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We had a situation in the first game of our season where the opposition only had 10 players (Ulster Heineken cup semi-final) and we offered them a sub fielder. The umpire officiating refused to allow it saying it is against the rules since the sub-fielder wasn't nominated on the team sheet....

Bruce - it WAS called the Celtic tiger!

Missed a bit of law 2 - it does refer to umpires have complete discretion to allow susbtitute for any reason.

Re Paul Robinson - Interesting one Paul. I am no expert but law 2 seems to cover the use of substitutes but only in the case of injury occurring to a player after nomination. In the case of injury the opposition captain cannot object to appointment of a substitute. There is no mention of substitutes being allowed for a fielder leaving the field of play early when not injured. I am not sure if there are anly local competitiion specific regs covering this. Maybe it would be covered under "the spirit of the game" - ie an agreement between both teams to allow a susbstitute if it is known somone has to leave early ?? Of course I could be wrong ? Any one else know?

Could Andy or another umpire clear something up for me?

On Saturday against St Johnston one of the St Johnston players left the field as he had to go to work (15 overs into the 2nd innings), they brought on sub fielder. We weren't informed of this at the start of play, and the 2 umpires didn't consult our skipper during play. Is this allowed? The 2 North West umpires said after the game that it's allowed - surely this can't be right!

One umpire actually told our captain to go away at the drinks, and then said it's nothing to do with you.

reflecting on Bruce's posting I was thinking about the Leinster league structure. 2 "senior" sections and the rest designated as "junior" and I wonder if such a system would have any merit in NCU?

Despite Waringstown's BKISC win last year, there has been an obvious trend of Leinster winners in recent times. I suspect the Leinster clubs are reaping the benefits of sophisticated long term coaching structures. I have noticed that many Leinster clubs are appointing not only head coaches but specific batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping coaches. I think most northern clubs while providing some coaching are not doing so with the same intent as Leinster clubs. There are of course a few notable exceptions to the rule. The basic message is that the northern clubs need to up their game in this area.

sorry Vic - you're right 2012 - the old fingers hadn't defrosted after Shaw's Bridge yesterday! The point I was trying to make was that there is a difference between the subjective decisions and a basic lack of knowledge. What about another thread about the performances of NCU sides in the all- Ireland competitions at the weekend?

Andy, I'm pretty sure its only 2012, not 2102!!

I have to agree about umpiring in the lower leagues, and it is one of the worst parts of playing at a lower standard. If you don't give a decision it is assumed that it is because you are biased, if you do give one, your team-mate is annoyed with ya.... No winners. You just hope that whoever stans is honest enough to give out, or not out, without any bias.

starting times? Why do Sunday games start at 1:00p.m. when there are no school matches on?

Similar to a lot of other teachers' stories I'm sure but...

On Saturday BRA had 12 players (at least) playing for school in the morning and for club in the afternoon.

This is (obviously) a hugely desirable for the future of cricket, yet it is a practice which would be ended by the discussed compulsory earlier starts.

I'd suggest that it makes sense to leave it to the two captains to agree (in advance) any movement from with the default of 1pm during up to the end of June (clubs who do not feature large numbers of school players are able to move starts forward).

Note: It is not possible to play anymore games midweek due to the pressure of public exams. This has been discussed with Schools' Committee

Great win for Holywood yest at North Kildare....Im thinking its the first time Holywood 1sts have scored 300+ runs in a game ??

having caused a debate about starting times I'd like to change the subject. There have been many references to the somewhat biased decision-making of umpires in the "lower" Leagues. These relate to the interpretation of wides and LBW calls - both of which can be subjective. But there can be no excuse for the sort of recent incident that I have heard of where a "mature" guy in the lower leagues "no-balled" a 15 year-old bowler for "failing to indicate his bowling action". FGS - this is 2102! Surely it is the responsibility of captains to ensure that before sending guys out to "stand" that they have a basic knowledge of the Laws.

With regards to starting times, I know that we have a number of players that work saturday mornings, we also have some that have to do nightshift on a friday night, with a 1pm start we can normally get these guys to play, for earlier starts it will be very difficult.
As for families, even with a noon start, it could well still be 7 or after before you are home, so if the idea is for people to get home earlier to have time with their children, would a later start not be more beneficial giving a few hours in the morning to take them to the park, the swimming pool or whatever you fancy doing with them, it also allows the like of myself to spend a bit of time carrying out work round the house.
If a match is in doubt, what time would the home skipper need to inspect the pitch for a 11am start if the opposition were travelling any distance?
1pm is late enough, and should be the starting time all season.

Re C.Boomer...

I agree with Neal - too much pandering around schoolboys, half them aren't interested anyway - simply used to 'fill in the blanks'
Have to say I've played 30 years man and boy (inc old section 1 & prem league)just about hanging in there through obligation.
My 'Disco' shoes have been well and truly hung up...The earlier the start the better FGS - there is life after cricket...
C Boomer, you're the exception mate and thank God for you !
I was inside like most 'sane' people today...
The Dog didn't fancy an outing either...!