The 2022 cricket season sees lots of exciting new changes take place at North Fermanagh Cricket Club, Kesh. With the added interest and growing squad numbers, it was decided that a second team from North Fermanagh would once again take part in both the North West Cricket league and cup competitions.

With the introduction of a second team, nearly every weekend over the summer months, cricket will be being played at the home of NFCC in Kesh.

2022 club and first team Captain, Graeme Fitzpatrick, stated his great pride in the development of the club over the last few years. He thanked the hard work of outgoing Captain Greg Piergrosse, and hopes to build on the growing success of the club.

He praised the dedication of the players and felt now was the time to reward all involved with more opportunities to take part and play each week.

The second team will be led by Captain Aasif Muhammad. Aasif, having played for NFCC for a number of years, brings a wealth of experience and cricketing knowledge to the role.

The NFCC players have benefitted over the winter months from indoor coaching sessions taking place at the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen. The club has invested in two new bowling machines, enhancing the range of training and coaching on offer.

Graeme (Cricket Ireland-qualified coach), in his role as club captain, leads fun but skill-developing sessions each Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm at the club that are open to anyone that is interested in taking part. These sessions are free and all abilities are welcome.

Meanwhile, North Fermanagh Cricket Club 2nd team headed to the North Coast to play in their first league match of the season against Eglinton CC last Sunday.

Eglinton won the toss and elected to bat first.

Captain Muhammad Asif put his trust in opening bowler Chaudhry Lukman and was quickly rewarded with the wicket of JM Gready (1).

D. McDaid (3) soon followed his teammate back to the clubhouse after being run out.

J. Lewers(18) and S. Veed (20) both helped to make the Eglinton score more respectable but the bowling of Dr. Ahmad Iqbal soon helped to dismiss them both.

Further wickets from Rawal Waseem and Badar Mahmood saw the home side dismissed for 98 in the 28th over.

In reply, NFCC 2nd’s put on a fine batting display. Osama Chadhry scored 56, including four sixes, until he had to retire. Captain Asif 288 and Badar Mahmood 8* saw out the match in the 17th over, finishing on 99 for the loss of three wickets.

An excellent display from the side and a great start to the season.

This coming weekend NFCC welcome Coleraine and Brigade to Kesh with both the first and second team playing at home. Spectators are, as always, very welcome.