Rory McCann may be, by some distance, the best wicket-keeper batsman playing cricket (regularly) on the island but with Ireland being blessed with talent in that department, opportunities to play for his country are proving elusive. It is proving to be a highly successful season though at club level and this weekend the 26-year-old McCann will get a chance to showcase his talent in an Irish Cup semi-final. He talks to Cover Point below....
How has the season been so far for you?
Yeh I feel the season is going well this year personally. I feel in good nick with the bat and gloves at the moment. Long may it continue. It's important it continues coming up to some massive games we have in the cups and league.
It's been a good season for Instonians as well...
We are going well at the moment. However, we haven't won anything yet. We targeted the Irish Cup this year and on the 7th August we have one of the biggest games in the club's history. We have a Twenty20 final approaching and also a massive game in the Ulster Cup final against local rivals North Down. So we have a huge month ahead of us.
You must be enjoying it?
Yeh I'm really enjoying the season. The team is made up of a good bunch of lads and there is a good feeling within the camp at the moment. So far this season has been one of my most enjoyable at the club.
The NCU seems strong this year. There's been Obus Pienaar at Waringstown of course but young home-grown players such as James Shannon, James Hall, Lee Nelson seem to have really come on this year - is that fair comment?
Yeh, I feel the standard of cricket within the NCU has never been stronger. The positive thing is that all the teams that seem to be doing well this year are full of promising young players which hopefully is a great sign of things to come.
Which young player has impressed you most this year (besides Obus!)?
Two young players stand out to me. Sam Shannon with the ball has had his strongest season for us this year and Muckamore's Jason van der Merwe impressed me while away playing against the MCC for the A team this year.
What are the key strengths of this Instonians team?
We have a strong batting line up and can be very useful with the ball. However, one thing which has really impressed me this year has been our fielding. We have a lot of energy as a young team and have taken some great catches in big games this year.
The Instonians batting line-up certainly has a big reputation - can you tell us a little about your Top 6 batters (don't have to talk about yourself if you're too modest!)?
John Stevenson - Grit and determination. The 'old' man is a real battler and has been a stalwart figure within the top order for the last ten years. Great player of spin.
James Shannon- Bags of talent. Great fielder. Over the last year he has matured his game and is reaping the rewards with the bat.
Andrew White- Renowned talent in Irish cricket. Brilliant to have in the team. Always steps up in the 'Big' games both with bat and ball. Good fielder.
Eugine Moleon- Huge hitter of a cricket ball. Has contributed really well with the bat this year. Definitely his best season with the bat in an Instonians shirt.
Jordy Morrow- Great addition to the team this year. Has played some valuable innings this year when we have lost early wickets.
It seems that Instonians may have two captains !?! Who calls the shots?
Eugine Moleon is our captain. Although Whitey (Andrew White) would like to think he is most of the time. Eugine has done a great job over the past few years putting together a young and exciting team. Great leader.
Are Instonians expected to be a full strength for the semi?
I cannot see any reason why we will not be at full strength, Hopefully Sam Shannon's recent knee injury will have cleared up before August 7th. I'm sure he will be fine.
How much do you know about Phoenix?
Never played against played against tem but realise their main threat is likely to come from ex Irish internationals Jeremy Bray and Dave Langford Smith.
Instonians have never won the Irish Cup - what would it mean to the Club to reach the Final?
The Irish Cup Final is the highlight of club cricket. It would be an unbelievable effort reaching the final having no professional at any stage in the competition. I honestly feel we have the ability within the team to win the competition but we have a huge hurdle to jump first against a strong Phoenix side. It would be a great day for everyone involved within the club.
Given that the NCU has not had a winner since North Down in 1995 what would it mean to have an all-NCU final?
Be brilliant to have an all NCU final against Waringstown. It feels as if we are down at The Lawn every other week at the moment with all the games we have played against them this year. Wish them all the best.
How are things going with Ireland 'A'? Has that been a good experience for you?
Really enjoying it. We had a tough game a few weeks ago against Yorkshire. They fielded a strong side and it was a real challenge but that's the standard of cricket you want to be playing at and feel it is a great stepping stone of getting into the senior team. The more games against County 2nd elevens the better.
Yeh it's been a great experience. I have been pleased the way it has gone for me personally, both with bat and behind the stumps. There are games at the end of August against Hampshire and Sussex. Important month at club level coming up which will hopefully be a success then I will be looking to get myself selected for those games coming up towards the end of the season.
You must feel yourself a little unlucky to be around at the same time as Niall O'Brien and Gary Wilson?
Yeh Gary and Niall are super players and have done very well for Ireland over the years. It's tough competing with guys who are playing day in day out but I feel I have the ability to compete with them and will continue to try and keep knocking on the door through doing well in club cricket and through opportunities in the Ireland A team.
What are your cricket ambitions for the next 12 months?
Well hopefully help Instonians lift a couple of trophies this year then have a productive off-season with a bit of teaching here and there. Plenty more than Whitey anyway.
Finally Rory, do you think Instonians can beat Phoenix on August 7th?
Yes I do. If we get everything right on the day we have the talent in the side to beat anyone in the country!
Rory McCann in conversation with Liam Rooney
