BELFAST High School Cricket team 1st XI head to Moylena home of Muckamore Cricket Club to take on RBAI the current and favourites to retain the Ulster Bank School's Cup with game to start at 2 pm.
However Belfast High Cricket Coach Derek Wilson is confident his side can cause an upset “ we have a talented squad of players and have a number of potential match winners in the side as has been proved over the last few seasons.
“There is no doub
t that Paul Stirling is the team’s talisman however we believe his best and the team’s best is yet to come. There are a number of talented players who could make the difference on the day; the team has a great spirit and if we can play to our full potential we certainly will have a chance of bringing the trophy back to Belfast High for the first time.
“There is no doubt the highlight of the run to the final has been Paul Stirling’s three centuries in the last three games, but he has been backed up by all rounder Chris Campbell who hit 50 off 20 balls in the first round victory over Larne and in the semi-final picked up four wickets.
Also bowlers Luke Orr, Ross Spence, Matthew McNutt and Paul Stirling have all picked up vital wickets during the cup run to show the strength in depth of the squad.
The route to the final
First round beat Larne G.S away
Chris Campbell hit 50 off 20 balls, 57 not out. P Stirling 23 Luke Orr 2 not out, plus four catches by Nathan Orr and three wickets a piece for Luke Orr and Ross Spence.
Second round beat Campbell College Away
Paul Stirling 134 and four wickets for Matthew McNutt and three for Paul Stirling.
Quarter Final beat Strabane G.S. Home
P Stirling 107 not out, and three wickets for Ross Spence.
Semi-Final beat RBAI II’s Away
P Stirling 104 not out and four wickets from Chris Campbell.
THE TEAM
Paul Stirling - Has represented Ulster Schools and U15, U17 and U19 Ireland. Exceptional all rounder, prolific batter and has potential to win the game with the bat or his clever mix of spin and pace. Paul has made three centuries since the second round, 134, 107 not out and 104 not out.
Chris Campbell - Chris was selected for the Ulster Trials this year, he scored an excellent quick half century off 20 balls in the first round and his spin bowling took 4 wickets in the semi-final.
Luke Orr - Another good all rounder, currently wicket keeper but maybe used in bowling attack.
Andrew McCurry (Capt) - Has captained the side very well this year, he is a medium paced bowler who leads by example and brings out the best in his team.
Adam McAteer - Steady player yet to get the chance to show his ability
Ross Spence - Ross is one of the most improved players this year and has taken wickets in each game, the best 3 wickets in the first round and quarter final. He should open the bowling with Andrew McCurry.
Philip Mulholland - Youngest in the team.
