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The ideas for all my little stories are of course inspired by many cricket games/occurrences that one tends to be involved in as the seasons pass by from year to year and the fascinating people you tend to meet along the way.

And so with my latest piece of poetry there's no exception, very happy to report that both clubs mentioned therein have since gone on from strength to strength and the official gentleman who guessed the occasion with a surprise appearance, helped make the whole affair a very worthwhile exercise indeed; on his own at this particular match but nevertheless a colossus, he was.....

The Lone Umpire!

Mark this and mark it well,

for it was a fine, upstanding deed

he journeyed far to ring the bell,

so that others may succeed!

‘Twas with rumours rife of ill-health

a sporting constitution in decline

that some chose the sanctuary of wealth

rather than dig in and mark time!

But two cricket clubs of noted invention

each from nearby boarding lands

knew cure was better than suspension

thus set about employing new hands!

They called a game, a friendly match

betwixt the other, by the factory ground

encouraging all to play, bat, bowl and catch

And to this venue, folk flocked from all around!

A problem then became apparent

organized chaos may ensue

but fears allayed by the arrival of a gent

dressed in a smart attire, of navy blue!

Proceedings quickly fell into place

those unsure, soon got it right

for he guided each with a smiling face

as they learned to joist, with this noble knight!

Now all are not born with a midas touch

though deserving a fair chance

and the lone umpire knew as such

that’s why he took this forthright stance!

So if your club should become unmanned

don’t just crouch and hide behind the door

negate with resources found at hand

then like the lone umpire, you will know; ‘Esprit de corps’!

Ivan - I have no problem backing change. Everything must evolve but I was trying to flag up the implications. I am certain that there are a considerable number of clubs where "social" cricket is the ethos and resources are such that they can never aspire to be in the "top 4". I also see from today's Newsletter that the question of 1:00 p.m. starts is being raised!! Now where have we heard this before?!.

Rob, you indicated that Portadown folded because they lacked professionalism. What an absolutely silly remark to make. There were a lot of factors that clearly you are ignorant of, which led to Portadown folding. Unless you know the full details, you really should keep your silly backward opinions to yourself.

Not entirely sure what point this rob character is making? Should we just have a premier league and those not deemed good enough can scrap about for a game for a premier league's 2s or even midweek team? If we didn't have the likes of section 2 and 3 etc, there would be a lot less youngsters being exposed to genuinely competitive adult cricket. Have to agree with what the guys from Cregagh are saying, I've played against them several times at Junior League level and they have always had some of the best youngsters going, mainly due to the fact that they have a committed group of adults willing to help coach them. Not everyone can play to the highest level but it doesn't mean that it's any less enjoyable.

re Rob
What a terrible little existence you must lead! Why doesnt every team just pack up now and quit cricket. I have never heard such drivel.
What is your issue with VCC. We are trying to better ourselves, we may well be favourites for the drop but we will fight all year to stay up. Why should a cricket club fold just because we will struggle in the league we were just promoted to. I think the work rate and the fact we gained promotion with 6 straight victories at the end of last season should be commended.
I can just picture you, one of the sideline mouth pieces who knows everything about everything and has never put in a poor show!
If you are going to slag people off at least have the decency to let them know who you are so we can all collectively laugh at your arrogant little opinions!!
Good luck to all teams this year throughout the divisons and enjoy what is a wonderful game no matter how good you are!!

Andy, I think rather than fight change the best thing is to embrace it. Inter pro cricket featuring the best available 33 players has to be welcomed. I think if you can't beat them then join them so maybe clubs need to aspire to be one of the top four "big clubs".

I feel that I have to agree with Rob from belfast (not sure what Belfast club he is affiliated to, if any), but it is obvious to anyone that has been watching NCU cricket that the problem is junior clubs trying to become better and offering cricket to young (& not so young) people, when all resources should be used in importing ready made cricketers, after all, who would want Nelsons or Dennisons at their club knowing that they were from a club that once played in what "rob from belfast" says is nothing more than a "social league"
I will be in Saintfield tomorrow, the first time I have played there since as a very young teenager Alvin Spence scored his first 100, we may win, we may not, but we will fight to defend every run, every wicket, and we will continue to do so all season long, but at least we will have the courage to put our name and our club alongside our posts.
I can recall watching Lambegg CC, Crossgar CC, Crossbows CC etc, I can also remember playing against Cooke CC, Collegians CC, North of Ireland CC and NICS, If you feel that the best way forward for cricket in Northern Ireland is for clubs to fold, then at least do the decent thing and let us know who you are, cause I feel you are in a minority of one.

I think Rob's comments deserve more contempt than reply personally.

Sure its not that awful long since CIYMS were playing in the lowest Senior league and look at them now. Good job they didn't pull out isn't it?

The transfer of Shane Getkate seems to have slipped under the radar. I can fully appreciate his reasoning in that he hasn't made it to the Leinster inter-pro side so he is going to try his luck in the NCU. However on reflection I feel that behind this type of transfer is the potential to replicate what has happened in Irish rugby. Does this mean that others will follow for similar reasons? And what are the implications for what I describe as 'club' cricket? Will we see the development of "contracted" players being "allocated" to clubs to play when inter-pro committments permit? I can also see a situation where there may be a further "elite" developing where say possibly six clubs will attract the top players and the rest will be left to their own devices as per Ulster club rugby. Let's think of a scenario where the Northern Knights management are approached by a player who wishes to put himself "in the shop window". Will he be directed to what I describe the "big four" Premier clubs? As I said on previous postings over the past few years, the development of the four Provincial sides has led to a sea-change in club rugby - consider the demise of so many erstwhile Senior clubs. I welcome the Inter-Pro competition and look forward to seeing some of it this summer but I wonder if it has been completely thought through.

Didn't want to mention the runners-up elect Andy!

I see that Mr. Parkes didn't mention the other side in the Irish Cup Final! COSB!!

I don't think Rob's comments require me to justify the work that goes on on and off the pitch at Victoria to better ourselves. When most cricket fans around the country appreciate the need for more players and as many teams as possible, the suggestion that clubs should fold who are struggling in Section 3 is ridiculous. In fact, the efforts of Dunmurry to continue should be commended. Not so long ago we were struggling to field a first team, and in a short period of time, now manage to field three team, have over 50 active members, a large number 21 or under, who would not have played cricket anywhere if we didn't offer them the opportunity, and are putting plans in place ofr a new ground and a youth section within the next couple of years. I for one hope that no club in the NCU folds,. but struggles through the difficult times and hopefully comes out the other side.

With regards to Victoria being favourites for the drop, I agree. I realise that it will be very difficult for us to stay up. We don't pay anyone to play, and whether we stay up or go down, it will be based on the efforts of players who want to play for the club. Regardless of our position at the end of the season, we can take pride in that. We underperformed on Saturday, there's no doubt about that. But we also, can learn a lot about Drumaness's performance... Cunningham in particular was excellent. Stuck around when he wasn't scoring particularly freely, and in the end, won the game for them! We realise what is required at this level, we can compete at this level, but we may or may not be able to do it consistently enough. If we can't, we'll go back to Section 3 (if Rob allows it to exist!!) and try and come back stronger...

PS A lot of our players are away to watch Glenavon in the Irish Cup Final on Saturday. Hopefully, two defeats in a row doesn't lead Rob to start a petition to have us relegated automatically!!

Rob Just in case you didnt no Drumaness won easy because two ex premier players and very good all rounders had top performances James Cunningham big hundred and a very under rated bowler Neil Gelston ( a must for all fantasy teams scores lots runs wks )and great see Neil go back his home club to keep going what his father carried for so long along with millsy a great village club that like most have struggled but junior clubs will never give up without a fight

I am afraid you have all missed the point I am trying to make...I am not having a go at any one club or their effects to become "better" I am suggesting that DIV 3 needs looked at...look at the previous 3-4 years and see the teams promoted to DIV2...Donagadee / larne / cregagh / dungannon / portadown etc...where are they now...DIV 3..the yo-yo effect I was talking about...hence the reason why I have suggested that VCC will be back in DIV 3 next year...also BISC beat Saintfield , yes a good result but only 2 years ago there was a relegation game between the 2 to see who would drop to DIV 3...so please do not get carried away with that result.
The difference between the 2 DIV is massive and something needs done. Ii noticed the recent FANTASY league does not include DIV 3 teams...that is what the NCU think of the division!!

Rob,
Have to say you really know your stuff. NOT
You sound like the sort of guy who turns up on a Saturday to get your 'cricket fix' then your off again until the next week. I doubt you spend 4 or 5 nights a week at your club, then a Saturday & Sunday. No, I think your the sort of guy who will leave all the graft to the likes of myself and Graham Watt at Cregagh.
Will we ever find out your surname or indeed real name of even your club? I doubt it.
You run along my friend and keep your narrow minded idiotic opinions of others and others ability to yourself.....