Forum

Re Dan

Does Gavin Rogers actually coach any of the junior section at north down?

Very true about the pros and their appears to have been some useful signings in this regard. Van der Dussen at CIYMS looks the star signing but both the muckamore pro and ballymena pro could win games on their own.

Any other transfers happening? Butterworth to Muckamore is one that is doing the rounds. If this is true this should help them.

My predictions:-

1.North Down
2.Waringstown
3.CIYMS
4.Instonians
5.Lisburn
6.CSNI
7. Muckamore
8. Ballymena

I'm always intrigued by predictions mainly because club loyalties sometimes cloud reality. Also, the variables, not least form and weather. The top isn't all that difficult to predict but the bottom is a much different picture. With that in mind the UC will donate a bottle of champagne to the person who predicts the exact finishing position of all 8 teams. If a tiebreaker is needed the winner will be the prediction received and published first.

John,

I dont think what CI and Waringstown are doing is anything new, as North Down have had Gavin Rogers in this role for a few years now and Inst had Wilcox a couple of seasons ago and maybe Eugene will fill a similar type role this season having hung the boots up. But I do have to agree that it is a positive for those clubs, as players throughout the whole of both clubs will benefit.

League predictions...so hard to say at this point, and I think that a lot rests with how well the new pros to the Premier League adapt to unfamiliar Ulster conditions!

I will go for :

1. Waringstown
2. Inst
3. CIYMS
4. North Down
5. CSNI
6. Lisburn
7. Muckamore
8. Ballymena

Not much chat on here about transfer rumours regarding the Premier League and who will be favourites this year?

Congratulations to Waringstown on employing a coach for the coming season. With CIYMS having recently also having advertised for a Head Coach for this season surely both clubs should be commended for their forward thinking?

My Premier League Predictions

1.Waringstown
2.CSNI
3.Instonians
4.North Down
5.CIYMS
6.Lisburn
7.Ballymena
8.Muckamore

On behalf of myself, our mother, my sister and the extended Cooke family circle we would like to thank you all for the many lovely comments and messages of support about our father Eric Cooke. Cricket was one of the big loves of his life xx

Saddened to learn of Tom McCloy's death. One of a remarkable family who were lynchpins of the vintage Lisburn teams. A true gentleman and a cracking player.

34 year old SA Level 3 player/ coach looking for another stint as player/ coach or club coach abroad. have over 10 seasons experience of playing& coaching in UK& Ireland. updated Sporting CV available for your perusal. get in touch.

Sincere condolences to the family of top North-West umpire Eric Cooke on their sad loss. Eric's popularity extended far beyond his native North-West as he was well known and respected throughout Irish cricket.
May he Rest in Peace
JCH

Dear all

RE - coach education

Just to let you know of a few spaces still available on the Cricket Coach Education course below.

You do not have to have previously taken a Level 1 qualification to be available for this course.

This is a good opportunity for you or your club to progress coaching knowledge.

CERTIFICATE FOR COACHING YOUNG PEOPLE & ADULTS ( replacing old level 2 )

Week 1 - 25th Jan,
Week 2 - 1st Feb,
Week 3 - 15th Feb
Week 4 - 29th Mar

All sessions are 0930-1630 at University of Ulster, Jordanstown

You must be 17 or over on the first day to attend this course.
Cost = £200

If interested - please contact Stephen Moreton on stephen.moreton@cricketireland.ie
For more info use the link below
http://www.northerncricketunion.org/database/2013/news/articles/article342.shtm

Happy New Year to everyone associated with the NCU.
A date for your diaries.

Ballymena Cricket Club Golf Day at the wonderful Galgorm Castle Golf Club on Friday, July 4.
Afternoon tee times available - £30 per person. £120 per four ball. £10 for members of Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
Great course, great prizes, some special guests and hopefully some great weather! Food available on request.
To book a tee time or for more details contact Neil Fullerton on 07866511746 or Simon McDowell on 07984547333.
See you all in July! Thanks

Andrew,
You might be right but my comments were more out of disappointment than criticism and I'm sure he was also nervous. The injury was later diagnosed as cramp but his bowling second time round wasn't all that good either as detailed by the commentators. It's the highest platform you can reach so there is nowhere to hide. We all wanted the big man to succeed but like most of the team he didn't turn it on. I hope he gets another chance or figures in the ODIs but I'm not so sure. Some of the commentators were bemused that he got the nod in front of Tremlett, Bresnan and Finn and these guys are close to the decision-makers. I'd prefer to see him back for Ireland!

Boyd Rankin isn't the only one who looks out of his depth. These England performances are no longer a joke but are now pathetic. Even Flossie says 'they don't seem to be very good'. If this was a boxing match the ref would stop it now. Botham now describes it as embarrassing!

Think you being a tad harsh on Boyd Clarence. 8 overs is hardly enough time to determine whether or not he is good enough for this level, his first couple of balls to Watson and pace up to 88mph means they have plenty to work with, he should have been picked to played at the WACA. On your logic the great Shane Warne wouldn't have had much of a test career Ha !!

Congratulations to Boyd Rankin on winning his first test cap. It justifies his decision to opt for England in recent times although there will be mixed feelings throughout Ireland. Unfortunately there was no silver lining as Boyd looked very ordinary at this level and suffered further ignominy when he injured his hamstring and looks likely to struggle to play any further part in this game.

There's always someone looking !

Mrs Most the perfect host, loved to boast,
of her lifestyle celebrity
Cordon bleu, through and through, preparing food,
in front of all and sundry
Then for dessert, a speculative flirt, with something inert,
made from an illicit tree !

But, 'my o my', a passing fly, got rather high
and told a busy bee
Whose clear dismay at this affray, did not delay,
rightful expediency
It informed the press, about this sordid mess and the rest,
as they say is history !

P.C. Plum liked to beat his drum, no one’s chum,
when on patrol
On road or street, never discreet, had targets to meet,
promotion his only goal
He reported his Aunt Annie, his Uncle Danny even his Granny,
a vigilante, without heart or soul !

Then after duty, all smug and snooty, not on footie,
drove to a public house
At the bar, he drank more than a jar, then returned to his car,
like an unprincipled louse
But an angry wasp, told an albatross who notified his boss,
now Mr Plum has no job or spouse!

Little Lord Fauntleroy, a spoilt boy, foul play his deceitful ploy,
to win every game
Batting at the wicket, playing cricket, he thinly nicked it,
though remained without shame
But the umpire had no doubt, it was a worthy shout and gave him out,
so his lordship, called him a nasty name!

Then a watching toad from a nearby road, told a crow to dispatch its load,
most unceremoniously
it landed dead on his lordship’s head and nothing more was said,
rude or pretentiously
so take heed, no matter class or creed, beware the perils of weed
and never concede, your moral integrity !

Whether cooking or booking, bowling or hooking,
keep your dignity intact, as here's a fact, there’s always someone looking!