year – Penny Speer (Waringstown)
• Coach of the Year (John Solanky Award) – Steve Kruger (Holywood 1881)
• Grounds Team of the Year – Donacloney Mill Grounds Team

Premier League individual awards

The evening also recognised the leading performers in the men’s and women’s Premier Leagues.

Batters of the Year

• Women’s Premier League – Abbi Harrison (Waringstown)
• Men’s Premier League (Dr Larry Warke Memorial Trophy) – Morgan Topping (Waringstown)

Bowlers of the Year

• Women’s Premier League – Nina Kerr (Holywood 1881)
• Men’s Premier League (Sonny Hool Trophy) – Greg Thompson (Waringstown)

All-Rounders of the Year

• Women’s Premier League – Lara Maritz (Holywood 1881)
• Men’s Premier League (Jack Bowden Trophy) – Andrew White (Instonians)

Wicketkeepers of the Year

• Women’s Premier League – Christina Soulsby (Holywood 1881)
• Men’s Premier League (Dai Jones Trophy) – Marko Bates (Muckamore)

Team and competition awards

The evening also celebrated the achievements of clubs and teams across the NCU, recognising league champions and cup winners from throughout the 2026 season.

From the junior leagues through to the Mercury Senior Leagues and knockout competitions, there was plenty of silverware to be presented following another competitive season.

Junior League and Midweek champions

• Men’s Midweek League – Dunmurry 2s
• Men’s Junior League 11c – Armagh 5s
• Men’s Junior League 11b – Lisburn 5s
• Men’s Junior League 11a – Instonians 5s
• Men’s Junior League 10 – Downpatrick 3s
• Men’s Junior League 9 (Touche Ross Cup) – Amigos 2s
• Men’s Junior League 8 (Dick McBurney Cup) – BISC 4s
• Men’s Junior League 7 (J Barry Cup) – Holywood 1881 2s
• Men’s Junior League 6 (Samuel J Edgar Cup) – Dunmurry 2s
• Men’s Junior League 5 (Westland Cup) – Ardent Blues 2s
• Men’s Junior League 4 (JA Sandy Orbinson Cup) – Armagh 2s
• Men’s Junior League 3 (McClurg Cup) – Muckamore 3s
• Men’s Junior League 2 (Mrs Holt Waring Cup) – Instonians 2s
• Men’s Junior League 1 (JC Picken Cup) – Lisburn 2s

Mercury Senior League champions

• Men’s Premier League – Waringstown
• Women’s Premier League – Holywood 1881
• Men’s Senior League 1 (Lord Justice Andrews Trophy) – Carrick
• Women’s Senior League 1 – Holywood 1881 2s
• Men’s Senior League 2 (Thomas Stewart Memorial Trophy) – Holywood 1881
• Men’s Senior League 3 – Ards & Donaghadee

Cup competition winners

• Masters 100 – CI
• Development Cup – Downpatrick 3s
• Minor Qualifying Cup – Holywood 1881 2s
• Lindsay Cup (sponsored by Cleaver Black) – Downpatrick 2s
• Intermediate Cup – CI 3s
• GMcG Junior Cup – Lisburn 2s
• Ulster Plate – Muckamore 2s

T20 competition winners

• T20 Junior One Plate – Muckamore 2s
• T20 Shield – Victoria
• T20 Bowl – Holywood 1881
• T20 Trophy – Armagh
• T20 Cup – Lisburn

Gallagher Senior Cup competition winners

• Women’s Challenge Plate – Lisburn 2s
• Women’s Challenge Cup – Holywood 1881
• Men’s Challenge Cup – CSNI

The NCU extends its thanks to all sponsors for their continued support of the men’s and women’s senior cup competitions, helping to showcase the best of club cricket across the Union. The presentations highlighted the strength and depth of cricket across the Union, with clubs of all sizes celebrating success at various levels of the game.

The NCU would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to another enjoyable Annual Dinner. Special thanks go to our award presenters, sponsors, invited guests and everyone involved in organising the evening.Congratulations to all our individual and team award , and thank you to the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and clubs whose continued dedication makes cricket across the NCU possible.

We look forward to another exciting season in 2027!