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Caleb

We had a player who claimed never to have dropped a catch in his career but he worked on the principal that if you don't go for it you won't drop it. I don't think Paul's record will ever be equalled because in those days bowlers weren't restricted in the number of overs they could bowl. When Paul had taken 7 or 8 wickets my brother actually dopped a catch which in hindsight was just as well, although he wasn't congratulated at the time!

Playing for Armagh against Portadown in 1972 Armagh had been bowled out for 50 odds. Hampton Ewart returned figures of 9 for 10. He could of had 10 for 9, but a catch was dropped and the fielder ran out the batsman.

Wesley,

As regards unique achievements on the cricket field, I can't come close to Paul's illustrious record of taking all 10 wkts in a match and all clean bowled too boot, don't think that will ever be equaled!

But I can claim (with the exception of the wet summer just past), from 1995 to 2011 playing cricket each year, I never dropped a single catch, easy or difficult !

And I had loads of opportunities believe me !

I fielded in every position when taking these catches except for wicket-keeper.

But alas you've only my word for this, as they didn't mark these catches down to my name in the score-books!

And the reason why my record doesn't remain intact and continuous, is that I dropped a couple last summer because of a very slippery ball and it was travelling like a bullet each time !

But I'm looking forward again to start fresh next season and try and beat my own record.

Taking 10 wickets in an innings is quite an achievement but I believe Paul was the only one who clean bowled all 10 batsmen.

Has anyone any other examples of unique achievements in NCU cricket? There's sure to be some stories.

Wesley,
Sad news about Paul. We featured it in an Ulster Cricketer many years ago.
I am aware of both James Macdonald and Scott Huey taking all 10 wickets in a senior game and there may be a few others down the leagues.

In 1988 Paul McBarritt playing for Laurelvale 3rd XI against YMCA took all 10 wickets, all bowled. Sadly Paul passed away last week. I believe this has never been done before or since in a senior game in Irish cricket; unless someone can tell me different.

On behalf of my mum, sister Joanne and myself I would like to say thank you for all the kind words about my dad.

The support from individuals and clubs has been overwhelming but provided my family with great strength and hope since my dad passed away.

I hope that over the next few months and season I will be able to pass on my family thanks to all in person.

On a lighter note I did chuckle when I noticed that my dad was laid to rest next to Desi Kane. Im sure the conversation between them will be tremendous.

Thank you.

Yvonne, Joanne & David

To I Callendar report and ards chronicle reporter on ndcc new pros for season 2013
It is in fact the first time since 1997 not 2006 that ndcc 1sts had a trophyless season.
The ulster cup organisers allowed north down to keep above trophy after the victory over limavady.
After what is now remembered as connellgate the ncu awarded the senior league to Waringstown and withdrew the 20/20 trophy from ndcc.
So in fact first time in 15 seasons that we have been trophyless.

Sorry to hear about Harry's accident from all of us at Cregagh we hope for a speedy recovery and please pass on our regards and best wishes for a full recovery.

The Officers and Members of NIACUS would like to send their best wishes on a speedy recovery to our friend and colleague Harry McCammon who was involved in a serious road accident in the North West and is currently in Altnagelvin Hospital. Our thoughts are with Harry at this time and he is hoping to be transferred to Belfast as soon as he is allowed by medical staff. Will keep you informed of progress.

I would just like to add my condolences to the Menaul family upon hearing of Bobby Menaul's truly sad passing.

As captain of North Down CC 2s next year I would like to invite any interested criket teams from Junior 1 upwards to a 20/20 competition I am trying to setup for Sunday 22nd April. If you might be interested you can give me a buzz if you wanna get a couple of 20/20 games played in the one day. Ideally looking 3 other sides to make this happen.

You can call me if interested 07837968988

Andrew

Bobby Menaul's sad passing removes another fine club stalwart from our midst. Everyone will have their memories of Bobby but as a person and a cricketer Andrew Cowden's tribute is sincerely and beautifully penned. On behalf of the Ulster Cricketer and cricketers throughout the NCU sincere condolences to David and the Menaul family and his club colleagues down the years.
Clarence Hiles
Editor

I am sorry to learn of Bobby Menaul's death. He and I had a bit of banter following the Cliftonville-Woodvale 20-over game in September. But then we always had a good craic up at Mallusk especially when we got Billy Thompson wound up! My thoughts are with Davy and the family at this sad time.

Re: Bobby Menaul

I was shocked and absolutely devasted when I heard of Bobby Menaul passing away yesterday afternoon. Bobby was a great friend of both my father and I. We, like others, enjoyed his great company through many years together at Cliftonville and Carrick. Bobby was a true gentleman, a knowledgeable coach, a cricket lover and a very proud father of David.

I will be forever thankful to Bobby for his tireless and passionate coaching every Friday night during the winter from when I was 13 to 18, his coaching during the summer months and for his advice and support right up to the past season. Bobby was a true cricket man, a serving Cliftonville CC committee member, working tirelessly on their Mallusk ground, and every off-season he even sanded and re-oiled bats for me and others.

On behalf of the Cowden's, I would like to pass on my condolances to Yvonne, Joanne, David and Gemma at this very sad time. Our thoughts are with you all.

RIP "The Governor"

Andrew, Andrea, Harry and Irene.

Thank u all for the wonderful comments about my Da Dessi Kane.... He was a wonderful man and we will all miss him so much. Please spread the word about this forum, would love to hear more stories as I was to young to remember those great days xx