FIVE STAR WALLACE KEEPS KILLYCLOONEY ON TOP

Killyclooney endorsed their title credentials with a four-wicket win over Donemana in the local derby. For once, the headlines weren’t all about Blayde Capell, with the heroes being Mark Gordon with the bat, and Jason Wallace with the ball. The 20 year-old grabbed five wickets to set up the win.

“Saturday was definitely one of my most satisfying performances this year,” said Wallace. “I've had a five-wicket haul for our seniors before, although this one would edge it out just because it was against Donemana.”

There is a great spirit and camaraderie in the Killyclooney squad, with Wallace highlighting the effort being put in by all the players.

“The squad has had a completely different attitude this year compared to last. A few of our players always said we could compete at this level if we all put in the hard work. Maybe a few didn't think that was true but I think now with our form this year we are starting to gain the belief.

“Our mindset has completely changed. We go out every week and take the field with confidence, not really thinking about who we are playing. We set our game plan, dig deep and stick by it!

With six games to go and still top of the Premiership, has there been talk of the title in the changing room?

“Maybe a few jokes here and there. We don't like to get ahead of ourselves as we know there's still a long way to go. We keep taking it week by week at the moment and just keep enjoying our cricket. We will see where it takes us soon enough.”

Wallace is a foreman electrician, working for Tim Dougherty, who also happens to be his captain, so it’s perhaps not surprising he is full of praise for the sterling work he’s done in the club’s transformation.

“Tim plays a massive role in our team and is always making sure we walk into these games with our heads held high. He is always keeping our energy up on the field. A few weeks ago I told him I'd maybe like a game or two at first change, which he backed. Going into Saturday’s clash I wasn't sure if I'd be opening the bowling attack until he threw me the ball. That gave me a massive confidence boost, knowing just how much confidence he had in me, given the importance of the game.”

Although he only made 28 on Saturday, Blayde Capell passed 1500 runs for the season, and Wallace can’t speak highly enough of the South African’s impact.

“I don't think I even need to say much about Blayde, as his stats speak for themselves. He's been a real game changer for us - a great lad on and off the field, and already a firm fan favourite. He keeps us on our toes in training and ensures we play to the best of our ability, and is also heavily involved with our youth set-up too which is always good to see.”

The new ball pairing of Wallace and Jordan Nelson have taken a combined 45 wickets on their way to the top. The duo have dove-tailed perfectly and played a pivotal role in their success to date.

“I've been opening the bowling for a few years with Jordan. We always aim to get the team off to a solid start. He is a very talented bowler in our team so is always keeping the pressure on me to perform at the other end. I think in training we all are keeping each other on our toes. The competitiveness is great at the moment so we all seem to be pushing each other onwards.”

Killyclooney are in action tonight as they travel to Ardmore in the semi-final of the Faughan Valley Cup, before hosting Coleraine in the Premiership.