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what a knock from pienaar, pity i didnt see it, hopefully waringstown dont lose him for any SA squads.

On a similar note saintfied's pro's knock against us on saturday was one of the best i have seen in a long time, he looks like a serious player, he will destroy some attacks in that league this season.

Just like to say what a pleasure it was to witness a truly outstanding knock of 244 from Obus Pienaar today at The Lawn. Although the result didnt go our way, it is great to see such a talented young cricketer in the NCU. I wouldn't bet against on him getting another double hundred this season.

PS still finding it hard to believe that CI were penalised for a slow over rate considering Obus cleared the boundary on 22 occasions!

If anyone gets the chance to watch Waringstown in the near future, take it. I have just nipped home after watching an innings that I dont think I will EVER see equaled, 244 of 114 deliveries, an an awesome display of batting with shots all round the ground by Obus Pienaar and against a more than decent bowling attack.
If you get the chance to watch him, take it.

not sure about global warming at Larne - was in bed all day yesterday with pleurisy! A good day - Bobby's tea up to the usual standard and over 400 runs scored on a good pitch. I predict that bowlers will have to work for wickets at Sandy Bay

GRAHAM CUP

First round is to be completed by Friday of this week. Want to wish all teams involved good luck - and to all coaches - please read the regulations and PLEASE PLEASE REPORT THE RESULTS!

Was that Andy Kennedy I saw today at Sandy Bay wearing a short sleeved shirt throughout the whole day???
This global warming obviously has it's good points then!
Also great to see John Kennedy umpiring in his first match too. From what I hear he got all the important decisions correct.

Sincerely wishing every cricketer on the Emerald Isle, particularly in the NCU a fabulous 2011 season - may the sun shine often and may you reach your dreams. Believe me when i share it is such a privilage to be part of the Irish game and always the game is much bigger than any individual or club. With you very much in spirit...........

Just like to join Andy in wishing support to Clogher CC after another mindless attack on their club.
Having had many a very tight nd competitive game against them since they started playing in the NCU, it must be heartbreaking to have things like this happen to them (& far too many other clubs that have been afflicted likewise over the last few years), but if i know the lads down there as well as I think I do, I am sure that this will just re-double their efforts to improve their club.
All the best for the new season (except when you come to Lurgan park, or we head down to the Moss lol)

sorry to learn of the problems at Clogher - but I suppose that there are morons everywhere.

friendly results downpatrick beat ciyms and cliftonville at the weekend, 220 odd against 140 odd against ciyms and 295 v around 190 against cliftonville. farrukh in the runs both days 100 retired on saturday and 60 on sunday.

News Letter eight-page cricket supplement on 2011 season is out this Thursday, April 28. Full previews on NCU Premier League, Sections One and Two, and North West Senior One and Two. Don't miss it!

IRELAND -V- PAKISTAN

Everyone quite rightly aggrieved at the attempt to exclude associate nations from the World Cup or appreciative of the efforts of the Irish team in the sub-continent – I would urge you to turn up and support the teams return to Belfast. Games are on Saturday 28th an Monday 30th May. 28th has been declared a closed day for all other cricket in the NCU.

As a union we produce Irish Internationals on a regular basis. Lets turn up as a union, put our hands in our pockets and show our support.

Genuinely believe these games are very important for the immediate future of Irish international cricket. Big turn outs mean the chance of more big games and more chance of overturning the ridiculous ICC decision.

Neale

Andy
" The only "drawback" about Stormont is meeting the "Ballygomartineers" or the Victoria guys! Then it gets dark early!"
I dont know how many of the VCC lads will be at the two games but I do know that we will be represented, and have 19 going to Clontarf in August.
I agree that it is a very good idea foq a closed date for the saturday, and if we wish to watch top quality cricket in Belfast, then we need to start attending games.
The attendance for the bangladesh games last summer was terrible, and the India South Africa games at stormont a few years ago was frankly embarasing.
Get yourselves to the ground and back the boys, and lets hope for two home wins to make the ICC's decision with regards to the 2015 "World cup" even more ridiculous than it already is.

Oh, Ally B, If you want a Victoria contribution for the News letter, give me a shout and I will get the skipper or Vice of our firsts to get in touch.

Well done the NCU in getting the Ulster Bank on board with the senior cup sponsorship and well done the Ulster Bank to see the commercial and community benefits in supporting cricket.
Some people are quick to have a pop at our NCU committee men so let's give credit where it is due!

hi my name is craig mckinley and im a umpire from the lurgan area and if any club is looking a umpire for any pre season game please contact me on 07514575936 and ill happily umpire ur pre season game