CIYMS target Gallagher Challenge Cup trophy treble as Armagh focus on away upset

The Belmont club have won the NCU’s premier club competition four times in the past six seasons – including in 2019 before defending it two years later after an enforced Covid delay – and come into this campaign, once again, amongst the favourites.

They enter the fray today against Cliftonville Academy and Jones says his side are as motivated as ever to repeat the feat.

“You know my love affair with the competition and all the guys are excited to get started,” he said. “It’s nice to travel to the Castle Grounds and we will certainly not be taking anything for granted.

“We’re looking forward to getting stuck in.

“We’re definitely motivated.

“It’s a cup we have some really fond memories of and I know it’s cliché but we live our best game the one we are in and try to add them up and go far in the competition.

“Hopefully, we can get ourselves to where we want to be and the reward we want.”

CI have formed a formidable core squad that has also won two Robinson Services Premier League titles, two LVS Twenty20 Cup honours and an All-Ireland Twenty20 Cup during a golden era for the club - while identifying key players that can help build on that success.

This season they signed Ross Adair, who has hit the ground running in typical devastating fashion by scoring a century against Instonians and 96 in victory over North Down.

“He has been outstanding,” said Jones. “He has fit really well into the club and it’s not just about what he’s doing on the field – that speaks for itself.

“He has had a couple of outstanding knocks for us already and everything else he brings around training and the changing room is great.

“He’s always up at the club supporting the other teams and working on his game.

“So he’s a great addition.

“Having