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No commercial confidentiality in Monti's posting!! £200k and 1 title!! Ballymena's win in the late 90s didn't cost a shilling. A team of talented cricketers all playing for each other. But then again there's a million miles between a "team" and a "side".

Paul - overthe years I have posted on a wider range of topics than "pros" and a "couple of clubs".

Caleb - you are very kind. I remember that game very well and indeed I met a young man recently at a function in Belfast who had played on the evening. We had a good chat about that and many other aspects of the game. Also Flossie still remembers the energetic dance with Gerald in Brownlow House!!

Re: Johnny McKinstry
The NCU have no jurisdiction over umpires or appointments or umpire disciplinary matters. What would you say in your letter? An umpire is slagging off our grounds equipment so he must not be impartial??
The condition of the CI sight screens if they are poor, will be recorded in the umpires ground report. If poor reports are frequent then Mr Hunter might come calling and asking how soon the screens can be brought up to standard. Sight screens must be a pretty low requirement because there are plenty of [s]crap sight screens around the grounds.
FWIW Taverners cc at Chambers park only play social cricket, but after reparing the old Portadown cc grounds kit and machines, we now have excellent sight screens, and decent covers, all new drainage, a full time groundsman and with any luck we will have a newly restored square for our 2015 season. If a Taverners club can do this in just one season, why can't every club do the same? Especially if a club that is receiving the criticism is well able to afford to easily remedy the situation.

I see the CI bashing has started again, right on time..Why does peoples jealousy stand in the way of reason ??
The recruitment policy which our club uses is no concern of anyone else...its the only way forward when we are entering a professional era.
When this all started 6-7 yrs ago we had no idea that we would spend the guts of 200k...but i can honestly say it has been well spent and worth every penny. Take a look at our youth and the inspirational characters we have had through the gates and then finally culminating in our premier league title
Its a professional era chaps...get used to it or as someone said...dont play us...

In this ever increasing materialistic world, were few will stand in a gap to turn a cow for their neighbour (unless they're paid that is), I still fondly remember a certain gentleman turning up in official regalia and overseeing a friendly match between two cricket clubs, adding kudos to the occasion through his professional expertise and keen eye, offering positive advice and critique when and where it was needed!

After the match he shook hands with all involved and thanked everyone for the enjoyable game then bade farewell, there was no press, photographs or VIP's in situ, nor was there even a cup-a-tea to be had and on the journey home whilst dropping off the lads involved in the game, I wondered why he had travelled from so far away that weekday evening to umpire a match that may have appeared to outside observers to be a rather nondescript event ?

I then overheard one young fella from the rear seat blow and blast to his mates that it was his diving stop on the boundary, saving a certain four that won the game for the team, this was countered by his mate who retorted it was his 2 runs scored not out that made all the difference, and while they laughed and bantered away it hit me like a 'juggernaut'...that's why he had travelled all the way to our venue and gave up his time so selflessly to assist in the game and make it a worthwhile experince for those participating!

Thanks again Andy... your passion for the local game is not only admirable but unquestionably genuine and sincere for all who play and as well as encouraging so many to become involved, you also inspired a certain older player to sit his umpire exams and have the courage and confidence to become a cricket umpire himself!

A gentleman indeed !

Re Graham

You seem to be a bit slow on the uptake Graham. Neil was referring to his own club CIYMS when referring to having no youth 10 years ago.....

Re Andy Kennedy

You claim to only go on about club facilities? What about your numerous postings regarding pros and in particular a couple of clubs.

Graham

My comments were about my own club not Cregagh. At no stage have I had a dig at Cregagh nor have I any interest in doing so.

The late great Jack Kyle.
All Ulster sportspeople will be sad at the passing on one of our greatest ever sportsmen. Jack was acknowledged as Ireland's greatest ever rugby player but what is not so well known is that he was also a useful cricketer. He played regularly when at Queen's university in the 1940s and made several appearance in the Senior Cup before rugby and his medical career took over.
Rest in Peace

My feelings are the same Neil but when you mention and I took it from your post "this from a club that had no youth policy 10 years ago".

What club is that aimed at? Most people would know the name David McCormick and his association with Cregagh.

As you say Clarence, a sad day for cricket and all the more poignant when we remember Mr. Lamba. Your posting meant the running "old videos" in my head of those times and the characters who were around, Rex Gilliland, Billy Kirk, Ernie McCleary, Topper Devlin, wee George McKillen, Trevor Jacques, Ivor Marno, not to mention the Comber "mafia", Millar O'Prey, Jimmy Galway, and others (including your good self) to name a few who feature in those memories. Is it my age but did the sun not shine more in those days?! With regard to Mr. McKinstry - I think that "barking mad" is a bit strong but I'm happy enough to leave that to others to decide. I fail to see how the holding of strong views on club facilities affects my impartiality as an umpire but perhaps you would clarify. I note your "threat" to report me to the NCU. In a previous employment I was subject to threats on an almost monthly basis and indeed on one occasion I survived a murder bid, so you will appreciate that your intention to take this further doesn't exactly fill me with dread or trepidation. You have, of course, the right of free speech, a right that you would clearly deny to me.

Graham

I don't know David from Adam and show me once where I have even mentioned Cregagh. I have only defended my club. I expected better from someone I know and get on with to be honest.

Re Graham

I admire your passion for Cregagh and the youth success the club had last year - let's hope that they stay at your club and stop you being a team that goes up and down leagues like a yo-yo

I don't see what your gripe is with Neil L and his comments to David McCormick as he never mentioned the kids at your club, but perhaps David would be better focussing on your club and their kids than not those up the road at CIYMS.

My own view on the Hiles rant was that it was bang out of order and that's coming from a former Holywood supporter! As for CIYMS each to their own I say

Agreed Neil.
The death of Phil Hughes brings a perspective to everything in life and as part of the international cricket family we share that loss and send our condolences to his family and friends including Sean Abbott. It brings back memories of the late Raman Lamba.
Gone but not forgotten
Rest in Peace.

I for 1 am happy to be riding a juggernaut (as florence described CI), which I am used to. Onwards to the Premiership title !!

Good luck to Matchy and the guys !

Enjoying my winter in Malaga !

Neil maybe you should take some of your own advice and do some of your own research.

Yes at Cregagh 10 years ago we didn't have a youth section after coming out of a period of history that threatened our very survival.

However, if you wish I can show you photos of under 15 teams from the 30s and 40s.

We haven't always had a youth section throughout our long history but I dont see what that has to do with David voicing his opinion