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When will all this CIYMS bashing stop on this forum and website? Was it not on here some years ago that someone from their club said the time to criticise was over the next few years if they weren't producing their own young talent. Surely proof that this is starting to happen is the fact that they had 5 players under 21 who have come through their own youth system playing against Ballymena in the Premier League. Can any other club in Premier League bar maybe North Down say the same? I believe that ex Irish International Derek Heasley is youth coach in charge of nurturing talent.

It seems harsh on them particularly when other clubs get so much airtime on this forum about the amount of members, teams they have etc

100% right Gareth. This ejit believes his own press. Their team is full of pros and if there are spaces in the team its because they've left.

Yes Andy, good point about the no-ball calling or the lack of it?

Perhaps it's the pressure brought about by this modern and instant review technology that so meticulously scrutinizes every movement on the field of play, that has international umpires worrying too much about what's going to happen at the batsmen end, when in actual fact the ball becomes 'live' as soon as the bowler begins his run up, which of course takes in the no-ball infringement etc.

Still, as I've previously said, we don't need to worry about that here within the NCU, and again, while I'm in a praiseworhty mood, NIACUS and it's proficent members provide an excellent service and well worth the money!

I've just read "Goodso's"post re CIYMS. Has to be the most humorous post of the season.
No pro(s)= too funny!!

Sorry Caleb but I must take issue, to a degree, with your comment about the Test umpires who seem to have abandoned "calling" no balls. A few instances of batsmen being recalled "on review" of overstepping - and by a distance in some cases. I can't believe that the bowler only overstepped when a wicket was taken.

Excellent email Mr. Boomer and not a rhyme in sight. We all recognize the complaints and criticism are from a minority but they still have place in any healthy debate. The key to understanding their place is balance as I suspect for every complaint there are hundreds of compliments never said or posted. The good guys need to air their appreciation more often. I know we are not identifying the NCU top brass specifically, but if everyone knew the unpaid time and commitment devoted to promoting and developing local cricket by Messrs. Andy Clement, Alan Waite et al they might think 'thank you' and 'well done' were the appropriate words required to keep a balance. Nothing is perfect and Ivan's suggestions are very positive, but I suspect the silence will be deafening in some quarters!
If there's a problem let's try and fix it and more forward.

Ivan,

Who was it that famously said, ' You can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time' ?

Despite your obvious concerns, I would confidently say that the vast majority of players/members from the senior leagues right down through all the junior leagues are very content and satisfied with the running, structures and rules set out and governed by the Northern Cricket Union.

Every member of the NCU who holds office is deserving of our utmost respect, gratitude and support for the hard work and effort they put in keeping such a large organisation up and running with professionalism and no little amount of due diligence.

And besides, we're long enough in the tooth to know darn well that even in a perfect world, there'd always be some old whinger or griper who does 'duck all' but sit by the side lines and shout 'we haven't a clue and it was all far better in their day' !

On a seperate note, anyone notice how the umpires during the Ashes series excelled themselves and hardly got a call wrong as DRS clearly highlighted to the obvious delight of the players and commentators alike.

Superb indeed, and likewise, although our own umpires don't have the benefit or need for such technical electronics, the next time you don't get an LBW or supposed nick behind, I'd be very confident the umpire's got it right, so just move on and bowl the next ball!

Having attended two cricket matches this weekend for the first time this season due to family issues I was " confronted" with various opinions as to what was wrong with NCU cricket.
I have also seen various posts on social media airing the opinion that the Union gets this that and the other all wrong from the Cup final to the fixture schedule the Inter Pros etc etc.
Well surely NOW is the time for all those not happy to sort it out.
Firstly check out your " view" is the view of your club . If so get them to table a motion for the upcoming AGM. Then lobby others to support your club's motion.,
Secondly for those critising the a Union officials put your name forward for election . ( I saw one social media post where a recently retired player was critical of the Senior Cup arrangements and Andy Clement the NCU Chairman invited this person to " put his name for one of the committee's yet as of yesterday this person hadn't " accepted Andy's invitation).
So with the end of the season only a month away and AGM only 8 weeks ago get these proposals down on paper. The NCU is not a faceless operation it is a series of committees elected by the clubs ( including yours).
So if it's - early starts , no reserve date for the Senior Cup final , T20 played over weekends , ten team leagues , less cup competitions , STOP TALKING and START WRITING (your club backed proposal) , START LOBBYING and if any individual genuinely believes they can perform better than those in office - Get your name AND proposals in NOW.

Congratulations to North Down on winning the O'Neils Ulster Cup.

BumperDale, I think it is time you retired to give the rest of us a chance of promotion, Well done on gaining promotion #notbitter lol

As I drove home from yesterday's game for just a few moments I contemplated was today's game the perfect one for announcing my retirement from playing the game.
Opened the batting- top scored with 41, took 2 catches and 5 wickets to ensure victory and promotion!
BUT THAT THOUGHT SOON PASSED!

MAYBE WHEN I SCORE MY FIRST 100!!!!!!!
LIKE CRICKET - NO I LOVE IT!!!!

Watched Carrick v inst yesterday at middle road and must say a great day out. Credit to the Carrick club they have great facilities and the first eleven seem to have a great spirit about them pulling off a great win.

Glad to hear that Pip's dad is still getting out & about to games and knowing him as the absolute gentleman that he is I am sure that he would be shocked by the events, as posted. The umpires' report might be interesting !!

After all the stick CIYMS are getting it was great to see that they are only team in the league playing without a professional. I think a lot of teams could take a leaf out of their book! Cricket the way it is supposed to be. Also 6 players who were under the age of 22 in the firsts I'm informed. Maybe now some other clubs need a good hard look at how they go about their own selection.

I have to agree that net run rates should be published from week 1 and updated on a weekly basis when all official scorecards are received. This could be done by creating a straight forward formula on a spreadsheet to automatically calculate the NRRs.