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Very true Gregory. I had been looking forward to it, but there is still plenty more cricket to come. On a seperate note, I didn't get down, but I hear the 2nds were unlucky in their game.

Hi LPR i think you mean Brian ??? maybe you are still in shock after saturday's match !! Yes it was very disappointing not being able to play but there is the next 4 months weather permitting ??

Sorry, meant Brain, not Billy

Re: Billy

I suggest you get a new contracter!

I would just like to wish Saintfield CC all the best for the incoming season now they are back in Section 1. Most forumites remember the end of the 2008 season and what eventually transpired between our 2 clubs. I remember how I felt when we were 'relegated' but as Saintfield were eventually sent down, I knew how some of my friends there would be feeling. I, personally and really pleased to have them back up again and I hope you do well - except against ourselves!!

oops Neil! wickets! pitches! but totally agree with the sentiments behind the posting.

Twas the night before the start of the 2010 cricket season and tomorrow will mark the first time in my memory that all fixtures will be played on the first Saturday of the season due to the weather being so kind!!

Imagine playing cricket at the end of April with the temperature being between 15C - 17C. It will make a change from wearing 2 jumpers and looking at rain. I hope this weather continues all summer!!!

To all those playing, I hope you have an enjoyable season. So to the PLAYERS, never forget that there are usually a small number of people at each club who dedicate a lot of time in making wickets and ensuring the ground is playable. Without them NO CRICKET happens. So do offer to help even if it for 15 or 30 minutes. Its amazing how 'many hands make light work'. I am certain your help will not be refused.

ONE thing to note. When players work on a wicket, they get to appreciate the amount of work that goes in getting it ready and they generally dont give their WICKET away to easily due to the fact they have spent some time preparing it!!!

So my plea to PLAYERS, HELP your GROUNDSMEN and make sure YOU appreciate the time and effort they spend in making a ground playable for YOU to ENJOY YOURSELF.

Was anyone else dissapointed at the lack of coverage of Section 1 in todays Newsletter. We all appreciate the good work done by Muckamore this year but surely there should have been a bit more analysis of other clubs potential in what may be the most interesting section. After all you only have to visit this forum to see the interest section 1 creates with the large number of posts regarding the outcome of this season.

Stevie Max.Dundrum C.C.
Fair play to you mate,playing through the pain barrier every week and doing the business for your club!

Say's it all really for me and puts things into perspective, when I hear of players quitting cause a hair on their head has turned grey or, because at the ripe old age of 'thirty'; they think they're done!!

Far too many 'Victor Meldrew's' about the place, if you ask me?

And "I don't believe it"! Steve Davis 6 frames to 2 up against World-champion John Higgins!!

(Brian, I'll pass that on to the Park-ranger if I could be sure which one he is!! Suits me anyway as I could,nt play this Sat. but hopefully I'll feature in the re-arranged fixture.)

Re: Esler "the oldest swinger in town" Burke

I am happy to confirm that Esler is indeed still playing and would have been this weekend but his match has been postponed. He played in a warm up match last Saturday and nearly lived up to his reputation by almost running out one of our under 15s.

He has no intention of retiring and he hopes to continue next season when he is an OAP!

PS I make my umpiring debut tomorrow at Donacloney (v Cregagh) - wish me luck!

as the season starts 2mara i would like to hear predictions now as not many players will be transferring clubs now which could give more accurate predictions.

1)woodvale
2)bangor
3)muckamore
4)derriaghy
5)dundrum
6)holywood
7)saintfield
8)cliftonville
9)armagh
10)Laurelvale

re saintfield, after playing them last week i would say that saintfield will be dark horses in senior one this year. They might not have quite enough to get to the PL this season but they have a great set up and lots of good young cricketers coming through so i wouldnt be surprised if it happens within the next few seasons.

Re: Lurgan Park Ranger. You got part of the story right regarding the new artificial wicket. The new strip was laid last friday (a week behind schedule)with instructions that it would be 'ready to play'. On inspection it appears there is a ridge on the mat and movement of surface when bowlers deliver the ball. We asked the contractors to rectify the problem and were informed that it would be sorted on Wednesday or Thursday. When this hadn't happened by 6pm on Thursday we had no alternative but to postpone the match. I'm sure the Park Ranger wouldn't have wanted a new 3rd XI player put off the game by being injured due to a dodgy playing surface!

not saying Esler has retired - just commenting on the longevity of some players. I always regarded Esler as one of the best-dressed cricketers I ever met - and the 1st "local" I saw with a helmet - one of the white Graham Gooch type. See I am getting too old!

Re: Saintfield
As well as Billy Dale has done in his career - I would say that getting Saintfield into the Premier League would trump all that.
Saintfield have ambition, but PL is a long way off.