HANDY ANDY FIRES STRABANE INTO NATIONAL CUP SEMI-FINAL

It’s been a great season for Strabane so far, with Andrew Mullen being one of the real success stories for the Red Caps. He was at his best on Sunday as he weaved his magic against Templepatrick to seal a semi-final berth along with fellow North West side Ballyspallen, plus Fingal powerhouses Rush and North County.

The 22-year-old started his cricketing journey at Creevedonnell, the Curryfree club now sadly no longer with us.

“I have been playing cricket from as far back as I can remember,” Mullen told the Chronicle. “I was always about Creevedonnell  whenever I was very young as my relatives played for that club. It was where cricket all began for me.”

Since moving to Strabane from Bready, the left-arm spinner has established himself in the bowling unit where his hard work is paying off as the club challenge on all fronts.

“It’s probably the most enjoyable season I’ve had in cricket this far. We are playing well, all gelling together and contributing to victories. We are doing well in all the competitions we can be in. It would be really outstanding if we could get some silverware to bring success to the club.

The affable Mullen was modest about his performance in the National Cup, enjoying playing in a happy squad in the Irish competition.

“It matches my four-wicket spell from last year, but given the importance to the club of the National Cup, this certainly surpasses it.

“I’m loving every second playing in the competition. It’s really bringing out the best in us, and we’re growing in confidence as the competition progresses. If we get to the final, with the game broadcast, it would be a really good experience to be playing under that spotlight of the streamed game with commentary. I feel we would thrive with the increased attention.”

With four trophies still in Strabane’s grasp, which of the quartet would he prefer?

“Definitely the National Cup for me personally, as it is an All-Ireland competition. To get our club name down in the records as 2024 winners would be the biggest achievement of my cricket career.”

He’s certainly enjoying his time at The Park, and not surprisingly winning regularly has brought out the best in his team-mates.

“I get along with everyone on the team – it’s a pleasure to be on the field with them all. I wouldn’t want it any other way as the craic we have is unbelievable. Rhys Logue and Kevin Gallagher are the two that stand out for me on the joking side during warm-ups. You need to be on your toes with the banter, but we are laughing a lot and that’s no bad thing for a club, isn’t it?

Strabane make the journey to Coleraine tomorrow in the T20 Cup, while they have a crunch derby clash with Fox Lodge on Saturday.