Putting it mildly, it’s not been the best of summers so far for the Northern Cricket Union or its main sponsor, Ulster Bank.

Rain has played havoc with the fixtures of the former; much more stormy weather has beset a sponsor which has proved highly supportive and loyal for almost 20 years.

Both will now look to clearer skies in more senses than one to herald next Friday’s Ulster Bank NCU Challenge Cup final at Comber (11am).

A fine game would be timely and Instonians and North Down both have the talent to achieve it.

As tends to be the norm, North Down will go into the game as favourites but it would be a bold forecaster who would plump with total confidence.

On the one hand North Down sit jointly on top of the Ulster Bank Premiership despite yesterday’s defeat to Lisburn.

On the other they are there, in the main, courtesy of Instonians’ league defeat of Waringstown last week.

North Down will enjoy home advantage given that the venue for the final is determined before the start of the season. But that counted for nothing three years ago when Instonians emerged triumphant by eight wickets.

One man, of course, will attract much attention. Once upon a time, Ireland’s second most capped player Andrew White achieved many of his triumphs at The Green, where in six seasons he won four NCU League and three Challenge Cup medals.

It’s now nine years since the 32-year-old PE teacher joined Instonians and it’s no coincidence that the stock of the Belfast club has been rising ever since; not least in that final of 2009 when White was man of the match with a couple of wickets and an undefeated half century.

More than most, North Down captain Peter Shields recognises the White factor. They played in the same school side at Regent House before teaming up at The Green. He tells me: “Instonians are a very strong side with a number of potential match winners — none more so than Andrew White. But we have plenty of our own!”

Comber invariably invites runs and, with no shortage of batting talent on either side, Friday should prove no exception. Ryan Haire, Andrew Sutherland, Neil Russell, Jonny Terrett, overseas professional Guyan Wijekoon and Shields himself will all bring big match experience to the middle for North Down.

And in Peter Eakin they have one of the most talented young batsmen around.

There should be no shortage of runs in an Instonians line-up that includes Rory McCann, John Stevenson, James Shannon, skipper Moleon — and White.

The pace of Gavin McKenna and spin of the wily Martin Moreland will spearhead the North Down attack; Instonians will look to a similar combination of Moleon and White.

And it’s here that one absentee could tell a tale. Instonians will be without their most successful bowler in their smooth three-match run to the final.

Spinner Ben Wylie took five for 33 in Woodvale’s paltry 70 and followed it with 4-18 in Civil Service North’s wholly inadequate 90 to give his side 10 wicket and eight wicket victories respectively.

He will not be at Comber, rather he will be enjoying the warmer climes of Darwin as he prepares with the Ireland squad for the Under-19 World Cup in Australia.

North Down’s Alistair Shields will miss the chance of a cup medal for the same reason but his side can bear the loss of his batting more than Instonians’ loss of Wylie’s bowling.

Both captains reckon a fine game is in prospect — weather permitting.

Shields observes: “North Down have a very proud history in the cup, having won more times than any other club. We will be looking to add to that record.”

Moleon describes his side as “underdogs”, adding: “North Down are at home and they have a very good record in the cup. But, as always, we will give a good account of ourselves. It will be a good final: both teams have big players and good young players and in a final it could be anyone’s day.”