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Having witnessed the Ulster Schools Trial can I just say that the selection for the match v Leinster schools is a disgrace ! I will refrain from naming names but if cricket in Ulster is to grow and develop they have a lot to answer for !
It appears now to be run by young men who have never played at a decent standard and don't appear to know what is required or expected !
It also appears you can play for Ulster Schools when you are nearly 20 years old ??????
Bizarre selection from start to finish !

Clarence, great article regarding the first world war. We at Cregagh when conducting our own research in our 100th year discovered that our existence as a club was to remember the fallen members of Cregagh CC who lost their lives during the war.

We have a memorial plaque in our clubhouse like many others and I have emailed the journalist with the names which he might like to have. A great idea and something I am interested in myself.

Curtis, could I welcome you in your new role and extend the hand of friendship. God's blessings. Jason

Yes Mr. Boomer if they are short, good and about cricket! :)

Does Curtis appreciate good poetry ?

UC Website changes.
I'd like to introduce Curtis McCaw as the new Webmaster for the UC website and place on record my thanks to Peter Shields who has carried out the role for many years. Peter now has a much more demanding role as North Down Chairman. The UC website is in a transition and a new site will go live at the end of the month with many new innovations. More to follow.
Editor

No problem in eating humble pie Stuarty although it may not change the views around the NCU. I'm pleased to see the CI young players coming through as my rant was not anti-CI as much as anti professionalism to this degree. That's my opinion and it still stands. Also, congrats on winning the Twenty20. It should be the first of a clean sweep as I can't see anyone beating this team.

Challenge Cup Semi Final Draw:

CSNI/Muckamore v Instonians,
North Down/CIYMS v Waringstown.
Matches to be played on 27th June.

Great to see that CIYMS won the 2020 cup and in a team that consisted of 4 kids brought through the impressive junior structure at Belmont with Aaron Johnston defying his years to hit the crucial winning runs. It shows that their recruitment policy is starting to work, despite all the undue criticism from folk around NCU and the Editor of this site. Before anyone bites Waringstown only had 5 home grown cricketers in their starting line up.

As Michael Taylor put it in his blog playing in a strong team is the best way for young players to develop.

It is sad to announce the passing of Walter Wishart a long-standing North Down stalwart who first played senior cricket in the 1940s. Walter was a prolific wicket taker for the club over three decades and then served in a variety of administrative roles before a stroke robbed him of his health several years ago. He was the Club Patron and gamely attended a match at The Green several weeks ago in a wheelchair. To his wife Sarine and son David we extend our deepest sympathy.
Rest in Peace Walter.

Very saddened to hear of the passing of North Downs club patron Walter Wishart today, a fine cricketer in his day, a hard working official for many years, a truly loyal supporter and most importantly a true gentleman.Walter was a great help to myself during my playing years with sound and willing advice given when asked. Sincere condolences to Sarrine,David,brother Brian and the extended family.RIP dear friend.

We don't talk a lot about North-West cricket on the UC website, but it is very pleasing to see cricket people recognized anywhere. Lexie Miller has been a stalwart of North-West cricket for over 50 and has just received the MBE in recognition of his contribution to cricket and especially for his charity work. The award is richly deserved and a fitting tribute to a lovely man.

Clarence - whilst we are on memories I had a smile when reading Charles Sale Sports Agenda in today's Daily Mail when he referred to Jim Boyce as a "pillar of integrity" in the recent FIFA rumblings. But, and I quote, "that does not mean that Jim's life in sport is not without controversy. It is part of Irish club cricket folklore that when he was captain and wicketkeeper of Ballymena that when thay had Kiran More - who kept wicket for the Indian Test team for 9 years - as overseas player for a season it was Jim who kept hold of the gloves"! I would contend that those really were the golden years of NCU cricket. Re Tommy Harper - I remenber playing against him in a friendly in Kesh many years ago - a long day & aN even longer post-match evening! But then again every club had at least 2 or 3 characters in those days - or have I got the rose-tinted spectacles on?

Good memories Eddie and also great to hear from you. I'm sure there are hundreds of Tommy stories around the country and on his travels I'm equally sure he'll enjoy going down memory lane with perhaps a bit of spice added. Some character.
Same for Harry Cook-still playing!

Taverners cc Portdown V Waringstown Ladies
Friday 12th June 6:30pm.
Chambers Park Portadown

The collection/donation this year is to help buy a table top cricket set for he youth reach club at goal line youth centre.
The Taverners V the ladies is the highlight of the social cricket season and is always a great match. The annual series stands at 2 each with one tied game. The match begins at 6:30pm everyone is welcome.
The bar and the fantastic restaurant 'Scrumee' will be open.
https://twitter.com/tavernerscc