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Ideally and in a perfect world Junior One would remain as 50 overs. With six of the eight clubs being in both the Premier League and J1 it makes sense in many ways that J1 is 50 overs to match and prepare people for the step up to the Premier League (and that is a very, very big step).

It also makes sense that J2 and J3 are 40 overs, J4 is 35 overs etc, so as you work up the leagues you play more. (Senior Section 3 is, however only 40 overs I believe.)

Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world. In particular we have issues in May & June of exams - increasingly you have 15-18 year olds unwilling to play any cricket never mind a 50 over game. In late August/early September we have the influence of other sports ever infringing on our season. Throw in family commitments for older guys as well and your player pool diminishes.

So I wonder what the options are. As Paul from Bangor mentioned we came up with an idea of allowing clubs in J1 to reduce to 40 overs with the prior approval (during the week before the game) of both captains. This would mean that the status quo would remain 50 overs. I know that probably half the clubs in the league would stick with 50. I'm fine with that.

What the potential for reduction helps with is fielding a competitive team. In the last few years I have played in and against teams with 2 or 3 adult players and then 8 or 9 players of 15 or under. What are those younger players really learning from that?

Outside of that, what other options are there? Should we open up the bottom 2 senior sections and allow those who want to play 40 overs there to find their level and allow the more ambitious 2nds to move up to a level where they're playing 50 overs?

Hi Paul

I agree. Reducing the duration of matches in junior one could actually improve the standard.

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Re Junior One Overs

Instonians had put a proposal to the AGM last year along the lines of if both captains agreed then a match could be reduced to 40 overs and this was broadly supported by clubs in the league, but Inst withdrew this on the night.

If the same proposal or one just to reduce overs in Junior One to 40 overs was put forward at this years AGM then it would probably be largely supported. There is no getting away from the facts, but largely 50 over cricket is not wanted by older players with families, and indeed by kids who are more interested in getting home earlier. If 45/50 overs continues in Junior Leagues then you will see a lot of people leaving the sport or the lower Junior leagues getting stronger as better players seek to play down club due to the attraction of fewer overs.

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more than likely junior 1 is premier league reserve team players and it gives them plenty of match practice to get into the firsts and they are dedicated to playing cricket i think it should all be 50 over cricket youngsters either want to play or dont its not all about t20 just my opinion

Why is junior 1 not 40 overs max ? Seems crazy in this day and age that a match at junior level is still 50 overs in duration

re Mick
That was my mistake earlier this evening (Sat 18th July). I've fixed it now.

Is junior one not done on run rate in league games if it rains so how was lisburn v wtown decided on dls

went to book my holidays at travel agents today all was going fine until the salesman pointed out junior 4 rearangements where scheduled for then good news is i ordered 3 jumpers for the playing conditions lol a free saturday for both teams sun is out but unfortunately common sense is also out through the window

good day, I watched Ireland play in t20 world cup qualifiers last night. I've noticed that Manoj Prabhakar in not National Coach?? what did I miss? when I last checked i'm sure he was appointed.

Thanks for letting everyone know Ally!

Re last post, just got word that the game has had to be postponed.
Plans remain the same though and gives you more time to prepare to come down next Friday (24th) for the rearreangment.

The weather is trying its best to dampen but like to mention the Lagan Valley T20 final tonight at Middle Road Carrick, between Cliftonville and Muckamore.
We are putting in the usual effort to make this a great occasion so if you are free then why not pop down for the 6 o'clock start. Music, BBq, competitions and beer promos all taking place.
Particularly appealing to players/members from other Section one clubs. Would be great to show how important this league is to cricket here with a great turnout.
Hope to see you there.

With regards to starring, we have two young players that are capable of scoring runs for our firsts and both have played a number of games for firsts and seconds, however one works every Saturday morning 7-11 so from the first of July cannot play for the firsts, the other starts about 6pm on a Saturday night so cant always play a 50 over away game.
so if you see that player A has scored runs or taken wickets for a sides firsts earlier in the season there may be justifiable reasons why they are now playing for their clubs seconds