Forum

Sorry to hear about the passing of Cyril Vennard. Also the passing of former Lurgan player. Victor Malcomson

Really saddened to learn of the death of Cyril Vennard - a feisty character in his playing days - and not the only one back in those days! Stories from his umpiring days are equally legendary. His passing is particularly poignant as we move into Remembrance weekend. Deepest sympathy to his family and wider family circle at this time.

And another big hand-out to sport by the Southern Government announced yesterday!!

According to the news, the NI Executive is making millions available to Sport NI so will be CI be in there bidding for support for the NCU & NWCU?

First class match at Bready yesterday and players fielding in beanie hats no wonder we get laughed at over here what's next if it's cold players wearing coats and scarfs what a joke yesterday

On behalf of Clarence and myself I would like to pass on our condolences to International umpire Mark Hawthorne and his brother Gavin, a former Woodvale player, on the death of their father "Herbie" at the age of 90. A lovely man who will be missed by the family.

RIP "Herbie"

JCH & JK

3 days of sunshine and temperatures in the 20+ and no cricket at Bready! Makes one wonder if there has really been any significant improvement in the infrastructure by CI?

Been asked by a few people what I meant by the comments about Cregagh celebrations - my reading of the regs “THE RESULT - 22 (b) if the scores are tied, the winner shall be the team losing the fewer wickets”. Saintfield lost fewer wickets & Cregagh win after OOPSE, referred to as a “super over”. Interesting!

Re: Davy - Weather Watching.
The pitches produced at the Lawn got the various games - 2 finals and an inter pro were frankly superb and a credit to ground staff who had gone way beyond the call of duty.
Unfortunately the boundary straight at the Waring end was waterlogged at the bottom of the slope. This allowed for a boundary of approximately 45 meters. Clearly far too short for the men’s final. Of course far too short for today’s interpro.
For the avoidance of doubt this was the problem end that the umpires on Saturday indicated was unplayable and was even then a major concern for Sunday.
North Down stepped in at the last minute for both men’s games which meant they had to put in considerable work.
The women’s game was just about accommodated and with few alternative venues and few spare dates this was to some extent a compromise with the straight boundary.
A later start was considered but a clash of timings for the two finals was not considered a good idea.

Difficult balance was struck and frankly successfully so. Two excellent games of cricket.

Want to sincerely recognise the efforts of all clubs involved in putting on the amount of cricket we have had this year and not just the showpieces.

On behalf of Derriaghy CC can I say a massive thanks to everyone who donated to our centenary charity partner Emerge Counselling Services via bucket collections at the 2 LVS T20 finals at Saintfield and Comber today. It was great to see large crowds at both grounds.
I also want to thank the NCU Management Board for giving their permission to undertake the collections, the various media sources who promoted the collections and the 2 host clubs for their support.

Have Cregagh’s celebrations been a bit premature?

Very strange if a match is called off for a 3pm start for a mens final that the ground is playable for a woman's final at an earlier start yes boundaries are smaller but if not playable then no games take place

Harold McCrory

I was saddened to hear of Harold's death on Saturday. He was a gentleman and true believer both in Laurelvale and cricket in general. It was a pleasure to play cricket with him and to consider myself to be fortunate to share in his passion for the game and also support Portadown FC!! His presence as one of the foundations of the club was quite remarkable. But his work with the NCU was quite a feat. As a club it was amazing to play cricket with a pensioner and his on field presence was enough to spur this teams to want to win and enjoy the game.
Harold was a man who made friends right across the width and breadth of game and his counsel was respected by all. While travelling as a scorer at representative level I was often surprised by people from other parts who spoke highly of him. One cannot record just how much Harold gave and how much he loved both Laurelvale Cricket Club but the game in general. I remember him as a youngster playing for him and as I grew older I got to know him through working on the ground and the committee at the club. I shall cherish the memories of a true gentleman and extend my deepest sympathy to Sally and the family at this very sad time.

As many within the NCU family will know, 2020 is the Centenary year for Derriaghy CC. The club had several events planned to celebrate 100 years since their foundation but due to Covid 19 the majority of these have been postponed until next year when hopefully most things will be back to normal.
To mark our Centenary the club nominated Emerge Counselling Services as their charity partner. The LISBURN based charity provides services to clients with mental health problems including self-harm and suicidal tendencies.
At the start of the year the club approached the Union to seek their support in raising funds for Emerge and were delighted when permission was given to collect funds at the various T20 cup finals in 2020 for this important charity. Derriaghy would appeal to everyone attending games to consider donating something when approached by a 'bucket collector'. Your generosity will be much appreciated by the club and Emerge Counselling Services.

Harold McCrory
Local cricket will be saddened by the passing of Harold McCrory, a former NCU Chairman and Hon. Life Member. Most people will remember for his loyal service to Laurelvale Cricket Club where he played his cricket, and then later rose to the ranks as Chairman, and then later at our Union. He was a conscientious administrator with a wry personality, and always cordial. I enjoyed his company and friendship, much like the Laurelvale culture, which enjoyed the after-match as much as the cricket itself. As General Secretary Bryan Milford said earlier today, we have lost one of the 'old brigade.' It is a sad time for both the club and the the NCU, but in particular Sally and the other members of the family.
Rest in Peace Harold.
JCH