Forum

A few adverse comments on various sites about that wee lad scoring 1009 runs. I realise that such a score would be difficult to achieve in "our" cricket but then again there is no facility for a declaration in the NCU regs.

Rumours

A rumour is a social cancer
not the definitive answer
and very difficult to contain

It makes silly asses
of countless masses.
on entering the brain

And what is stranger
adding to the danger
these rumours seem like fun

Hence spreading infection.
of invidious deception
without a smoking gun

If rumour is part truth
only a clever sleuth
can pinpoint its source

So spreading profuse
like Chinese whispers, let loose
mutating to topical discourse

So don't bite a poisonous apple
or, in idle gossip dapple
for both are subterfuge

Question a rumour's validity
to counter its morbidity
and avoid looking like a stooge

Trust to wise judgement
should a rumour augment
then nip it in the bud

For ignorance is bliss
and what's more, is this
Red not green, the colour of your blood !

EDITOR
Of course he will know it,
But the words of this poet,
Hit crap on the nose
with meaningful prose,
Thanks Caleb, for taking the time to show it.

There have been several posts regarding the reported Max Sorenesen comments, some posted and some not. Most appear to be under the veil of anonymity. I have known Kyle for most of his cricket career and the only place I ever found him him biased or insular was on the cricket field for club and country. I could never fault him for that. Off it, he has been one of Irish cricket's finest ambassadors and I have absolutely no doubt he acts with total integrity in cricket as he does in everyday life. If we removed all the NCU cricket officials who have club affiliations we would have nobody left. Everyone has a club background and it's always easy to throw a cheap shot when something happens that you don't like.

Total nonsense re Kyle McCallan and any suggestions that he's using his position as NCU Selector to benefit Waringstown are a disgrace,

Kyle's volunteered endless hours to both Irish and NCU cricket and there isn't a person in this country who wants his Union or country to do better,

Money talks and one suspects that the players choice to go back to The Hills was based on that. All to easy to shift the focus onto the NCU selection panel.

Re Bob

Surely it isn't right for a selector to have this much sway when still playing for a rival team.

Maybe as well that it seems that John Mooney is now coming to Belmont and he's a retired blow in with no interest in playing for Knights or any interpro team.

Bob,
More likely big Max saw John Mooney had retired and felt it was easier to get onto the Ireland team from Leinster than NCU. Don't knock a decent guy who's a legend in local cricket and who's doing a good job in difficult circumstances. And yes he does speak for the NCU as they appointed him.

Andrew,
Sincere thanks for the information provided. I will follow up leads as advised.

Pat I believe the NIC&FC honours board is located in the Royal Ulster Rifles Museum in Waring Street. You should also contact Belfast Harlequins for further information. I think they gave the board to the museum for safe keeping
Andrew Babington
Hon Sec CSNI

Interesting to read Max Sorensen's comments about joining CIYMS. Apparently he has decided not to come as the chairman of selectors of the Northern Knights has decided he doesnt want "blow ins" - there's a few questions here:
1. What is the criteria for the Knights now? Born within Counties Armagh, Antrim and Down?
2. Is it a blatant abuse of power that a player for a club's rivals should actively discourage a signing as it may impact negatively on his club's season?
3. Who is in charge of the NCU Knights now? Is it not best vs best anymore? Or is it possibly best mates vs the rest?
4. Did chairman of selectors have backing of powers that be within NCU before his comments to Sorensen?
5. Do you have to play for 1 of 2 clubs before you can be assured of a place on the Knights?

it will be very interesting if any ncu clubs go for yogesh takawale seeing as he is a free agent and given his record of big centuries a welcome addition to any batting lineup as he wont be getting ipl cricket this year

Congratulations to Roy Harrison.
The Duke and Dutchess of Mid Ulster and now an MBE.
Love it!!!!

Hi Everyone,
In relation to my ongoing research into cricketers (of any ability or club/school etc) who had a connection to the game in Ireland and who died in the Great War, I wish to seek your assistance. My query relates to the North of Ireland Cricket and Football Club Great War memorial erected at Ormeau. Is this memorial still at Ormeau or has it been moved to another location since the club departed the Ormeau grounds?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Happy New Year to one and all.
Pat

Happy New Year to everyone.

my take on Jeff's challenge!!! very very interesting topic and some great players mentioned already i see...........

1 Best ground played at obviously my home ground in Saintfield or The Green at ND
2 Best player played with Mark McBriar. Unplayable on his day and technically gifted bat without really showing it
3 Best bowler faced Ryan Eagleson or Joel Maguire
4 Best batsman bowled at Johnny Hewitt
5 Best overseas pro bowled at.......Indrajeet Kamtekar
6 Best umpires Ian Houston or Jarleth McCready
7 Best teas Downpatrick/Laurelvale
8 Best fielder Paul Mullan like a cat on the boundary
9 Best all rounder Darren McCann
10 Best wicket keeper played with Derrick McCann
11 Best moment in cricket scoring my first senior hundred against Woodvale or winning the Junior Cup with Saintfield

Congratulations to Roy Harrison on being named in the new years honours list. A proud moment for the family and for Irish and NCU cricket.