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What about the big show-down this evening, winner takes all ! Losers on the boat home.

It's a pity and even ironic that the biggest threat to Ireland to-nite against England is not from one of their much vaunted South-African players, their most dangerous oponent is actually an Irishman who indeed not long ago, was one of Irelands best players.

But there you go, maybe an Ireland win to-nite may make him and others think again !

So come on Ireland, good-luck and may the best team win !!

Quite correct Andy.
I played with Wesley on numerous occassions (indeed he was one of my references for the job i am curently in)and he put a lot of time and effort into running the MUCG, i even had the privilidge in representing the MUCG in Galway for their 25th anniversery, and played at almost every level in the midweek 20 over competitions from under12's to 1st eleven.

Congratulations to Armagh who convincingly won the 2009 Colts Cup today beating Muckamore at Laurelvale.
Left arm seamer Harry Doyle ripped out the Muckamore top order with an excellent spell of bowling. Only a battling 56 not out from Gary Nicholl helped by 20 extras got Muckamore to reach 110. Armagh knocked the runs off in only 28 overs for the loss of 4 wickets.
Congratulations also to Laurelvale for being excellent hosts.

in a reflective mood this morning watching the sun over Slemish and the Braid Valley and reading Neale's tribute to the various secretaries who "run" the youth competitions reminds of the work of the late Wesley Ferris who ran the whole thing under the aegis of the Mid-Ulster league. I recall reading one of his fixture books with the incredibleble list of honorary vice-presidents including the likes of Sir Leary Constantine! And I'm sure there might be a few guys who can recall playing in the Mid-Ulster Cup. And people think T/20 is a modern invention.

Re: Stephen Dyer

I quite agree quality always shines through at the green. I once had the privilege of watching a certain Ian Rutledge amass 99 on the main ground for Cooke Collegians 3rdXI. A fine knock during which he got a bit tired and needed a runner, who subsequently ran him out.
Oh and by the way he still talks about the day he dismissed Kyle Mccallan. I think Kyle may have been 12 playing for cliftonville fifths but thats a minor detail.

With NCU youth competitions starting this week I would like to wish all teams, players, coaches and involved parents an enjoyable and exciting season. Let's hope for continued good weather and cricket to match. As regards cup competitions, I would remind everyone the dates are "play by" and not necessarily "play on"!
We are fortunate to have a number of very committed league and cup secretaries who are there, believe it or not, to help. If you need some assistance or advice contact us. It cant hurt!
On another note I was privileged with many others to see a stunning game of cricket at the Green yesterday. With a wicket like that the faithful at ND are in for some entertainment this summer. I hope that Jonny Terrett recovers quickly from his injury to be part of same.

Re Ivan and sides recently chasing big scores at Comber. CSN chased over 250 in the semi final of the Senior Cup in 2008 with Gary Wilson scoring a big hundred and again last year we chased well over 200 in the Club Turf Final with Barney scoring 99. On both occasions Regan West was the common factor with a big contribution as well. Quality players will do well at Comber because it is in my view quite simply the best all round cricket ground in the NCU.

I think Bangor's 6 wicket victory over Muckamore today justifies my view that they are favourites to win Senior One this season. We have worked hard all winter and recruited some experienced players but I think today's result highlights the gulf between the Premier League and Section One and looking at the result from the Green today the gulf between the top teams in the Premier League and the rest is equally huge. Apart from Waringstown can any one really think of a team who could successfully chase 286 and win away to North Down.
I saw Eoin Morgan score 142 for North County at the Green a few years ago and Kyle has surpassed that today. And I see another of Ireland's greats Stephen Smyth surpassed even that today with 162 for Glendermont. That after a year out and being 41 years of age. Shame on all those guys who retire in their mid to late thirties.Club batsmen probably don't peak until their late thirties or early forties.
At a totally different level I played against Waringstown 4ths last Saturday who had Adam Dennison in their team ( David's son ) He is a youngster who will play at the highest level.Only Rosco's son Jamie has impressed me more in the last few years playing at this level and we have a youngster Sam Gordon who I think could be bracketed with those two in the next couple of years. So if you love the game ,play on at the highest level as long as you can or step down and pass on your experience to the up and coming youngster's in your club ( even that means only batting occasionally ,umpiring a lot and struggling in the field ,one word of wisdom or encouragement or technical help can really help develop young players ) or alternatively become an umpire.
PS After fielding for 40 overs at the Mall in Armagh today, not batting or bowling I can hardly walk but I wouldn't change that for anything.Thank God for Radox.

Haven't held a bat or ball in many a long year Vic, but I may pop down to the Park to watch this new 3rd team of Victoria's.

As for the 2nds match on Saturday, as Vic said, too early to state a favourite. Ards II are always upper middle table, and I would imagine they will be in and around there again. They weren't expecting such a stern test from the Victoria men though!

Jim.... it's just not happening for you, is it ?

Stick to the jokes about England and their sporting abilities,like I've already told you; anything else is a bit difficult for you.... I can see that alright !

Now good-nite, I'm bate !

vic, i see you put a comma between i was playing and great game, so not as to confuse anyone that you were in fact playing a great game lol

Park-ranger,
What's a terrestial challenge ? Is this a new competion,we haven't heard about ?

How about an Xtra-estial(out of this world) performance from you on Saturday!
If you're playing that is !

Trevor & Mrs McKeown - sincere condolences on the loss of Dessie - The Park & NCU Cricket will miss his friendly face & personality. Kind Regards,

Paul & Charles McCrum

Just a note to say that Brandy Anderson the former Queen's, Instonians and Cooke player died last night.

Jimmy boy,
Ireland are in the cricket T/20 world-cup,starting this Friday out in the Carribean.

Maybe you're confusing the sports with soccer were N.Ireland & the Republic of Ireland play seperately and as you say,neither of those two teams are in the Football World-cup out in South-Africa starting in June.

Any more help I can give you, be it on sport,jokes or your general well-being; you're very welcome to call back again.

As for our match against Ards 2nds. yes I was playing,great game and too early in the season to call it just yet !