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interesting to see "visitor's" comments about T/20 and while he is referring to the NCU competition, his posting comes at a time when the County players are questioning the value of the competition in England. I predict the NCU one will go the same way as the East Antrim League, the Mid- Ulster Cup and the other mid-week competitions that we used to have.

"the other semi-final"? - as I posted earlier it appears that, despite the info on the NCU site, this game will now be played at Shaw's Bridge on 20th with a 6:00p.m. start.

Is last nights semi a final nail in the coffin of this competition?

No Bushe, McCallan, Hall or Kidd for Waringstown....disappointing

ci 136 mccord 60 odd some big sixes . waringstown 90 lee nelson top score both teams missing a few ( hall kyle bushe ) , there was young lad johnny fielded superb for ci . best side won on the night an have say craig mcmillan slow stuff is class too watch as its very slow an hard too resist staying in yur crease even for 52 yr old .the other semi isnt over think .the home side had 4 run outs maybe 5 but this ben mccord was worth the trip and possibly a irish passport will get him irish cap this year as he is quality all rounder an only 22 ,

Well done CIYMS winning the 20/20 semi final at the lawn and it was a super performance by all rounder Ben McCord ( runs wickets runouts ) he hits the ball a mile leaving CI two cup finals last weekend in july. Lee Nelson also looked a top class player for the villagers on a super cricket ground the lawn.

thanks if called off early be good post on here .

The 20/20 game tonight vs ciyms is currently due to go ahead at 6.15. the club would also like to thank clarence on his excellent article and thank him for his kind words.

Any word if 20/20 game at lawn is on between waringstown v ciyms ? should be worth run up if also any other games on tonight ? many thanks , ps test match at lords off for bad light can they not turn on the floodlights ?

One good thing about no scheduled matches for sect. 3 clubs Sat past, there'll be no need for rearrangments etc. unlike for all the other leagues, so well played the Section 3 league secretary..... a masterful piece of forward planning !

At least one game did play to a conclusion last Saturday, Robbie Streat of Victoria clocked up over 50 odd runs playing for the 3rds-v-Academy thirds, down at Lurgan Pk.

It seems that all the 'oiling' he claimed to do pre-season, has indeed prevented the woodworm from eating the usual big 'hole' in the middle of his new bat ! So well played Robbie too... although I fear it won't last !!!

just a note of warning for anyone who may have been going to Shaw's Bridge on 14th for T/20 cup Instonians - v - Muckamore - it might not be on that date.

interesting comments on the calling of "wides". From my earliest days at school with the late Tom Greenwood the whole thrust was trying to get guys to bowl "one side of the pitch".

Hopefully the weather forecast is wrong, otherwise there will not be much cricket played this weekend.

Neale

I take on board what you say. However rather than just call wide the benefit to the youngster needs to be explained to them. We all want to know "Why ? " when confronted about anything.

I explain it to my own young players that they won't get away with leg side wides ( deliberate or not ) in 1sts/2nds cricket so it's better to not bowl them now. (muscle memory is a new phrase I hear ) I don't find they think this is demoralising or unhelpful. I think in the main they thank you for caring.

The spinning leggie is a problem. I remember when this was first introduced we invited Paddy O'Hara to the club to explain it to us all and Andy Clement who could swing the ball in at will complaining that he could start the ball on the off stump but it would swing down the leg side and PLO'H said " wide ".

It's difficult to know where the line imagineary or otherwise should be drawn. Answering the " Why ? " helps and explaining to the opposition captain the long term benefits could help get consistency. If your own players know the guidelines then they will feel less persucuted when called.

Re Neale Matthews,
The bye-law you speak of is the reasoning behind my post. Whilst I agree with the arguement regarding negative bowling, young players, ie, those whos spell is limited because of their age should have the leniency I spoke of.

Did anyone notice no games at all this Sat. in Sect. 3

Not a good situation and hardly satisfactory for the players within those clubs, wanting to crack on and play cricket !
With only 7 teams competing against eachother as it currently stands, there are already enough 'free' Saturdays through-out the season for these clubs, as it is anyway !!

Should we not try to even things up a bit for next season, as Sect.2 seems to have a club or two too many in their respective league ?

Just a thought to consider, before I 'sign off' for the weekend !