Holywood Cricket Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grounds: 

The Seapark Oval, Seapark, Holywood.  (Above)

Sullivan Upper School, Belfast Road, Holywood.

Rockport School, Seahill, Holywood.

 

Club Colours:  Green & Black

 

Formed:  1881

 

2008 Hon Chairman:  Mr Ken Nixon

 

2008 Club Captain:  Philip McCormick

 

2008 Hon Secretary:  Nolan Andrews

 

Web address:  www.holywoodcc.co.uk

 

Holywood Cricket Club have had their fair share of ‘homes’ since it was established in 1881.  The first home for Holywood was at Kinnegar in Holywood.  Then after a storm blowing the pavilion away, the club found a new home in 1885 at Belfast Road, where it stayed until 1996.  The club were challenged in 1996 when after that season; St Paul’s GAA club developed their pitch.   As the cricket club used part of their pitch for its outfield and the pitch was raised, the club would have no home in the 1997 season.  Sullivan Upper School provided their grounds as a temporary measure for one season – that offer lasted 8 seasons.  Now Holywood Cricket Club have a super new facility at the ‘Seapark Oval’ that is provided by North Down Borough Council as part of a grand project.  The club hope that the council will also provide permanent practice cages and eventually a purpose built pavilion to share with the local bowling club. 

 

The club has a great history in the NCU winning the first division, section one league in 1901, 1906, 1914 (holding the title until 1919), 1956 and sharing it in 1958.  The Challenge Cup has been held in Holywood in 2 occasions – 1899 & 1905. 

 

The club have produced many great players over the history and to name a few that have excelled include Bill Pollock, Brian Shannon, Con McCall, Stewart McCormick and Michael Shannon.  International wicketkeepers that learned the game at Holywood are Paul Moore and Gary Wilson. 

 

On the administration side, Holywood have produced NCU Presidents such as R M Erskine and Dawson Moreland.  Cecil Cave was President of what is now Cricket Ireland, in 1976.  Current umpires JE (Jimmy) McCall and even Ian Houston both were Holywood players. 

 

The NCU Graham Cup is also linked to Holywood.  In its first year the cup was won by Holywood.  The cup was donated by Mr. H Graham and his son, Harry was a member of the team.  The final was held at Holywood until the ground at Belfast Road was taken away, and Sullivan ground was not deemed fit for the final. 

The club, like many clubs has its focus on the future and with the junior club.  Holywood have teams competing at Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 level.  There is a real buzz around the junior club and there are many talented youngsters coming through the levels.  Ross Adair has already represented Ireland at youth level and will very soon be pushing for 1st XI games.  Holywood have at least 6 coaches available to the various levels and all have good experience. 

 

The senior club have the benefit of having international grounds man, Philip McCormick looking after the square (right).  Each year the quality of pitch that is provided gets better.  The ground is as fast a drying ground that is available - making the Seapark Oval as promising young ground. 

 

Philip is also the 2008 Club Captain and he is looking to have his team pushing for Premier League cricket in the next 2 seasons.  The 2nd XI team seem to keep winning in the league, promoted as champions in 2006 and then again in 2007 – they currently sit 3 from 3 in Division 2 Section 2.  The 3rd team have a great mix of youth and experience.  They too got promoted last season and have started this season off very well.  Holywood are looking to introduce a 4th team in 2009 season. 

 

This old club has a great history, its had its troubles over the years like many others, if history works in cycles then success in the top flight may not be too far away for Holywood Cricket Club.  It seems to have a good structure in place, its just a matter of ‘time will tell’.

 

Club Training / Coaching

 

Monday from 6.30pm – senior club night

Tuesday from 6.30pm – Under 17 & Under 15 junior club night

Wednesday from 6.30pm – senior club night

Thursday from 6.30pm – Under 13 & Under 11 junior club night

Friday evening – junior club matches

Saturday – senior club matches