Downpatrick awards night

Downpatrick awards night

22 November 2023

DOWNPATRICK Cricket Club’s annual awards and dinner night took place on Saturday at the old clubhouse. 

It was well attended by previous and new club patrons and players.

The night started off with a meet and greet by club president Jeff Thompson and chairman Jack Mcllheron. 

The evening was planned and coordinated by committee members club treasurer Correna Coburn, core committee member Jeremy McCready, development and social media manager Ravi Ningegowda and coaching director Jeffrey Maguire. 

Committee members thanked Journey Church for accommodating the club to have their awards night in their premises.

Guests were served with delicious Indian and Irish buffets.

After the dinner, the presentation was kicked off remembering contributions of scorer Keith Jones and wishing him a speedy recovery. 

Opportunity was also taken to thank all the people who work behind the scenes to maintain the grounds and clubhouse, who included Paddy Flynn, Willie Radcliffe and Jeremy McCready.

The prestigious Clubman of the Year Rolling Award was awarded to the club’s development manager and social media manager Ravi Ningegowda.

The Paul Linehan Rolling Cup was given to club stalwart Gavin Ringland.

First team awards: Best batsman, Daniel Carson; Best bowler, Humza Khan; Player of the Year, Vimal Dwivedi. 

Second team awards: Best batsman, Abhishek Sanglikar; Best bowler, Shreedhar Tallur; Players of the Year, Abhishek Sanglikar and Arnab Chatterjee.

Thirds team awards: Best batsman, Charlie Power; Best bowler, Matthew Lennon; Player of the Year, Matthew Lennon.

Midweek team awards: Best batsman, Indhudhar; Best bowler, Sidharth Kumar; Players of the Year, Indhudhar and Sidharth Kumar.

The junior convener and coaching director followed the ceremony with updates on club plans and a summary of the season.

Club mementos were also presented to Gavin Ringland, Lee Anne, Suresh Gopidi, Audrey Hanna and Charlie Hutton for their services towards junior coaching.

A special club plaque was given to Royal Challengers Belfast for conducting a successful 12 team competition which contested the hundred format cricket tournament at Downpatrick Cricket Club in the summer.

The evening also witnessed a live painting performance from artist Karthik Kumar, who painted the old clubhouse on canvas in ten minutes in front of a live audience. 

The painting was put to auction which was well bid and eventually obtained by the Ferguson family.

There was also a raffle held, with prizes consisting of £750 and £250, as well as golf and holiday vouchers among others.

The night reflected on a notable year, during which the club won the Midweek Champions Trophy, after competing against 18 other teams in the league before emerging victorious by defeating Lisburn Cricket Club in the finals held at Shaws Bridge, Belfast. 

The team was captained by Indhudhar Jagadeesh.

Downpatrick also received the Champions Trophy for their second team by winning 12 matches in the league competing alongside eight teams in the League 8A. 

This team was captained by Abhishek Sanglikar. 

The firsts also had a good season but were just one win shy from achieving promotion. This team was captained by Charlie Hutton and Hamza Khan.

The thirds, captained by Matthew Lennon, finished in the middle of their respective league table.

Downpatrick has already begun plans for next season which promises to be very exciting and rewarding for both players and the club.