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Watching England getting hammered again and was wondering if that was Colin Barkley trying to avoid the peppering by the Windies batsmen?
Clarence I remember playing with Jimmy Ellis for the Grasshoppers and the next day he entertained us at the Lords Test when play was cancelled for the day v Pakistan. The bars were closed up but a guy recognised Jimmy from the TV and duly opened up . He loved being around people from home. I think that was 1986.
Not directly related to cricket but with the start of Cheltenham are there no tips coming from the Dundrum racing advisor?
Sad to hear of the passing of Ulster actor Jimmy Ellis of Z Cars fame. Jimmy played a few games for the Ulster Grasshoppers in the early years when we followed Ireland in England and he was a friendly and jovial companion off the field. He loved cricket and loved being around cricket people and cricket places.
So the other channel reporting that PJ Moor is now also returning to Belmont - some team they have now. Surely they must be big favourites for Premier League. With Muckamore reportedly also having been after PJ, surely they are one of favourites for the drop.
Any other transfers in the NCU?
Donaghadee CC are looking for a friendly on Sunday 27th April if any teams would be able to accomodate us at their ground.
Woodvale have a used full length artificial cricket pitch for sale. It is in good condition and was lifted from the square to allow for two new artificial pitches to be installed. Comes complete with full length underlay sheet. Any interested parties please contact me at browne_timothy@hotmail.com
The Catch !
Standing lonesome and pitiful, far out by the boundary rope
the day was beginning to really drag and I was fast losing hope,
I’d failed once more with the bat, yet another calamity
and now I’m watching fluffy clouds pass by, oh dear woe is me!
Why did I not invent some paltry excuse, then call or send a text
informing him I could not play, even though he would be vexed,
like my second cousin once removed is visiting, or the dog’s not well
but our skipper is a shrewd old bird and a rat he'd easily smell!
Now don’t take me up wrong or get confused, I do enjoy the game
but lately I have been faltering and really, I’ve only myself to blame,
despite his protestations, I think weekly practice on the whole
is boring so I don’t attend, that’s probably why I never get a bowl!
Goodness gracious a wicket down, Grieves has got one to nip back
not a bad effort I suppose, though perhaps it hit a crack?
My o my he’s done it again, their big hitter has played all around
LBW and now he’s taking the long walk, to the visitor’s compound!
But it won’t make any difference; they’ll easily overtake our score
although the skipper and young Endicott, battled as if they were in a war,
they got us to some sort of total, though hard for me to observe
Gee-whiz another shock, the skippers bowled his counterpart, boy, he's got some nerve!
Despite these minor triumphs, this contrived joviality is mere parole
and this alacrity won’t last long, old Tobias is now on to bowl,
I know the old duffer loves his cricket, but it really is a joke
he must be getting on for 75 or more, though still a pleasant, perky bloke!
Panic must be setting in, a dolly missed and the ball hits middle stump
then another LBW, two run outs, a stumping, old Tobias has got the hump,
but they only need a few to win then I'll get home, ending this servitude
Ah yes a mighty whack, now that ball is travelling like a rocket, gaining altitude!
But what goes up must come down, is more than just an obvious cliché
though and behold that little red ball, is now fast hurtling down my way,
as I watch it descend, an ethereal transition overcomes my mind
time slows up and within those elongated seconds, no longer am I blind!
Like a soothsayer, now I clearly see my teammates through an inward eye
my skipper’s fortitude, always leading by example and never saying "Die"!
And there's Grieves and Endicott, neither born with silver spoon
a proud father and his son, straining every sinew each Saturday afternoon!
Finally I see Tobias, a decorated old soldier who knew much worldly strife
each week he looks forward to a game, long since retired from army life,
then instantly this time portal disappears; I’m back waiting for the catch
and as the ball lands firmly within my eager grasp, I can't wait for next week’s match!
Victoria Cricket Club are holding a Dinner in Brownlow House on Friday 28th March to celebrate their 60th Anniversary. Tickets are priced at £25. The price includes a three course meal, after dinner speeches and entertainment afterwards by a live band. 60th Anniversary brochures, looking back at the history of the club will also be available.
If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, feel free to get in touch by either phone(07584087730) or email (mparks05@qub.ac.uk)
Event: 60th Anniversary Dinner
Date: Friday 28th March
Location: Brownlow House, Lurgan
Price: £25
Woodvale 1st XI are looking to play a pre season friendly on the 12/4/13. Please email michael_irwin88@yahoo.co.uk if interested.
Cheers
England come up short again - was watching with grandson Jack and pontificating my mantra about a batting side doubling it's score from 30 overs and saying that the Windies would struggle to get 170. Unbelievable bowling by England and a batting collapse to boot! Great batting by Lumb but as for the rest? And no Mitchel Johnston in sight!
Goofer,
Derriaghy CC are interested in a friendly at The Rectory on Saturday 12th April. Drop me an email derriaghycc1@hotmail.co.uk and we can sort something out.
Matty
Any championship clubs looking a friendly on 12th april were free for a game in londonderry..........
Sorry to learn of the death of Herbie Martin- another Lisburn legend. I remember as a wee lad watching that great team in the company of the Wisemans - the Cullybackey connection - from the cycle track as we couldn't afford the admission! Another loss at Wallace Park
Great t20 win by Ireland against the Windies! Hopefully will get some of the keyboard warriors off the squads back. Here's to a good 2014 for an increasingly professional side.
