Matthew Humphreys is hoping to make it a week to remember as he returns to Stormont on Friday aiming to bowl Lisburn to Challenge Cup success five days after tasting Test success there with Ireland (11am).
The 21-year-old is currently studying Maths at Trinity and hopes he has the answers to beating a Muckamore side that continues to defy the critics by challenging for both the League and first Cup success in 61 years.
“It will definitely be a good feeling to get back out there after the win over Zimbabwe. They’re leaving some of the infrastructure up so that will give it a special atmosphere for the fans,” said Humphreys.
Lisburn have already tasted Cup success this year, collecting the T20 Cup, and Humphreys feels they have the quality in their ranks to complete the double.
“We have assembled a strong squad over the past few years, with the likes of Nigel Jones and Mark Adair, and there’s a lot of experience and depth in our team. Mark hasn’t played much for us this season with Ireland commitments and a hamstring issue, so it will be great if he’s involved.
“I’ve only played 10 times this season myself due to playing with Trinity and Ireland, so it’s been great to see the lads doing so well and getting the success they fully deserve. I do hope we get to add to that success.
“The Challenge Cup is one that the older guys at the club hold close to their heart. It would mean so much to Trevor McKeown and Uel Graham, who is always going on about that Cup team of 1994 when they shared it with North Down.”
Despite only 10 appearances, Humphreys is one of five Lisburn bowlers to have taken 20 wickets or more, alongside Neil Whitworth, Josh Manley, plus new signings Adam Kennedy and Ryan Macbeth — who leads the pack with an impressive haul of 29 wickets.
“David Simpson retired last year and he was such a stalwart that it was always going to be a major challenge to replace,” Humphreys added.
“He had such big boots to fill, but Ryan has come in and hit the ground running, taking early wickets and done really well.”
Humphreys also paid tribute to his captain Neil Whitworth who has 454 runs and 20 wickets so far in an impressive campaign.
“Neil came in a few years ago and settled in so well. He is a good guy to have around the club with a calming influence and, of course, as his stats show, he is a great cricketer on the pitch as well.”
Lisburn’s batting is led by Indian overseas professional Faiz Fazal, whose 711 runs at an average of 50.79 had played a major part in their success, and Humphreys outlined just what a pivotal role he plays at Wallace Park.
“We have been so lucky to have a player of his pedigree and consistency,” he said.
“He has been so influential on and off the pitch. The fact that we know he is going to be here every year just takes a huge weight off the club’s shoulders and gives us the stability to build around him. He is the glue that holds our batting unit together and every year he’s right up amongst the top of the averages.”
Muckamore stand in the way and they have a full-strength team for the decider with skipper Neil Gill declaring their named XI all having a clean bill of health.
Jason van der Merwe has been the stand-out performer for the Moylena side with both bat and ball, amassing 608 runs and claiming 19 wickets. Canadian Under-19 international Ben Calitz is another batsman with a blossoming reputation, while Sathish Suresh has been exceptional with the ball.
While Lisburn will start favourites, you get the feeling that Muckamore — celebrating their 150th year — won’t mind the underdogs tag one iota.
Lisburn could be doubling up as their Second XI take on Waringstown in the Junior Cup Final at Bangor.
MUCKAMORE: Kyllin Vardhan, Satish Suresh, Mark Cleghorne, Jason van der Merwe, Ben Calitz, Luke Allen, Jamie Magowan, Neil Gill (capt), Shane Henderson, Pavan Khartik, Curtis Moorhead, Sam Magee (12th), Ewan Wilson (13th).
LISBURN: Neil Whitworth (capt), Faiz Fazal, David Miller, Jonathan Waite, Nigel Jones, Mark Adair, Matthew Humphreys, Glenn Halliday, Josh Manley, Ryan Macbeth, Adam Kennedy, Callum Atkinson (12th), Adam Berry (13th).