Forum

You're putting up a strong case for the defence Curtis and of course, cricket, like any sport, must be played competitively at whatever level, if it is to prove enjoyable, worthwhile and beneficial for players and supporters alike.

However, I will confess the substance of my argument comes from a rather 'blinkered' point of view, having mostly played at junior level and only briefly ever achieved the career dizzy heights of a few games playing in the 'old' section four as it was then back in the day.

Though having said that, at an age when most would consider themselves well past their prime, and indeed, talking about football or rugby, I retired years ago, (football). On the other hand, with the game of cricket, I consider myself to be at my peak and some, with even better to come in the future.

I captured 18 wickets this season, and I'm sincerely hoping to again be the fortunate recipient of the top wicket taker prize for our club's 3rd eleven, at our upcoming Annual dinner dance at Maloney's restaurent in Lurgan.

And I could further go on about a certain player within our ranks not far away from celebrating his 79th birthday, (sorry Gerald) but I don't want to sound facetious or even boostful as to the 'richness' of our resourses, suffice to say, he has no notion of quitting or retiring !

'I await your rebuttal Sir '

Re C Boomer

I agree with you. It's the same in a lot of sports. Top quality players always leave the game early when, like you say, they could play for a second or third xi and help coach the younger guys coming through. What a thing for a young sportsperson to say you play or train with '_______' who used to play for... I totally agree with you.

On the other hand, It's understandable when people realise they're not as good as they used to be(general comment - not referring to anyone) then they just leave their sport. I guess some people like to leave when they're at the peek of their game. Probably because they can't see the point of playing if they can't give it their all and be as good as they used to be. Happens a lot in football and rugby.

Arguement on both sides.

'Every season a small number of players retire from cricket at every level for a variety of reasons'......

But why? Only in their 30's and too many quit even younger than that ?

I'm afraid it's a moot point for me, injury and personal committments are one thing but are they to be deemed so serious that one cannot turn out for their 2nds, 3rds etc for many more years to come, or perhaps choose a less frenetic league to play their cricket, even if that means joining a different club ?

Imagine the kudos for any young bowler starting out, to claim the wicket of a certain R. West or A. Sutherland during a junior fixture, would surely do more for a youngster's moral and appetite for the game than any coach could imput in a months session at the nets!

'And that's my case for the prosecution, me Lord'

Every season a small number of players retire from cricket at every level for a variety of reasons. It is part and parcel of the game, but cricket is always poorer for their departure. Two senior cricketers with very different personalities have announced their retirement in the last couple of weeks and they stand out. Regan West was a superb all-rounder with an abrasive and combative personality who played with distinction at every level in Irish cricket. Phil Simmons was one of his biggest admirers and lamented the serious injuries that disrupted his international career in latter years. Edward Liddle has written a superb appreciation on the Cricket Europe website.
Opening batsman Andrew Sutherland was a runs accumulator who laid the foundation of many of North Down's successes over the last decade and he will always have a special place in the club's history. "Su' was the quiet man who got on with the business and rarely failed.
On behalf of Ulster Cricketer readers we wish Regan and Andrew a happy
retirement and thank them for their contribution and the the enjoyment they brought to our game.

It's just about all over bar the shouting for another season, and even if your club didn't win anything or even worse, were relegated? No need for dispair!

Only 220 odd days to go until we all begin again on that glorious trail...

As The Cricket Season Draweth Nigh

As the cricket season draweth nigh
summer swallows migrate and fly,
players and officials heave a sigh
then bid each other a sad goodbye.

The great fraternity, likewise comply
departing to homes, warm and dry,
like hibernating bears, preparing to lie,
within caves, safe from winter's chilling pry.

Gone at last, their craving to satisfy
a curiosity, encroaching wry
incessant in hunger, like a fox sly
now nourished with knowledge, no more to vie.

Victory secured, the trophy raised high
embellished on silver, the names testify
noble battles fought out, on green fields of rye,
big fish inevitability, consume small fry.

As grey clouds gather in a foreboding sky
the falling leaf does not belie,
gone the days of a balmy July
willow v leather, cream with strawberries or apple pie.

The laws of nature, must apply
so summer flowers will fade then die
but wipe that tear from your eye,
no need for sorrow or mournful cry.

For as sure as a pig sleeps in a sty
father time marches forward, by and by
thus, the glorious bloom shall return and multiply,
likewise, the great fraternity to again soliloquy...

If their team will lift the cup, or fall and go awry?

'Winter well'

bumper

that fixture if it is to happen will be some banter. a bit of added spice since the few guys that have moved on to bigger and better things used to play for saintfield and a certain couple of ex members of downpatrick playing for them. I hope the scorebooks add up and saintfield come up. Great wee ground and i miss the local derbies.

Good article by Clarence Hills commending Waringstown's season,

With all the talk of 10-team leagues, dwindling playing numbers and a decline in standards, its pleasing to focus on what has been a positive end to the season not just for Waringstown but also for NCU cricket,

The success for the club has been a culmination of hard work, preparation & a determination to give young players their chance. The hard work that goes into practice nights by both players & coaches has laid the foundation of success, it hasn't come as an accident.

Some judges in the media & opposition captains labelled them bridesmaid; a tag that's looking a little silly now.

Billy,
Not so quick. I heard a lot of calculators were bought in Portadown this morning so there may be some calculations taking place in the Laurelvale clubhouse this evening. After all, .0011 might not be too hard to find over the course of a season. So small a margin and great at the Demesne, but tough on the 'vale.

A lot of people will now be already looking forward to the big fixture of the 2016 cricket season!

SAINTFIELD v SAINT(down)PATRICK.

Well done to all at Saintfield CC.

Barry,
The NCU AGM is on 13 October.

Re annual AGM, anyone aware of any date for this yet?

a real nailbiter at moylena today a game that was played in the right spirit by both teams a special thanks to the umpires for standing in the rain a fitting end to the season but i would like to see the ncu show more emphasis on supporting the struggling clubs in the agm because without them where do we expect our next crop of young lifeblood appear from

congratulations to Muckamore 3rds on winning the league today. needing 196 to beat woodvale they were reduced to 106-9 but a spirited innings from their captain and some impressive hitting from their big number 11 saw them home in the last over. well done

I've been very fortunate in my career and am luckily still involved in a playing capacity - although 8/10 games a year. I'm currently involved with Laurelvale and whilst only playing about 8 games this year every one has been meaningful. My Dad was a Laurelvale man and had always asked me to play at at least a season at the club - at aged 41 and well after his death I took notice. This is a provincial club with true club men integral to its success. I am proud to have played here and my Dad was right in saying you'll enjoy the Vale- now I'm lucky to have lifted a Senior cup but if the boys manage to get promotion tomorrow it will feel every bit as good and regardless Lee Edgar with over 55 wickets this season deserves any and every accolade !

well done to Donacloney for "hanging in" Section 1 - great start to their 125th anniversary in 2016