Bannsiders reap the rewards for rebuilding work

The Ulster Cup final this Sunday represents a watershed moment since Coleraine’s re-emergence to senior cricket in 2008, and to the clubs many unsung heroes.

Coleraine CC has become a community uniting families and friends throughout the Triangle area and beyond.

Things have not always been so optimistic however.

Not since winning the 1986 North West Senior Cup has Coleraine seriously vied for honours at the top of the domestic ladder. Regularly ‘yo-yoing’ in the subsequent seasons, the club suffered back-to-back relegation from Senior 1 to 3 in the late 1990s, enduring a decade in the doldrums.

Rejuvenated by charismatic professional Mohammad Salman since 2008, the club’s have been on an upward curve since.

The ground staff work tirelessly to convert a rugby ground into a cricketing haven. Hosting the U19 World Cup Qualifiers and Ireland vs South Africa A in 2011 and 2012 is evidence of the club fledging success following the development of state-of-the-art facilities.

Stephen McCartney, Neil Morrison, Alistair Handforth and many others have all invested huge time and effort into the club’s ‘grassroots’, with over a hundred children often attending the Friday night coaching clinics.

Working together with CAI, CCC’s youth talent is envied throughout the country, with various youngsters representing at junior provincial and national level.

Fielding four teams is no mean feat in a largely rugby enthused area, but it testifies to its growing prominence.

Supporters work enthusiastically to provide the finest hospitality, whether it be the delicious teas provided or offering visitors a warm brew and an inside view of the game on a typically blustery day at Sandel Lodge.

Such positives have been reflected on the pitch, finishing sixth, fifth and third respectively between 2010-2012.

The trip to Waringstown is encouraged by all!

To those who invest their time and effort into Coleraine’s immaculate ground, those who coach the kids, prepare the teas and represent the club in the countless committees throughout the region - Sunday is a marquee day in the clubs re-emergence.

It is an historic day in a bright future.