James Hall has turned down an alleged approach from CIYMS to stay with Waringstown.

The 27-year-old prolific opening batsman, who topped the NCU’s run-scoring charts last season, has long been a target for the Belmont club.

But the former Ireland international is staying with his home-town club.

The news is a blow for CIYMS who announced last month that their move for Ireland all-rounder Max Sorensen had fallen through. Sorensen had agreed a switch to Belmont from The Hills but changed his mind to stay in Leinster.

Waringstown will be delighted Hall is remaining at The Lawn after his record-breaking exploits in 2015. He slammed 1,140 runs at an average of 81.43 and that included two double hundreds and three other centuries. His strike rate was an incredible 136.76.

Hall was a key part in Waringstown’s double of Premier League and Irish Cup success and formed a fine opening partnership with the talented youngster James McCollum. At 27, he has yet to reach his peak as a batsman with his best years surely in front of him.