Carrickfergus

With no player movement in either direction, The Middle Road side will be hoping that stability will guarantee the club another season at the pinnacle of NCU cricket.

They managed 7th place in 2011, winning six games although more may be required in 2012 with the relegation battle set to be hotly contested.

Mikey Taiaroa had a super season with the bat last year scoring 858 runs at 68.00 to finish third in the aggregates, wghile Jamie Holmes 465 at 33.21 and Ross Gelderbloem 438 @ 29.20 were relatively consistent.

They struggled with the ball with the veteran Ryan Eagleson their leading wicket-taker with 21.

Carrickfergus captain Ross Gelderbloem acknowledged it would be tough for Carrickfergus but is relishing the challenge, telling CricketEurope: "Waringstown and North Down have been the sides to beat in recent years, but with CIYMS having recruited so many new players this season, you have to think that they will be in with a shout.

"It will be tough for clubs like ourselves with the league being reduced from 10 to 8 teams this season, but over the years Carrick have shown that we can beat anybody on our day, and will be looking to make it a 10th season in the Premier League."