The Warriors name a team for the first IPT20 festival

The North West Warriors have named a 13-man squad for the first IPT20 festival of the season, which takes place this week from Tuesday to Thursday at The Mardyke in Cork.

International demands and injuries have clearly affected availability, but the two most obvious changes for the Warriors are the omission of Nathan McGuire – who is playing his IP cricket this season with Munster – and the inclusion of Aaron Gillespie.

Chief of Selectmen Marshall Kilgore explained the thinking behind those moves today as the team began its 600-mile round trip.

“We looked at the squad available and thought Nathan’s opportunities are limited this year. Munster offer him a good opportunity; especially now that he’s back in Dublin and we wish him well for the rest of the season.

“We’ve spoken to Aaron again recently and we’re delighted he wants to come back into the team. He’s someone the selectors have always rated very highly and the number of runs he’s scored at Strabane this year shows that.

The Warriors also have one new face in their corner this week as Graeme McCarter travels as Boyd Rankin’s assistant coach.

All three Warriors games kick off at 11am with the tournament hosts Munster Reds first up on Tuesday morning.

Boyd Rankin’s side face Leinster Lightning on Wednesday and the Northern Knights on Thursday before starting the home journey.

Warriors team in full

Shane Getkate (Captain)

Stephen Doheny (wk)

Liam Doherty

Aaron Gillespie

Ryan Macbeth

Scott Macbeth

William McClintock

Trent McKeegan

Cameron Melly

Cian Robertson

Gavin Roulston

Jared Wilson

Harry Zimmerman

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Originally founded by Robert John Fleming in Donegal, North West Ireland in 1860 and still owned by the Fleming family to this day, it is one of the oldest agricultural machinery companies in Great Britain and Ireland. The company trades in more than 20 countries and employs more than 100 people on a modern 6-hectare site in Newbuildings. They specialize in agricultural, rural and land management machinery with over 100 products on offer:https://www.fleming-agri.com/