Ryan Macbeth has confirmed he is leaving Brigade to join Lisburn in the NCU.

The 25 year-old has been a pivotal figure at Beechgrove over the last eight years having joined them as a teenager from St Johnston.

The Warriors opening bowler finished second in the North West averages this year, taking 44 wickets as Brigade won the Senior and Faughan Valley Cups.

"I’ve always wanted to try my cricket up in the NCU, to take on a new challenge," Macbeth told CricketEurope.

"I’ve won everything there is to win in the North West with Brigade so I feel this is a good time now to try a new chapter in my cricketing career. 

"Lisburn stands out because they give me exactly what I want from a club. They have a brilliant team on and off the field. I’m really looking forward to getting involved. 

Macbeth paid tribute to his former club, where he enjoyed great success.

"I’d like to thank Brigade for the last eight years of my career. They are an exceptional club with brilliant people. I enjoyed every moment of my time there and won loads of trophies. I’m certain if it wasn’t for Brigade I wouldn’t have enjoyed half the success that I have today."

Lisburn captain Neil Whitworth welcomed Macbeth's signing and hinted that there could be more quality signings in the pipeline at Wallace Park.

"With the earlier announcement of Adam Kennedy, we are also delighted to share the signing of Ryan Macbeth," said Whitworth. 

"Ryan joins Lisburn having a great reputation, not only as a cricketer but equally as a person. 

"It’s clear to see with his performances in the North West and with the Warriors that Ryan is a top quality cricketer and one that the club is hugely excited about. 

"He will give us plenty of firepower at the top and an opportunity in the middle overs to strike also. Not only that, Ryan also has a power striking ability with the bat towards the end of an innings. 

"We have big ambitions next year, and with the signing of Ryan, it’s important that we continue to push forward with opportunities for silverware in the league and cups."