Forum

"The big boys are always the big boys" I used to keep wicket to an ncu great who sucessfully intimidated opposing batsmen by saying this.This is a historians view and a self serving view. Waringstown and north down are top clubs. But the rest of us are trying to knock you off your perch. So we want to keep our young talent. Clarence how do we get sponsors from local business if we accept that we are 2 nd class citizens?

sorry Kyle - you expect me to be able to read & write at the same time - no chance - too many digs to the head in my rugby days! Robin Walsh playing for Larne - was that before or after his Ballymena playing days after his arrival from the North-West? Young players should always have the opportunity to try their luck at the top level but always return to their roots if it doesn't work out. I recall a fine example when a fine cricketer and complete gentleman Jonny Craig returned to Larne from Ballymena and fell foul of a stupid NCU ruling at the time!
P.S. no humour in me Jim? I'm sure there are plenty of guys in the cricket & rugby worlds who have heard me speaking & would probably agree!!
P.P.S. - Radio Ulster Newsline tonight did a feature and "vox-pop" about why we dislike the England teams. And there was me thinking that it was just me!!!

Ref Hilers Comments

Hiler i agree with most of the things you say but will beg to differ with you on this occasion !I can honestly say that if a young player is developed and nurtured at my club that is were I want to see them play - I would hate to see them go to a proven Premier league team and make there mark there !

What better feeling for a young player to play for the club were he has learnt his trade and try to take that club to the highest level ??

I honestly think the word "loyalty" has disappeared from the game ! Far to many
players forget their roots and seek personal glory at a higher profile club !

What I will take from my cricket career was mainly the fact that I played for the club that I loved and with people who I consider to be my very best friends ! Not saying I'm right but its my opinion and I enjoyed any success with Holywood more than I would have enjoyed regularly winning leagues/cups with a club other than the one that I grew up with.

Hope all is well in Barbados

Cheers Michael

Agree 100% with that last comment...if youve nothing constructive to say...dont say anything! Both are hard working players not to mention good guys too so i am perplexed slightly by your cowardly remarks.....or at least have the courage to place your name with your comment.

Congrats must go to everyone involved in the Irish squad for their efforts, even though they didnt qualify for the quarter finals...a great effort by all the players, with luck not shining on the irish in a couple of tight games.

Surely time for an increase in one day internationals and tours (which can only be achieved through an increase in revenue attained from ICC) to allow us to compete with the likes of Zim, Bang and even the West Indies who are not that far away either - although can we produce a genuine 90mph bowler such as Roach??? Nothing wrogn with aiming high but may be asking alot considering England cant either lol!

Think some guys have to stop being a bit bitter here! The way some people are getting on may not make these young players want to return to that club at a later stage of their carear!

Well done Ireland. Great way to finish the tournament and on behalf of your fans all over the world thanks for some great entertainment. Also a big thank you to John Elder for his excellent coverage on the other channel especially today when the NZ v Sri Lanka match took TV priority in this part of the world.
This tournament is wide open.

RE- Chris

Bit old news that one mate...anyway one of them could only stick them for a couple of matches there last year.!

Heard a rumour Peter Connell is going to CIYMS.

commentary on cricinfo, classic stuff!!
"Andrew Strauss, meanwhile, has just held what looks to be a very stern team meeting. Presumably to explain just how Luke Wright is going to win them the match. He managed to keep a straight face throughout, which is impressive. "

chris. are these the same boultwoods that left you a couple of years ago?

Hi Wylie,
This is an issue that has been around for over 100 years. Davy has it right when he says the player can say no. However, let's be honest, if a promising young player is nurtured at your club surely you want to see him make the most of his ability and test himself at the highest level? Same goes for Eoin Morgan, Ed Joyce, George Dockrell et al. If it doesn't work out then he can return. Not all clubs are the same in every sport and most players (not all) aspire to play at the highest level. There are good examples of doing both and David Kennedy is a role model. Ballymena "lent" him to North Down for a few years and he was outstanding at the highest level. So much so that when he returned to Comber the next season in the opposition the supporters presented him with a gift in recognition of his contribution to the club. It's tough losing your best young players but there is still a lot of satisfaction in producing them. Robin Walsh played for Larne didn't he?

Unfortunately wylie that's sport for you! E.g eoin morgan coming through Irish underage levels etc only for him to go and play for England but look at it from his point of view was he ever going to get to play the highest level (test cricket) with Ireland? Same can be said for the larne and saintfield lads were they ever going to play premier league with their respective teams? I believe that if u can play, then play at the highest level possible and that is clearly what these guys look to do.

However don't agree with u wylie in saying what's the point, at the end of the day you've helped develop good young cricketers and isn't that what all clubs look to do? Teams in the lower divisions I'm afraid will always be resigned to the fact that their best players will always look to play at the top and so they should. Also Agree with Davy completely over all this tapping nonsense ( Andy read ur messages before u post them) at the end of the day it's the players choice! Teams look to good players to strengthen their team, name me one top team who doesn't?

Re Player Movement

I have heard that CIYMS have also signed the highly talented leg spinner and number 11 bat McChesney from Cliftonville - he together with their two pros should make CIYMS a force to be reckoned with

Re player movements

CIYMS have signed the highly talented Boultwood brothers from Saintfield, two great young players who I am tipping to make a big impact in the Premier League for years to come

Player movement: A Cowden has moved from Carrickfergus to CSNI. Good luck mate.

Player poaching: Not all the clubs fault. Players can also just say no.