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Dundrum cc are 50 years in NCU cricket this year and will have NCU select game to celebrate and also GOLF CLASSIC at Downpatrick golf club Friday 9th may tee off noon /4pm cost 80£ per fourball contact jeff 07730334479 for details ps the ncu select team will consist mainly of junior clubs were we forged many friends in . pps rob what a load of nonsense every team struggles after promotion we have been favourites last five years and have always fought to stay in highest standard we can but unlike your theory rob my club will compete and enjoy the great game of cricket even if we play in section three as will Victoria/ards donaghdee or any club as unlike far too many clubs the above three arnt paying local amateurs silly short term £ when it should be invested in grounds and facilities and before you ask we got a pro to start youth development = under11/13/15/ colts new gangs redressed square last 3 years average score last year 220 when used be 140 and new store /artificial /sightscreens/covers and next on agenda new scorehut. rob do you play or explain more as Victoria don't have pro or pay anyone and have sum the best stalwarts any club could have as do Ards so I find your posts disrespectful to both fine junior clubs.
Hello Rob
You sound like some craic!!
Tell you what, instead of openly slagging off clubs in Division 3 I will openly invite you to Cregagh this week to see the work and effort that goes on in the background of running a club.
Not unlike Ards we have a full youth set up, 3 adult teams and currently supply 3 umpires to the NCU. We have had three young players in the NCU squads with one of our lads captaining the team last year. One of our lads was taking part in training camps during the winter with Ireland.
Now I'm not saying we are special clubs are doing this up and down the country but to suggest that clubs in the league should fold is extremely disrespectful and arrogant.
All clubs go through tough times you just hope that they can get through it not start kicking them when they are down.
Good luck to Victoria this year!
Rob, what a load of rubbish!
Maybe you can let us know what qualifies you to comment on the "professionalism" of my club (Ards CC)and others in the lower leagues?
BISC were promoted into section 2 this season and beat Saintfield away from home in their first fixture of the campaign. Kind of disproves your theory.
There were several teams across the leagues who suffered heavy defeats at the weekend too, maybe we should all just give up and watch the premier league teams play every week instead?
I think u have missed the point...the question was asked in regards to predictions and I have stated that VCC have no chance to stay up...I did not say they should fold.
DIV 3 teams who are promoted seem to suffer the yoyo effect ( up one year down the next etc) and I predict VCC will suffer this.
My main point is that DIV 3 teams in general lack professionalism ( spelling ) and the DIV should be scrapped and replaced with a social league...if any players want to play at a higher level they can move clubs.
rob ?
What a load a blather if ever I heard any....So if a team gets beat in the first match of the new season they should fold ??
You've sprinkled far too much sugar on your cornflakes this morning my good fellow!
So we've had our form guide provided ( i.e first week of the season).
There are still a few days left to enter your PriceWaterhouseCooper NCU Fantasy league team for this season. It's totally free to enter with monthly prizes and an overall winner taking away an expenses paid trip to Ireland v England next year. All you need is a valid email address to enter.
The rules, how to enter and a fantastic interactive player list are available at the link below and you can ask any questions on our twitter feed @ncufantasy1. Why not get involved? And if you have already then why not badger you mates to enter and set up a mini league between you.
http://www.northerncricketunion.org/database/thencu/NCU_FL2014_PlayerList2.php
Victoria have no chance of staying up....very poor show by them considering they have had months to prepare...as I have said before DIV 3 should be scrapped as there are very few teams ( maybe 2 ) who can be promoted and stay up...just seen the ards vs dunmurry result from Sunday, proves a point I think.
Teams in DIV 3 need to make a choice , be more professional or fold...as portadown did last year.
It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the death of Robin Beggs. He was a real stalwart of Carrick and in recent years, despite health problems, he was a regular attender at games - always at his usual chair with his pre-match crossword! Indeed I missed him and I was shocked to learn that he was indeed so ill. My sincere sympathy goes to his family circle & the wider Carrick cricket community.
The jungle drums are beating and rumours are reaching Buckna of a possible "lock-in" (or should that be "lock-out) at Donacloney! As we Super Spurs followers of a previous generation used to sing "nice one Cyril"!!!!
with regards to that semi-final, I cant recall why I was there, just know I was (normally my saturday morn was deciding to go with my grandfather to watch Waringstown or with my father to watch Lambeg, though by '81 Lambeg would have folded), I still remember the call for a "drinks break" despite the fact that it was a lot cooler by then than during the first innings (kidology sticks in my mind), and was great to see the crowd that was in the Factory that day. As to Sydney Alexander, true gentleman and great clubman (one of quite a few of that generation), but still enjoyed watching his brother batting more.
looking forward to the season and just hoping we can stay up, though would be interested to hear the predictions of others
Yes Billy that trip to the 'Cloney was one of many happy visits to the Factory Ground and the match was a thriller in every sense. Wonderful club with lovely people and a unique atmosphere that is very special in Ulster cricket. As an aside I share Ivan's comments about Muckamore stalwart John McCormick-a real Trojan at Moylena. In Donacloney's case Sydney Alexander would be up there with the best of them. A true sportsman, win or lose on or off the field. Cricket would be nothing without the likes of John and Sydney. And the same could be said for Bumper Dale-I doubt if there's a more enthusiastic cricketer playing this Saturday and he's a little over 21. Time will not age him.
Coincidently enough Andy, the Co Antrim man was the inspiration behind the poem, that allied with a certain Stevie Gerrard ofcourse!
After reading Caleb's latest posting isn't the Dulseman doing a great job at Anfield. I know that this isn't directly related to cricket but the man has obviously got tremendous man-management skills and I would really like to see him writing about his "thinking" - and him from just over the hill at Carnlough!
Just to follow on from Messrs McCombe &Dobbin - in all the years of being involved in cricket I don't ever recall anyone ever saying that they had retired too late. That's why I keep telling guys to keep at it as long as the body can "thole" it. As for that shiner on the leg Ivan, I recall getting one like that from Denis Fell at Wallace Park only mine was on the shin. My eyes still water at the memory!!
The Successful Coaches Guide…
Come hither, come hence, all mentors and coaches fine
to hear a tale, philosophical and sanguine
for if it is your desire, the ladder of success to climb
then for your benefit my request, refuse not or decline!
A most eminent scholar, once did opine
show me the boy, between seven yrs and nine
and I’ll show you the man, his party line
begin as you mean to go on, the inferred incline!
Now it is incumbent upon you, to take the time
and teach your underlings, never to be supine
fight like the lion, that peerless feline
and if convincing, just like a star for you they will shine!
So before you embark on a voyage, destined to be divine
beware the perils of fame and gluttonous swine
who proffer much money, if for their club you'll sign
don’t be an agent provocateur, for any would be lupine!
Always keep your love for the game, wholesome and genuine
then no player under your wing, will have reason to whine
as high moral integrity, can give none cause to repine
So keep these ideals in mind and your career will mature, like rare vintage wine!