...but the potential rule changes off it. Most of them are hardy annuals, but the big difference this year is that they are being aired long before the AGM and in consultation meetings and forums where the views of the players are more likely to be heard.
The head to head in the Premier Section brings the two most consistent teams together in the final game akin to a cup final. At one stage Waringstown looked certain to finish top, but Instonians have clawed their way back into contention and with the other contenders dropping off the pace it's a straightforward winner take all confrontation. It's a similar picture in Section 1 where Carrickfergus have to beat Cliftonville to win promotion at the expense of Woodvale, who might tie them on points if they slip up, but their run rate lags a long way behind. This Section has been fiercely contested at the top, although struggling Dundrum will want to forget it quickly and get back to winning ways in Section 2 next season.
But it's potential rule changes that are getting just as much coverage and well done NCU Chairman Andy Clement and his team for taking the issues to the clubs well before the AGM. This gives everyone a chance to air their views during the season when most people are still around rather than a dark wet Autumn night at Shaw's Bridge in late October.
A smaller Premier Section, shorter games in Section 2, earlier starts from July and my favourite-the Premier League will be decided on run rate in the event of a tie, are all on the table for discussion. We've heard the different opinions from a number of well-known protagonists and the usual retorts when sensitive nerves are touched, but at the end of the day it is the messages not the messengers that are being discussed and calm heads and reasoned arguments are much more important than scoring points. Nothing is set in stone, and change can be healthy, but decisions are rarely unanimous and jumping back and forward with the same proposals every year becomes tedious and negative. If a case is solid and well presented then the advocate would do well to add a caveat that the change is for a defined period and can be monitored and reviewed. For example, changing the Premier Section back to 10 or 12 teams after two years of 8 teams doesn't sound very sensible, as the arguments for or against the 8-team league are largely unproven. It might suit the top teams in Section 1 to move up into the top division, but it would be a hollow promotion won in the committee room and not on the pitch. However, that's only a personal opinion and at the end of the day everyone has one of them and is entitled to express it. Thankfully the Forums and the NCU Chairman's open approach to consultation offers everyone a platform so say their bit and hopefully the AGM will be more meaningful and purposeful as a result.
What surprises me is the almost acceptance of professionalism and high numbers of overseas players because it appears impossible to police it. Clubs need to look at their future in this context and although we tend to think grassroots within the NCU the bigger picture is the future of cricket in Ireland and we need to develop our young players and give them a future. In this respect the national team has to have a place in our aspirations and vision. If not, Cricket Ireland could end up like the Home Countries in football where the UK players have been virtually ousted by overseas players and the strength of the national teams decimated. Don't blame Roy Hodgson, Michael O'Neill, or Gordon Strachan, blame 'Messers' Wenger, Van Gaal, Mourinho and the club owners who can't see any further than their noses. The figures are obscene.
Surely we don't want cricket to go down the same route albeit at a much lower level?
There's nothing wrong with professionalism and overseas players, but let's have some rules or we'll lose control of the game.
Clarence Hiles
Editor/
