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Hi Ed hope you are well, I must say following the Womens Cup Final on Sunday my nerves were shot to pieces and have no nails left and me a neutral. Both Lurgan and CSNI should be praised for their commitment to the cause and those who attended were well rewarded.
A low scoring match in my opinion is like a game of chess as to see who cracks first in the encounter. It was also nice to see two young umpires officiating the match, both Sean Grant and Laura Caughey (future is bright off the field with youngsters looking to umpire).
Checking the NCU Website on Bank Holiday Monday in The Republic it was nice to see the match highlighted was a good thing for the Women's side of Cricket in the NCU region and Cricket Europe Ireland had some good action shots.
On to the run in the League have both CSNI and Lurgan taken their eye of the ball and left Muckamore to take the title but with Muckamore having to travel to both sides this is where they will win or lose the league then a repeat at Pollock Park on 19th August could be a potential title match if Muckamore has lost both above matches. Major surprise this year is Waringstown not having won a league match this year and with some heavy losses to.
And also to the Under 17s who played the NWCU in 3 matches with 2 T20 wins at Stormont a couple of weeks ago but I was surprised to see them lose in Coleraine on Tuesday as I thought they would have won easily
I hope that the match between the Northern Women and North West Women will have another match this year after the postponement and then the abandonment of the clash a few weeks ago, it would be nice to see a Women's Interpro on this island of ours to be played with the help of the Unions to help Ireland Women's Cricket as we have seen in Rugby and more recently in Hockey

As predicted, the Portadown Taverners vs Victoria select T20 match turned out to be another last over thriller with the home side just about defending a very credible 121, despite a valiant effort by the Victoria batsmen who took up the cudgels in taking the game right to the wire and just falling short right at the very end.
How in ever, the real winner on the night was the great game itself and kudos indeed to Alan Chambers & George Hamil for all their hard work and dedication in keeping the sport very much alive & well in the area and further field, sterling work indeed Gents!
Secondly, superb indeed and a great moral boost for both sides to have a surprise visit from the NUC's President and the Director of Domestic, adding prestige and no small amount of encouragement to all participants. Clarence & Neale, on behalf of both teams, thank you very much for slotting both your welcome visits to Chambers Park into as I'm sure very busy schedules, much appreciated gentlemen!!
And finally, alas that supposed formidable new signing by the Portadown Taverners didn't live up to all the hype, ( mostly made by himself), seems he talks a good game though that's about it, then again, isn't there one like that at every club ? Goodnite....

Delighted to see NCU president at the match this evening. I think he would agree that there was plenty of talent on show.
Another epic last over decider game 'clinched' by the Taverners. I'll leave the match report to Caleb.

The Northern Cricket Union (NCU) has announced a squad to participate in the Under 16 Cricket Festival from August 13th-15th, in Belfast.
Following on from successful tours to festivals at St Alban's (U17) and Taunton (U11/U14) in the past two seasons, the NCU are hosting their own inaugural event, with Campbell College Belfast as base.
Campbell College has agreed to host players and officials, with CSNI (Stormont) and CIYMS (Belmont) hosting the games over the three days. Teams from Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association, Cornwall Cricket Board and St Joseph's College will join the NCU in a round robin tournament.
NCU Under 16 Squad
* Luke Allison
* Ben Beattie
* Matthew Daly
* Michael Glass
* Ethan Hanna
* Matthew Humphrey
* Archie Johnston
* James Lambert
* Sam McLarnon
* Reece Malone
* Hugh Minford
* Michael Waite
* Ewan Wilson
* Adam Wylie
Coaches: Eugene Moleon and Simon Johnston
Fixtures
Monday 13th August - 11am Start
NCU v Cornwall Cricket Board - Stormont
St. Joseph’s College, Ipswich v Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association - Belmont
Tuesday 14th August - 11am Start
NCU v St. Joseph’s College, Ipswich - Belmont
Cornwall Cricket Board v Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association - Stormont
Wednesday 15th August - 11am Start
Cornwall Cricket Board v St. Joseph’s College, Ipswich - Stormont
NCU v Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association - Belmont
Uel Graham, NCU Cricket Operations and Administration Manager, says, 'The vast majority of this squad have been involved in recent Interpro series where U17s won and U15s finished second and this festival and its preparation are seen as significant steps in their development both collectively and individually'.
Robert Robinson MBE, Headmaster of Campbell College said, ‘we are delighted that the NCU has decided to hold its first ever residential festival at Campbell College this summer and look forward to welcoming the three teams from England to our campus. We are grateful for the strong partnership we enjoy with both the NCU and Cricket Ireland and look forward to watching some superb talent on display in East Belfast’.
Chairman of the NCU Alan Waite speaking about the forthcoming festival said, ‘the NCU will warmly welcome our visitors from Cornwall, Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association and St Joseph’s College, Ipswich to our inaugural cricket festival. Our young cricketers, coaches and administrators have been hugely impressed by participating in similar festivals in England and Scotland over the past four years. With the support of Campbell College, to whom we are grateful for hosting the players and officials and also some grant funding from Belfast City Council, NCU staff have worked expediently to co-ordinate this exciting new chapter as part of our commitment to youth development within our region'.
The NCU Under 16 squad have played two warm up fixtures: defeating Jersey Under 15's, by 17 runs, with Reece Malone top scoring with 49, in a total of 127 for 7; and losing by 8 wickets to the Cricket Masters Academy. The NCU scored 225 for 4 declared in 25 overs with Michael Glass and Archie Johnston scoring undefeated half centuries. The Cricket Masters won the game, with Parth scoring 128 and Guraj 47 not out.
The NCU would like to thank CIYMS CC and Donacloney CC for making sure the squad got appropriate match practice before the festival.
The Northern Cricket Union will be providing umpires for all of the matches during the festival.
The festival Twitter account @NCU_News will be used for festival information, including the prospects of play if the weather is very wet, and the Cricket Europe team will be covering the festival.

Instonians CC and CIYMS CC will contest the rarranged Banoge Cup Final (Under 13), on Thursday 9th August (6pm), at Belmont (home of CIYMS CC).
Belmont is located on the Circular Road, Belfast, BT4 2GD.
Instonians winners of the Banoge Cup for the past three seasons, reached this years final courtesy of a bye in the first round, and a 148 run victory over Ballymena in the second round. They then had two closer finishes, beating CSNI by 28 runs (third round), and in the semi-final defeating Donacloney Mill by 21 runs.
CIYMS's journey to the final started with a bye, followed by a 7 wicket victory against Derriaghy. In the third round they defeated Cliftonville Academy by 9 wickets, before overcoming Templepatrick in the semi-final.
All players, officials, and supporters will be made most welcome at Belmont.

Dundrum CC Youth Team Undertakes a 3 day tour to Dumfries
Jeff Maguire
Dundrum Cricket Club
Jeff Maguire reports on a very successful underage youth tour to Dumfries in Scotland for Dundrum CC
Dundrum Cricket Club recently undertook an under-16 cricket tour to Scotland, their fifth trip to the United Kingdom in five years. The club might be struggling at senior level but their commitment to promote junior cricket is exceptional. The minibus picked up the 12 players and four coaches and off to breakfast on Larne boat then onto Cairndale hotel in Dumfries and the squad took to the swimming pool.
Sadly, the match on Monday evening was postponed but quick-change plans was off to Carlisle for ten pin bowling which entertained both players and competitive coaches.
Dumfries CC, the oldest club in Scotland and the superb ex international ground, hosting our first ever two innings 25 overs game. Dundrum chose to bat and the captain led by example as Rhys Philips top scored with 37 runs. Dundrum scored 129 for 8. Tom Ruddington (23 not out) put on a 61-run partnership with Rhys while Jedd Campbell hit a quickfire 13.
The pick off the bowling was both openers Alistair Little 1 for 21, Sean Thornley 1 for 16 and Luke McBurnie 3 for 15.
Dumfries have a super young 16-year-old Indian all-rounder Adam Malik (he was in nets straight after games big future ) and he put on a masterclass innings of 81, the fact that no other player scored double figures was down to his class and good field placings by targeting the other batsmen. Dumfries scored 133 for 8 with the wickets shared between Rhys Philips (2 for 26) and Adam Colgan (2 for 8). It was good to see wicket keeper Joshua Maguire (2 for 17) back bowling as he pitched it up and hit the stumps twice in his first over and Tom Crudgington 1 for 20.
The clouds gathered and light rain fell and so the format was changed and called the game an honourable draw.
After a splendid tea the coaches from both teams decided on a 16 over game and Dundrum learned quickly about setting fields and pitching the ball up bowling Dumfries out for 73. Tom Crudgington picked up the prize wicket of Adam Malik again top score for 17, very well caught by the only girl on tour Erin Busby (who was excellent in the field in all three games). Adam Colgan (2 for 12) was tour leading wicket taker.
Dundrum quickly went on the attack with the Philips brothers putting on a 58-run partnership with Rhys run out for 19 but Rhodri was in aggressive mood scoring 35 not out and Joshua Maguire 3 not out and chased the 73 in only in ten overs. After the match Dumfries CC put on a barbeque and it was off back to the hotel for an early night for some.
The next day after morning swimming the tour set off to another fine club St Michaels Cricket Club and got be said hospitality from both clubs was superb. It was a nice green wicket after so much rain - well done to Sandy McNay.
The home side captain agreed to bat first as Dundrum wanted to try and bowl and bat as many players as possible. The coaches said pitch it up and Rhodri Philips did just that getting 2 early wickets, one a very good catch by Jedd Campbell as stand in wicket keeper. After leg spinner Tom Crudgington bowled Ronan Wilson with his second ball to leave the score 35 for 3 of six overs it looked like a one-sided game.
St Michaels captain Finlay Jack took the lead and both him and opener Reece McNay went after some very short poor bowling that didn't please the coaches on a wicket made for line and length. Both batsmen just sat back and played some classy shots (and the odd hoik!). St Michaels posted a cracking total off 150, after a partnership off 115, with man of the match Reece McNay 83 not out (including 14 boundaries) and skipper Finlay Jack a hard hitting 45 not out including the only six.
Dundrum coaches after talking with captain Luke Williamson, who excellently marshalled a very young team including seven u-13 players, it was agreed to go out attack and try chase it down as even in friendlies this squad is competitive and that's great to see. Dundrum reached 35 for two off six tight overs from Conor Lynch and a very good young girl bowler Niamh Muir (2 for 27) who will play at highest level. The home side looked well in control but this young Dundrum team went on the attack as they had nothing to lose. A superb 116 run partnership from the u-13 stars - the outstanding player of the tour Rhodri Philips (whose fielding was also exceptional) scored a superb hard hitting 67 not out (with eight boundaries) and Tom Crudgington with fantastic support. They rotated well and also ran well – they put the bad ball away - Tom scored a classic 51 not out to chase the total with six balls to spare.
All the games played in great spirit to end their very successful tour unbeaten which was amazing considering 7 u-13 players all featuring and i have no doubt it was the main reason that Dundrum u-13 won their league semi-final two days later when they looked beaten as the drew on the tour experience to pull off a massive win against a premiership u-13 team that were well on top.
Dundrum have a fantastic set of unpaid coaches from minis to u -15 and no better place than the meadow for fun and they give boys and girls a great chance to enjoy the great game off cricket and plans under way for senior and junior tours away next year.

T20
Taverners V Victoria XI
Chambers Park
Wednesday 8th August
6pm start

If you've any spare time time on your hands tommorw evening, the place to be for some cricket action is Chambers Pk Portadown where the Taveners, riding high on the back of a very successful season, including their recent exciting victory in the border cup final, face off against a Victoria select in a 'friendly' derby game.
Rumour has it that Portadown will be at full strength for this match and include a newly signed, formidable all rounder, keen to lock horns with the auld enemy and stamp his authority over the course of the match with a view to showcase his potential talent for next season?

Personally, I'd say based on previous history between these two age old, mid Ulster derby rivals, whatever the outcome, it's sure to be another thriller....

http://www.theulstercricketer.com/features/calebs-memory/534

Lurgan win Gallagher Women's Challenge Cup Final
Lurgan won the Gallagher Women's Challenge Cup Final in a thrilling encounter at Stormont this afternoon, by two wickets. In a low scoring game CSNI were bowled out for 69, with Rachel Thomas top scoring with 16 runs. The pick of the Lurgan bowling attack was Alex Craig who took three wickets for only three runs.
CSNI fought back strongly in the field as they reduced Lurgan to 30 for 5, before a thirty run partnership between Chloe Neville and Suzie McCollum took the County Armagh side to within ten runs of victory. Still CSNI were not finished, taking another three wickets to take the final into the last over. Nikhita Gondhia, Abi Leckey, and Jemma Gillan proved the most effective bowlers for CSNI as they shared seven of the Lurgan wickets. Sophie Hinds hit the winning runs with only two balls to spare, to ensure Lurgan retained the trophy.
Suzie McCollum was named player of the match, top scoring with 14, to add to two wickets in the CSNI innings.

The Northern Cricket Union has selected an Under 17's squad, captained by Abbi Leckey, to play the North West Under 17's, on Tuesday 7th August, at Coleraine Cricket Club (11:30am).
NCU Under 17 Squad
Abbi Leckey - CSNI (Captain)
Jennifer Hanna - Donacloney Mill
Rachel Hanna - Donacloney Mill
Sophie Hinds - Lurgan (Wicket Keeper)
Lois Lyttle - Donacloney Mill
Emma McMurray - Lurgan
Emily Mathers - Donacloney Mill
Molly Mathers - Donacloney Mill
Katie Palin - Instonians
Samantha Todd - Lurgan
Freya Watson - Instonians
Coach, Chris Elliott said, 'The girls are looking forward to playing the North West Under 17's in Coleraine. Both teams play the game in great spirit, and always have close matches against one another. This was shown after the two previous Twenty 20's at Stormont. The Under 17's have trained hard and this has made selection for the game very tough. The side will be Captained by Abbi Leckey from CSNI and we wish her and the girls all the very best for the game'.

Banoge Cup Final U 13 postponed after heavy rain at Belmont.
Unplayable.

Gribben & Watt Financail Planning Ltd Quoile Cup Final (Under 11)
Instonians CC and Lisburn CC will contest the Gribben & Watt Financial Planning Ltd Quoile Cup Final (Under 11), on Thursday 2nd August, at Derriaghy Cricket Club, Queensway.
Queensway is located on the main Belfast to Lisburn Road.
The competition is sponsored for the first time by Lisburn based Independent Financial Advisor Gribben & Watt Financial Planning Ltd.

What a pleasure it was to play for the Northern Knights Legends X1 v. Australian touring team at Woodvale today. To play alongside the other 10 Legends was fabulous.
I hope my rousing team talk was inspirational.
The distribution of sandpaper to all the bowlers.
The sheer fun of playing this wonderful game.
Thanks to Uel and Leslie for the organisation.
NCU should organise more of these games.
Perhaps a return fixture in Sydney!!!!!

As some-one who has known him for almost 60 years, it is with deep regret that I learned of Jackie Gaw’s death and with his passing another part of Woodvale ends. From playing against him in the 60s right up to the past couple of years when he wasn’t all that well, I have always enjoyed his company. His dedication to the club was always evident and our more recent conversations where he talked, with feeling, about the issues facing Woodvale showed where his heart lay. Whenever he was around nobody ever left Ballygomartin Road thirsty(!) especially after the club’s awards nights. My sympathy goes to Anton and the family at this sad time.

The final of the NCU Quoile Cup (U11) will be played at Derriaghy CC on Thursday 2 August at 6pm between Lisburn and Instonians.
The competition is sponsored by Gribben & Watt Financial Planning Ltd, Lisburn.
All supporters will be made most welcome.