Johnny Thompson swaps North West for NCU as he seals move to CIYMS

Johnny Thompson has become the latest big-name cricketer to leave the North West for the NCU.
Johnny Thompson is on his way to the NCUJohnny Thompson is on his way to the NCU
Johnny Thompson is on his way to the NCU

The Ireland A all-rounder has joined CIYMS, just a week after the Belmont club announced the capture of Nigel Jones.

The 31-year-old’s departure from the North West is a crushing blow to Brigade, his club for the last five years, and the Warriors interprovincial side for whom he will now be ineligible.

Thompson becomes the fourth North West player at Belmont, following captain Chris Dougherty, Stephen Dunn and his former Brigade team-mate Trevor Britton over the Glenshane Pass. That number could increase to five if Steven Clarke returns to CI when he finishes a university term in England next year.

Thompson has long been a target for NCU clubs with North Down among those showing firm interest in the past.

“I’ve said for quite a few years that I always wanted to try at least one season in the NCU and I’m delighted to be finally getting that chance at CIYMS,” Thompson said. “I felt that at my age this is probably my last chance to move there. I didn’t want to leave it another three or four years when I’m past my best. This is a great time to go and it helps that Doc (Dougherty) Ted (Britton) and Stephen Dunn are already at CI and they’ve had lots of good things to say about the club.”

Thompson had been talking to CI for weeks and he says last week’s signing of Jones, exclusively revealed in the News Letter, helped persuade him that Belmont was the right choice.

“It was a big attraction to see that Nigel Jones had signed. I’ve played against him in the interpros over the last couple of years and he’s one of the best players in the NCU,” Thompson said. “He hits the ball really big and is a great bowler.

“I’m really excited about playing in the NCU. It’s probably a stronger league than the North West at the minute and I’m looking forward to proving myself against the top players there. I can’t wait to play against Waringstown and North Down, and CI are one of the big boys now.”

With the signings of Thompson and Jones already secured, CI will now turn their attention to filling their two overseas berths.

A spokesman said: “Johnny is a quality cricketer, he will bring pace to our bowling attack and will be a very dangerous batsman in the middle order. He will fit in with the rest of the lads. We know he had been keen on playing in the NCU and we are delighted he has chosen CI.”

Thompson, who came up through the famed Donemana youth system, would prefer to continue playing his interprovincial cricket with the North West Warriors but under current regulations, players must represent the region where they play their club cricket.

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