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not sure that the NCU is "least affected". I have read with interest the latest "feature" and I reflect back on some of the big spending clubs from the early years of the "professional era". Some of those clubs now languish in the lower leagues so I wonder do they ever reflect on the cost/benefit of the outlay? Are there lessons to be learned from AIL rugby vis-a-vis the proposed regional league? 2 Ulster sides at the bottom of 1B and none in 1A seems a poor return for all the money that was ploughed into the professional game. Will the apparently cash rich Leinster sides dominate? Just some musings in the long evenings in Buckna!!

Why should anyone question the moves of these two young players to CSNI. Im sure both players felt it was the best move at this time for their careers.

Well aware that other Premier clubs were snubbed in favour of their moves so obviously they have given this plenty of thought. Im sure they both realise that they will get plenty of opportunities at this club, as supposed to playing at a more established top premier club. I would imagine this has been the determining factor in their moves.

Andy, we will be going back there again and again and again. Look at the North-West cheque book Charlies and what's happening at YM and Co in Dublin. It seems the NCU is the least affected.

is it just me or has anyone else noticed the amount of "twisted face" snarling that has entered into televised sport? The winning of a "leg" in darts or scoring a goal in soccer is the cue for a "yeoowww" and a closed-fist salute. Sadly it has crept into the beautful game - the recent India - England ODI is the latest example. The problem is that when this appears on TV it percolates down to the local game - not a great example for youngsters. P.S. don't start about the spending of money in local cricket - we've been there over & over & over again.

Agreed lackofmoneybags. How refreshing.
Time will tell if the moves prove correct as players don't always move for money.
I suspect you didn't always lack money Mr lackofmoneybags!

Due to unforeseen circumstances my plans to go to CIYMS have fallen through so I am available to any club to score for them for the 2013 season. I have 18 years experience at club level and 15 years at representative and national level. I have scored at internationals and am a member of the ICC Europe Scoring panel. References to my ability can be given upon request. My preference would be at Premier level but I am willing to consider all offers. I can be contacted at jonathan.lyttle@nihe.gov.uk

Re - Michael & Moneybags

Totally true Moneybags :-)

Perish the thought Michael that anyone would want to move for legitimate cricketing reasons eh - How refreshing !

RE michael

Why would JVDM and Mark Adair go to CSNI ?? To play in the premier league on a team not dominated by paid mercenaries. I see it as a good move, they can play at the top level at a club with a great team spirit and get a chance each week

re Head Hunter - as I am not directly involved on the playing side of Muckamore I am not on the inside track of the running of the club although I was aware of and totally agree with the reasons for JVDM moving on. Maybe answers those who perceived me as a spokesman for MCLTC!! Also having seen Mark Adair last season I can see the logic behind his move. My only, and long held, reservation is the effect on those regular 1st X1 members who see their position usurped.

Downpatrick Cricket Club are seeking to appoint a Youth Development Officer for the 2013 season.

This part-time role will involve co-ordinating the youth structure at the club including youth teams, coaching etc. and also the promotion of youth cricket at local schools.

Please contact David Rea at david@squareseven.co.uk if interested.

I would not criticise young players moving to play at a higher standard but I do worry about the lower league clubs. It would appear that our unhappy fate is to simply act as feeder clubs for the big boys. The way out of this is to either develop a whole team of young players (rather than one or two)who will get promoted to premier league together or alternatively find funding to buy a team or a combination of the two. It would be good to see older players reaching the end of their careers moving in the opposite direction from premier league to section 1 perhaps to the clubs they started with. Personally I have enjoyed playing in section 1 at a higher standard than junior 1 (2nd team).

Congratulations to Jason Van Der Merwe and Mark Adair. Not only great young cricketers but also fine young men. I am sure they will do well at CSNI and fulfil all their cricketing ambitions. Muckamore and Holywood have indeed done fine jobs developing their skills thus far, however, the facts remain that if young players have both the talent and aspirations to play for Ireland they have to be playing week in week out against the best players.

What would entice two promising young players to go to Civil Service North as opposed to more successful clubs? I mean they are hardly that much better than Muckamore if at all.

re Andy Kennedy

It looks like your wish for transfer gossip has come true at last. Quite surprised that you didn't know about Jason; do your own club not even talk to you?

Holywood cc requires a Youth Development Officer for the 2013 season. The successful candidate will be responsible for youth cricket coaching and player development.The person will be tasked to improve youth players and encourage the transformation into adult cricket.
The position will require the holder to play for the 1st xi and be of suitable playing standard to contribute towards gaining promotion back into section 1 for 2014.
For more information please contact Holywood cc at andrewmurray_mints@hotmail.com Payment will be reflected by coaching experience and previous success in a similar role. The package is negotiable to for the right candidate.
Applications before 31st Jan