The News Letter's Alistair Bushe identifies six young NCU players (in no particular order) who have big years ahead of them in 2010.
First up was Keith Allen of Waringstown CC. Second is left-arm slow bowler Jack Blakiston-Houston of Instonians CC.
The Bushe Verdict:
Jack Blackiston-Houston - Instonians
'This left-arm spinner is one of the promising group of youngsters at Shaw's Bridge. University commitments restricted Blackiston-Houston to eight appearances in 2009, but he boasted impressive statistics, with 14 wickets at an average of 12 and an economy rate of 3.38.
He played a key role in the closing weeks of the season as Instonians won the Challenge Cup and a share of the Premier League title. Best figures of 3-6 and then a fine display against Waringstown in the final game of the campaign at The Lawn underline his potential.'
Profile: Jack Blakiston-Houston
In eight matches in the NCU Premier League in 2009, Blakiston-Houston took 14 wickets at an average of 12.36 with a best bowling performance of 3-36.
At university in Cardiff, Blakiston-Houston had been playing a lot of his cricket there. However he first came to the attention of the selectors when he took four wickets for MCC playing against Ireland U19s in Carrickfergus in 2008.
Though he was part of the Ireland U19 squad that won the European Championships in July 2009 he was omitted from the squad that went to the global qualifier in September '09 and from the 2010 World Cup squad itself.
Blakiston- Houston feels aggrieved that he wasn't part of the Ireland U19 World Cup squad.
Though there are some senior squad selections that have many folks scratching their heads (including yours truly!), I think the make-up of the U19 WC squad had more to do with the need to have specialist wicket-keeping cover and the presence of Dockrell and captain Balbirnie in the squad. It is just one of those things.
Now 20, Jack will just have to put that disappointment behind him and make sure that the selectors can't ignore him by putting in performances on the field. It is something that Cover Point believes he has the ability to do. He is our second 'one to watch from the NCU for 2010 and beyond.'
Date of Birth 22-11-89
Club - Instonians CC
Bats - RHB
Bowls - Left arm slow
Interview
CP: When did you start to play cricket?
JBH: When I was age 7 at Headfort School in Kells.
CP: What sparked your interest in the game?
JBH: Everybody else was doing it.
CP: Favourite cricketer and why?
JBH: Tendulkar, not his talent but how he deals which his idolisation from others.
CP: Biggest influence and why?
JBH: Probably my five younger, and more talented, brothers and sisters. Makes you pretty competitive!
CP: Ambitions for 2010?
JBH: It would be great for Instonians to win the league outright. Outside of cricket I am cycling around Ireland in late June early July and would like to raise £25,000 for charity.
CP: Proudest achievement to date?
JBH: I'm not really sure.
CP: Biggest disappointment to date?
JBH: Not being selected for the U19 world cup.
CP: Area looking to improve in 2010?
JBH: Eugene Moleon will say my fielding but I reckon pinch-hitting!!
CP: What else are you passionate about?
JBH: I'm doing English Literature and Ancient History at Cardiff University at the moment.
CP: What other interests have you / what other sports do you play?
JBH: Listening to music, hockey, running, and now cycling...probably
CP: What could Irish cricket be doing (if anything) that it is not doing already to make the sport more popular?
JBH: I feel that a bowler who doesn't get in the U19 squad should not be averaging under 13 in a Premier league, maybe an Ulster League?
Liam Rooney in cooperation with Jack Blakiston- Houston and The News Letter's Alistair Bushe
.
Copyright: Cover Point
