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I'm looking for three tickets to the Ireland vs England game on the 25th August at Clontarf. One adult and two kids. But am flexible. If anybody has any tickets they don't need you can contact me on 07881496948.

Some points from the senior working group,
Leagues of 8, 8, 10 & 11 seems a fair way to move with the times.
1 up and 1 down is not too bad, but what about 2nd playing 2nd bottom in a play off? if one side is far ahead by the middle of june it means that the rest have something to play for, and likewise, if one side loses all their first 6 or 7 games, the other sides cant go into "relax" mode, or strengthen their seconds.
Common playing regulations and cup regs make sense.
D/L in sections 3 & 4 (old school), will there always be a pooter available at these grounds, & someone that knows how the D/L programme works? with the scarcity of umpires (& no, i am not volunteering to start), i can see problems arising if a game is close when rained off (though better than re-arrangements)
Start times and overs Ihave no real problem with, part from it will limit the times i am able to watch the end of a top flight game after my own has finished.
rearranged games, I feel that the Union should have a regulation, but if both clubs agree to a different outcome, then they should be allowed (i.e. if both clubs are free on the second saturday in september and agree to play that day, then the 3 week rule should be waived).
Sunday cricket or not, see above.
No 4th year cricket on a saturday? this risks losing quite a lot of kids that are notaffiliated to any club by the age (bearing in mind that under the Dickson plan, there is very little cricket played in schools before 4th year)
Gradual move towards pyjamas? WHY? When I were a kid, I could wear white's at the lawn on a friday evening for the under 15's, the same whites for the school on a saturday morn, and sometimes even the same whites on the saturday afternoon for the thirds, or get the first set washed after the friday game and dried to wear on the saturday afternoon. When a parent is asked by their 15 year old "i want to start playing cricket" How much is that going to cost? well a pair of pads, a pair of spikes, a helmet, pair of gloves, a box, maybe a thigh pad, that is already a lot of money before they have to fork out for a fancy coloured kit, and it iwll only erode another of the traditions of our great game for NO benefit that I can see.

What a game of cricket last night at Downpatrick in the 20/20 Shield final. I have to say I have played in quite a few ties before but that was unbelievable..... went down to a 1 over bash in fading light!

For anyone that thinks cricket is boring, I can guarantee now that they would have got caught up in the entertainment and drama last night.

I'd like to mention Derriaghy who were absolutely brilliant last night and have a super team and a decent bunch of lads. They were very unlucky to end up as the losing side.

I'd also like to thank Downpatrick for providing the facilities and a super pitch to play on.

On a side note, has a debate started on the best all rounder in section 1? I always judge based on the stats at the end of the season (catches, run outs, wickets and runs) however if I had to choose now it would be between Craig Lewis, Joel Maguire, James Magowan. I also think Richard Shilliday is very underrated and would get in to all teams in Section 1.

If I was pressed to choose an all rounder at the minute (without stats) I'd choose Craig Lewis for his all round game and consistency. He's a great player and nice lad and to be honest he's one of the best all rounders I've faced in a few years.

Just want to take this opportunity to thank the clubs that have helped Woodvale out so far this season, by letting us use their grounds. Templepatrick, Dunmurry, Dundrum and Muckamore have all been very kind and their assistance is greatly appreciated.

re Ulster Cup Final

It has been moved to 21st August as Instonians are playing in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup semi final on the 7th August. It will also be played at Carrickfergus CC.

http://www.northerncricketunion.org/database/2011/ulster/ulstercup.shtml#final

Guys, can anyone tell me where the Ulster Cup final is, the Cricket Ireland website only tells me it is on August 7?

Jeff, i echo your comments about the guys getting well soon.

Yes local derby coming up again soon, im sure it will be another close game and it could have a huge impact on who finishes higher in the table.

Another local derby this sunday if anyone is interested , Saintfield v Downpatrick in the semi final of the Ulster Shield. Another grudge game... Dickie dont worry i won't bowl this time to give you a chance to get some runs lol.

Re Jeff

For your info both Derriaghy and Downpatrick have games in semi final of Ulster Shield this Sunday. Woodvale play Derriaghy at Muckamore and Saintfield host Downpatrick. Hopefully see you at T20 Shield final next Wed evening.

Tayto , yes indeed Craig Lewis is one of the best all rounders along with JA JA and only a few that play for most premier sides ive orderd more balls for the cup final next week at strangford road and might just bring couple dogs for the garden search and with Daubney the biggest hitter ive seen in this section we are big underdogs but that will suit us no pressure if we can pull of a shock . Just like wish speedy recovery to Billy Mccormick from Holywood in hospital and was great see Ted Cooke at a recent game and hope see Ivan Reid and Sammy Alexander back to full health and hopefully umpiring as both do a superb job and great charactors to boot .PS i think might be few our team try few over the road just pity wasnt a sunday game as both teams would have brought supporters and stayed in your marvelous facilities and enjoyed the after party win or lose and both teams aint got game this sunday think thats strange as would made for cracking day out.

The NCU's proposal for the two bottom sections proposes either 11 teams in the bottom section and 10 in the higher section, or an 8/13 split.

Personally I would be more in favour of the 10/11 split, as a league with 13 teams will mean a gulf in class, and many one sided games.

If there is 11 in the bottom section, 20 games is too many in my opinion. I think that if everyone played each other once at the start of the season, then there could be a split, and then the top 6 play each other again, and the bottom 5 do the same. It would require a couple of free Saturday's mid-season to clear any games which need cleared before the split....

Can anyone confirm how the bottom section of the senior league will be organised next year? With 13 teams left once the leagues above are reduced to eight teams each, I assume the only option is for each team to play each other once?

a few weeks ago there were postings about lack of media coverage and when AB expresses views he is lambasted. Surely we don't want a sanitised Press where the spin doctors try to make everything squeaky clean and PC. AB is entitled to his view and deserves our support, even though we may not always agree with his opinion. Compare the coverage in the Newsletter with what is laughingly called the "cricket roundup" on Radio Ulster on a Saturday night.

Is there any news from the Senior working group that met last night ?

I just wanted to praise Craig Lewis for a fine hundred at our place on Sunday. It was as clean a bit of hitting as i have seen for a long time... and good to see the first person hit the new house on the far side of the strangford road... anyone know a good plasterer lol

Its refreshing to see the new league set up is working to help find teams get to their level. JL 5 sees Waringstown IV midtable with 2nd XI teams.

Also what has happend to the Larne club - once a thriving club. 1st & 2nds bottom of their leagues and the 3rds having it hard too!

Finaly, its good to see Holywood 3rds getting some old faces out playing. Maxwell, Shannon, McMaster, Walker, & Johnston all names having senior experience! Could this be due to the new playing regulations introduced by the NCU?

Well done the NCU and the Working Groups!