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Could it be we're become stuck in a time warp,like that brilliant BBC drama a few years back with John Simm and the excellent Philip Glenister as DCI Gene Hunt in 'Life on Mars', based on events in 1973? Here are the clues..

1.Mr Burrows returns after many years away from the local game, unaware of the ulster cricketer!

2.Liverpool F.C. are on a roll, back around 1973 they were about to dominate European soccer for the next 20 odd years!

3. Man Utd dropping quickly down the old division one and Man City no where to be seen !

4. No 'professional' cricketers playing in the N.C.U. chasing the pound back then!

1973, yes hope it's returned !

Hi Ivan - Arsenal top of the League, Man.U. closer to the bottom than the top and Mr. Clough sacked at Derby! Is this 1973?

Great to read that Simon Burrowes is alive and well. A seriously tough competitor and a great character . My first introduction was in an under 13 game at Sullivan Upper v Ballyclsre High School. I was opening the batting and Simon came charging in arms and legs every where and clean bowled me first ball. His teacher who was umpiring took pity on me and said it was a " trial ball ". Simon chirping as he always did wasn't happy and came charging in again and again send the stumps flying. I was out and away but had revenge in mind when the roles were reversed, but Simon being as I was to discover in later years was in aggressive form and finished the game in no time . Cricket is poorer for not having characters like Simon around . You will have no bother knowing if he's about as he could always be heard before he was seen.

Simon - if young Shannon, Johnston and Sims are still at it then there could be a place for an even younger yourself!! Good to hear you are still up & about.

Hiler, Holywood is probably a saner place without me. I'm probably reading about and generally following cricket more than for many years and, as I say, I've been bitten by the collecting mug. I've bookmarked this forum so will definitely keep in touch. And if anyone out here is also into Wisdens or indeed any other cricket literature I'd love to hear from them. Meanwhile, a startlingly good 25 points yesterday at the golf could herald a return to the cricket!

Hi Simon.
Great to hear from you and hopefully the discovery of the Forum will rekindle your interest. I'm certain Holywood CC hasn't been the same since you dropped out of the scene. We have some great memories mate.

Didn't know this forum existed! Haven't been involved for some time in Ulster cricket, but congrats to Holywood for winning league this year. Don't tell me Hiler is still at it!? Nice to see some names from yesteryear. Any of you guys out there interested in Wisdens? I've developed an unhealthy interest, if you'll pardon the expression.

If I was "Phil" I wouldn't get too excited by the way rugby in Ulster is run. Club Ulster is relatively sucessful on the back of financial support of some high profile sponsors. The proposed move of Mr. Pienear to Toulouse reflects where "loyality" lies. The "Senior club" game is in decline as a look at the AIL tables will reveal where the current power base lies. Thus so many aspects of rugby are mirrored cricket in Ireland.

Phil,
If Boyd Rankin followed your advice he still be milking cows in Bready. I don't have the same confidence in rugby management as you do either. North sold their ground to developers for a new beginning with the old Collegians and then lost their soul to their new partners. There was a happy ending at Stormont albeit at a considerable cost. As for irish league clubs I'm told they are all in debt. I doubt if many cricket clubs are in similar debt as I'm told most of the professionals are paid by sponsors and patrons. by the way what or who are the barrow boys? Sounds like an old pop group.

Richard,

I do not sit on the commitee of Lurgan Cricket Club and I can assure you I do not agree with us having 3 overseas players. It is not a case of kettle and black.

All I see at the moment is clubs wasting money on players. I could see taking a chance on paying players if you collected £50,000 by winning the Ulster Bank League but this is not the case.

Sad email "Phil.'
Thankfully there are plenty more people with more positive attitudes.
By the way why do you keep changing your pseudonym? If you have the courage of your convictions then put your name to them? Or do you want us to do it for you?

Anything that would add to the pro debate has already been said. I would add a couple of items to Neil's list for the Premier league - proper sight screens and scoreboards that work! By that I mean screens that don't have to be hauled at every left hand right hand combinations and scoreboards that don't require bashing by a brush to get started! Then again that has been the position for the past few seasons so I'm not too optimistic for 2014

ref mr hunters comments

i find it laughable you talking about other clubs spending money on players and not on grounds when your own club lurgan flew in 3 overseas players !!

pot kettle black comes to mind afraid

Neil.
Old machines work just as well as new machines if they are looked after, and cared for. Thing is these days, most regular club people have no clue how to carry out even simple maintenance, servicing or any troubleshooting on grounds machines.

When I asked for views after the creation of an elite 8 team league I wondered when the mention of what you have raised Clarence- an elite 'professional' league and an 'amateur league' of social cricket.
A lot of clubs seem to lack any real ambition to be promoted to a higher league and be the whipping boys.
Even famous clubs with a great tradition like Lurgan, Woodvale, Carrick, Downpatrick and Muckamore can they compete with the mighty Waringstown, Instonians, North Down.
League 2 is the same yo-yo clubs, those that have found their level and wish to stay in that league and those struggling to survive.
League 3 is a poor level of cricket with some clubs close to going under.