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David Irvine, so these guys are at Muckamore playing for free? that is so refreshing to hear in modern sport.

Nile Smith - I see that Billy Dobbin is somewhat selective in his reply and he ignores the points that you make about the other good things that are happening at Moylena. You didn't mention the improvements in the seating arrangements. Perhaps he will call in sometime (if he knows where it is!) and see for himself. Compare this to the amount of money being expended on players in some Premier clubs with abysmal facilities such as electronic scoreboards (note the plural!) that don't fully function, poor pitches, inadequate sightscreens, poor changing facilities, the list goes on & on. During a recent inter-pro series a player from outside the NCU was asking "where do we go for number twos?"!! And this was at a "Premier" ground! Compare what happens in Scotland where clubs achieve senior status not on playing record alone. Other standards must also be achieved. But the reality is that the NCU grounds committee must take a firmer line in dealing with the present inadequacies of the infra-structure of some Premier clubs. I also accept that there are clubs where there is no desire or the resources to seek "senior" status. Indeed I would suggest that there is only one Section One club that could realsitically "afford" to go up. Unlike Billy I don't quote from undisclosed "sources" but repeat what I hear going round the grounds and also listening to colleagues, remarks such "it takes £x thousand to keep this club going". From my experience of that particular club, that £x thousand clearly isn't being spent around the club. My problem is that I'm getting grumpier as I age but I have been "beating this drum" for many years and it never improves. And before anyone "gets at" me - these are my personal views, not on behalf of NIACUS, Muckamore or Flossie - just me. But then again isn't funny the things that exercise one on a cricketless Saturday!

This comment is not aimed at one club in particular. I have no issue with a professional coming over and getting paid a small fortune to win teams matches. Anyone who complains about this, usually does so because their pro isn't very good. My issue however is not the pros, it's not even the people getting paid who contribute week in week out, it's the players getting paid who are at the very best average cricketers. It's going to get to a stage where Under 15s are getting paid to stay at certain clubs !

Billy,

£20k.....make it £30k or £40k or why not go the whole hog and make it £50k!!!
If someone is going to make up fictious figures we might as well make it a big one!

I think that the player being registered for that club and having played for them in that season is as good as a contract and other clubs wishing to speak to them should have to go through the proper channels.

R.E Nile Smith yes I am aware it was a 1 run defeat but im looking more at the other hammerings Muckamore and indeed Ballymena have suffered this season. I have heard from several sources Muckamore are paying out over 20k on hired guns, who im sure arent too worried about the progress of the 2nds and 3rds!
Eventually no clubs will want into the Premier League because of the funds needed to even compete.

Billy,
The 'tapping' of players has been around for a long time and isn't reserved to cricket but most sports. We can't stop it but we can regulate it and the first thing that needs to be done is for players to actually sign a contract. To the best of my knowledge all players don't so they are free agents and can come and go as they like as long as their subs are paid. If they were contracted it might be different. Also, if a player moves to a bigger club perhaps the 'losers' should be compensated with a transfer fee.

Billy Dobbin
Well the gap in the match you mention was 1 run, so not wide at all!
And as for "an extensive financial outlay" i don't have your knowledge or what criteria you employ.
Anyway i'm just a member there - it's a great family club- but the 2nds are unbeaten, 3rds in cup final, new 5XI and ladies XI programme plus every week they promote loads of youth family charity and community events. I think you've got to see the bigger picture for ncu cricket and give them a balanced scorecard.

I really think the subject of "tapping up" and approaches to players mid season has to stop, surely if a player signs on for a club for a season it is very inappropriate for officials from other clubs to making approaches and financial offers. Many of these officals hold office in the N.C.U which makes it even more concerning.

Unfortunately it is not a new phenomenon in local sport but seeing it happen in cricket leaves a bitter after taste.

thank you all for your kinds words on dad tom duncan...indeed a great kind hearted man who loved and breathed cricket, right to the end.
im sure you have a few stories to tell which im sure are funny, and indeed the late stewart mccormick another good crickerer sadly missed
on behalf of the family we wish to thank everyone who knew him and played cricket with him and that we truly appreciate.
tanya duncan

Sounds like an eventful game at Moylena at the weekend. James Kennedy must in hot water? Muckamore and their extensive financial outlay have only succeeded in showing just how big the gap is between the sections.

Very sorry to hear the news about Tom. He was a lovely man indeed but, let's not kid ourselves, an absolute pain to face! Ball on the right length every time, one going this way, one going that. And if you thought you could just see him off you couldn't, at least not in the days when I started and a bowler could bowl all 25 from one end or 30 in the cup. I'm not sure what else Tom did in his life (I'm sure it was plenty) but all I know is he bowled and bowled and bowled and bowled. I'm really sorry to hear this news and I send my best, for what that might be worth, to his kith and kin.

Tom Duncan.
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom who was a very fine cricketer and a real gentleman. I had the privilege of playing with Tom for many years at YMCA CC in Belfast and can well remember him opening the bowling and often bowling 25 overs straight through ( no restrictions in those days ) I kept wicket and dear help you - or anybody else for that matter - if you dropped a catch off his bowling !! He was not too pleased I can tell you.
Great days at YMCA with Tom bowling at one end and another wonderful bowler - the late Stewart McCormick opening at the other end. No club professionals in those days being paid to play - just many fine cricketers playing for the love of the game and their club.
In recent times whilst umpiring at Dundrum I would often meet Tom and talk about the game as it is today compared to the time we played - great times indeed.
Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to all his family circle.
Rest in peace Tom.

Golf day at Loughgall Golf Club on Friday 8th August 2pm shotgun start followed by BBQ and Live music at the club afterwards. £25 per person. No handicap required. All Welcome to BBQ and music for £10. If interested please contact us via Facebook message or email laurelvalecc@hotmail.co.uk

Funeral took place on the 5th a quiet and peaceful service that tombo would have appreciated he lived and died a peaceful and quiet gentleman God bless him....
Tom Duncan 1935---- 2104

Tom Duncan
Sad to hear that Tom has passed away and I'm sure there are plenty of older cricketers who can recall playing against him in YMCA days and later. I had the pleasure of playing against him and he was a lovely man with a great passion for the game. I recall he was a fine bowler who proved much too good for me!
Sincere condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace Tom.