Forum

Don't worry Ivan - I think 'Section 1 cricketer' has gotten himself a bit confused about names, positions, etc. Clearly someone really au fait with things!!

Oh Dear! it looks as though the bubble has finally burst around the 'best club outside the Premier League', once the slight bit of criticism was levied the floodgates have opened.

Some may say this is jealousy, however jealousy is wanting something someone else has, instead I put this down to a growing dislike which stems from the players and officials perceived arrogance that they are bigger and better than they are! Correct me if I'm wrong but judging by posts this belief is held by more than just myself.

RE Anon

Just like to echo your comments about Ryan Eagleson.From my experience of playing against him a real tough competitor who isn't shy of a few words but after the game always up for a chat over a beer.
How long can he keep playing in the premier league is the worry for Carrick.

Ivan,
I would like to retract my statement about the ncu chairman. My source was incorrect, it was in fact a well known umpire who posts on here a lot who made the statement on FB.i would think if you ask the majority of section 1 cricketers what they think of the tracks at moylena they would agree with me. Yes you might put more effort in to the pitch for a final which means the stats will be favourable but maybe the same effort should go in to preparing decent tracks for the league games. Just an observation.

Congrats to Clogher cc for their border league win over Taverners cc this evening. A fantastic match, and a perfect model of a more relaxed style of league cricket.
Well done.

I must admit while I'm not a Nolan show regular listener ( I'm an Alan Brazil / Colin Murray man ) I do smile at some of the contributors and it's the same tonight on here .
I would just love to see a link to any comment Andy Clement has made on Facebook about Muckamore in his three seasons as NCU chairman . They DO NOT exist.
Andy has worked tirelessly for the Union and we are certainly looking at getting him back and putting some of the experiences he has gained in to the club from 2017/ 2018.
Regarding the pitches. I have never heard a complaint from any cup final team who have played at Moylena. The schools cup final this year had 360 runs in 80 overs and last year's Junior Cup final had five 50's . Trust me we do not go chasing these games as they are hard work and involve a large team of volunteers , postponing of club fixtures etc . We just see them as our duty as part of the larger NCU family.
I would also reckon by the end of any season the average runs per game at Moylena will stand up to scrutiny with any other club ( but sure lets not let the truth get in the way of a cheap "anonymous " comment ).
My number is 07553388190 if anyone wants to offer advice / help on how we can improve things , I will certainly bring your ideas to the committee.

The editors of the Forum are men of discretion - even allowing nom de plumes. The picture of Belmont indicated how wet the ground was but I didn't see any sheets, etc. in place but perhaps the photo angle didn't take them in. If such equipment wasn't available to a Premier club then what chance do the type of clubs mentioned in my posting have. Now what part of that do some of you anonymous writer not get? At the risk of repeating myself, my comments related to the malaise that exists in the NCU lower sections. I would refer to the situation that has evolved in Ulster rugby and the decline in what is now referred to the 'domestic game' that is being mirrored in cricket. No-one seems to have picked up on my remarks about the possibility of available finance. Have any clubs made any approach for finance to the new super Councils that are charged with community development? Since my posting appeared I have had comments by a couple of people who have identified with my input. And while I'm on - Congratulations to Larne on their unbeaten run!

Regarding a few comments made by Muckamore senior club members recently about other grounds, not least the NCU chairman himself on facebook. I honestly believe they are delusional up in Antrim. Yes Moylena has improved looks and facilities wise recently and fair play for that but the quality of the important area the tracks are absolutely awful. How they get cup finals etc is beyond me. So maybe instead of Andy worrying about pitches at other clubs maybe stopping muckamore win the league they should have a wee look closer to home.

Andy, i hope you aren't comparing any of the editors on the Forum to Stephen Nolan in your comparison.

Your comment that 'My reading coincided with the news that the club that is reputed to be the big spenders on the playing side was among the first to call off on Friday for a Saturday game' seemed to me to be a bit of a criticism but perhaps that's my interpretation.

If the forum isn't open to peoples opinions then I apologise for my previous comment, it seems you cant say anything (about certain clubs) without offending!

Perhaps members of the union should come together and take on the great example set by the Antrim club and become one big Family eh?

I'm not sure about the Nolan show but I just wish people would read what's written before going in to "foot in mouth " mode.
My post actually asks " Is it now time to start investing in extra drainage rather than an overseas pro ?".
This applies to Muckamore as much if not maybe more than other clubs. We have recently had matches called off at Moylena when other clubs played .
Our problem is the new compacted clay pitches don't let the water away so we either invest in more drainage or extra covering .
You certainly won't find me defending our back pitch. In my last year as captain of our 3rds ( 2014) I played all our home games at Parkhall School but unfortunately that pitch isn't currently available as a new school is being built where the pitch was.
We have added changing facilities on the back pitch this season and between now and next season will address the other issues.
While Muckamore have had pro's both overseas and local for many seasons they have also continually invested in their facilities - playing , practice and social.

Spent the evening watching CIYMS and Carrickfergus at a sunny Belmont and although CIYMS won - it was great to see the passion and fire that Ryan Eagleson still has for his boyhood club. If there was a proper clubman in the whole Union, then Ryan is your man. Class act.

Impressed with Carrick all round, they are a team on the up and can only improve. Lead well by Iain Parkhill and with the experience of Eagleson, they will trouble teams.

Ivan - before criticising other clubs and their facilities - I think you need to look at your own club first. Horrendous back pitch which isn't playable in my eyes to host games! You also go on about how good Muckamore is and their youth etc. Just seen on ncu site that your u17s conceded to Carrick in the colts cup. It seems a lot needs addressing at your own club, so best you look after that before criticising other clubs.

Sometimes I think that this forum runs the Nolan Show a close second! Ivan and I posted what I felt are reasonable comments about what we see going on. There were no criticisms in either posting and yet the 'whataboutery' starts! This totally misses the points that I was making but I suppose there are those who will see what they think see!

Ivan
You talk about facilities take a look at your back pitch it is a disgrace before you criticise other clubs look closer to home.

Re: NW supporter

Couldn't agree more. The team was clearly picked before the inter-pros were even played. Maybe that's why we won? Maybe a case of, "Who cares if we win, I know I'm picked" from Leinster team

Re: Section 1 Cricketer

Couldn't agree more again, you would think there was only 1 league in our country! Of the 3 three leading journalists in our country, by my calculations one has been doing Ireland coverage and the other 2 were both at the lawn on Saturday. Whats the point?

The only time you ever hear from outside of the premier league is when something goes wrong. E.g. Drumaness folding, Victoria/Lurgan in trouble, Woodvale claiming a game (Rightfully).

When the reality is section 1 & 2 are the most exciting leagues! PL is boring and predictable. Nothing about the great run in there is going to be in section 1 between Downpatrick, Woodvale and Muckamore? The relegation battle at the bottom involving 5/6 teams.

Then to section 2. I'm sure everyone heard about Cliftonville's 3rd XI folding. Yet no mention their 1st XI are the only unbeaten team in the NCU and on course to repeat Armagh's remarkable treble? No mention of the up and coming club cregagh, who's 1st XI average age must be under 20? laurelvale and holywood are also challenging in a 4 horse race for 2 promotion places.

No we will continue to talk about our non local players getting paid to play in the top flight. To refer to Andy Kennedys post hinted at decline again. Simply why should youngsters and clubs outside the top flight bother? All their best youth will get pinched by the big boys.

Do we not see the cycle and why our younger players are giving up our game???

Talented 15 year old -- "Oh come play for us to make it in cricket" -- Win every age group trophy -- 20 years old -- I've been playing 2nd XI cricket for 6 years, whats the point? -- Give up cricket.

This is fact. Time to open our eyes and see what is happening. Do we introduce a loan system? Talented 2nd XI players can go to Section 1/2 clubs and play for a year? Should the big boys be compensating small clubs for stealing their youth?