Tector honoured to secure Northern Knights captaincy

HARRY Tector has been appointed captain of Northern Knights in succession to Gary Wilson, who last week took over as head coach of North West Warriors.

Tector, who led Ireland Wolves on their recent tour to Bangladesh, has already been labelled an FIC — Future Ireland Captain — so was the obvious choice to take over, having been a regular on the Knights side for the last three seasons. Waringstown’s James Mccollum will be his vice-captain.

Although continuing to play his club cricket for YMCA in Dublin, Tector said he was “passionate about NCU cricket and I can’t wait to see more young cricketers get their chance with the Knights.”

He added: “To take over from Gary — someone I learned so much from and who did an excellent job — is a huge honour.”

Knights head coach Simon Johnston has known Tector, 21, since he was selected for his Ireland youth sides, and he subsequently made him captain, “so I know what an outstanding individual he is and what leadership qualities he will bring to this role.”

Johnston also paid tribute to Wilson for his service to NCU cricket, although he will continue to captain Civil Service North.

“I want to congratulate Gary on a fantastic career,” he said.

“Even when he was across in England playing county cricket, he always came back and helped. Over the years he’s been a brilliant asset for me, coming over and driving the standards even higher.”

Tector’s first game as Knights captain will, ironically, be at his home ground, Claremont Road, in the opening match of the season on May 4, in the 50-Over Cup against Leinster Lightning.