Mikey Taiaroa, Carrickfergus’s leading batsman for the last three seasons, has given the recently relegated club a boost by confirming this week that he will be returning for a fourth season at Middle Road in 2013. The 24 year old Irish qualified New Zealander, who has ambitions to play for Ireland, has resisted approaches from a number of Premier League clubs to remain with the East Antrim club and assist them in their quest for a return to the Premier League, where they had played since 2004. New skipper Iain Parkhill is naturally delighted with Taiaroa’s continued commitment to Carrick, and with the nucleus of last year’s squad still available, is confident that they can be among the front- runners in Section 1 next season. Carrick have yet to announce their overseas player for 2013, but negotiations are currently underway to sign a bowling all rounder to replace former skipper Ross Gelderbloem who will not be returning in 2013 after four seasons with the Club.