Another NCU Cup Final photograph, this time from 2016 joins my list of favourites when CIYMS were back at Comber to defend the Trophy, against East Belfast neighbours CSNI.

2015 hero Rassie van der Dussen had been replaced in the CI side by compatriot Justin Kemp but it was the ‘defection’ of CSNI paceman Allen Coulter to their opposition that would be the catalyst for my choice of photograph.

Whatever the reason for the switch of allegiance there was always likely to be a moment in the game when things could get personal.

The match got off to a sensational start as CI were reduced to 1 for 3 inside the first three overs with two wickets to John Costain and one to Alan Blain.

Nigel Jones and Justin Kemp added 95 before Stephen Chambers and Kemp added a further 70 and with JT bludgeoning 37 CI finished with 243-7. That was deemed to be an under-par total but given their catastrophic start was one they were glad to be able to set.

The CSNI reply got off to a slow start and when Jones claimed Horwood, and Kemp both Beverland and Amjad the total was only 34.

Shane Getkate joined opener Andrew Cowden who was batting at his resolute best and took the total to 71 when Allen Coulter bowled to Cowden, and the ball rattled the off stump.

Just another wicket? Apparently not - A much needed breakthrough for the fielding side and one which obviously meant a lot to Allen.

My photograph shows Cowden just having turned away from the crease and Coulter having followed through quite some way up the pitch roaring his delight.

The outburst of pent up emotion, the personal satisfaction of the wicket, perhaps of that particular wicket, mixed with relief at the breakthrough and indeed the acceptance of his fate by the batsman are all there to see.

CI were now favourites but with Getkate (64) and Jason van der Merwe adding 100 the pendulum was swinging.

The swing continued and Van der Merwe would finish 98 not out and be mobbed by his teammates as CSNI won by five wickets with four balls to spare.

Contrast Jason’s joy with the slumped shoulders of Nigel Jones in the background.

As for Andrew Cowden - the CSNI skipper was able to celebrate holding the Cup aloft even if he lost his personal battle.