Forum

On behalf of Carrickfergus Cricket Club I would like to thank everyone for the messages of condolences and support we have received from the entire cricketing family after the death of our club President Gordon Browne.
We have received numerous calls and messages from individuals and representatives of clubs from all over the island and from as far away as India and Australia and I know the family are very grateful for all the kind messages.
We have been overwhelmed but not surprised by the warmth and compassion shown by everyone and a special thank you to all who attended the celebration of Gordy’s life.
It was a fitting tribute to a great man.

Thanks Ed yes 13 out of 20 is not a great return on my behalf. Well done to CSNI on their win over my team in the LCU area and Waringstown blitzed YMCA. Main surprise from the Northern teams was North Down folding easily v Pembroke and Insts being beaten but yes still a chance of an all NCU Final depending on the draw

In the National Cup Cregagh were unlucky not getting the last wicket in Limerick and Holywood a surprise loss v Galway, and Lisburn just could not get any one going unlike Rush's Conor Armstrong.

In the NCU Prem I think looking at it already Armagh look week and a top 3 with Waringstown Instonians and CIYMS but dont rule out North Down and Carrickfergus getting in there. Followed Waringstown v North Down and a good match it was both sides should be praised

Also Ed no sign of the Sunday Life being sold in the Louth area where I am from but will check online to see is there an online edition

2018 Senior Challenge Cup
There could be a repeat of last season’s final of the Northern
Cricket Union’s Gallagher Senior Challenge Cup.
Holders CIYMS and runners-up Instonians have avoided each other in
the semi-final draw: CIYMS will be at home to Waringstown with
Instonians hosting Civil Service North.
The two all Premiership games will be played on June 30 and the final
on July 27 at The Green, Comber.

Keith,
12 out of 19 with one result to follow. Mixed bag, but the NCU a big disappointment in the Irish Senior Cup. However, we might still have the winners?

My tips in for the Cup Comps on Sunday
Irish Senior Cup
Carrickfergus v Leinster. Leinster Win
CSNI v Balbriggan. Balbriggan win
Clontarf v The Hills. Clontarf win
Instonians v Phoenix. Instonians win
Merrion v CIYMS. Merrion win
North Down v Pembroke. Pembroke win
Strabane v Muckamore. Muckamore win
Waringstown v YMCA. Waringstown win
Irish National Cup
Ballyspallen v Railway Union. Railway Union win
Co Galway v Holywood. Holywood win
Co Kerry v DLR County (A). Co Kerry win
Glendermott v Knockharley. Knockharley win
Killyclooney v Drummond (A). Killyclooney win
Limerick v Cregagh. Limerick win
Rush v Lisburn. Rush win
Templepatrick v St Johnston. St Johnston win
NCU Saturday Premier Tips
Armagh v CIYMS. Away win
Carrickfergus v CSNI. Home win
Muckamore v Instonians. Away win
Waringstown v North Down. Home win
Thanks Ed for your kind E-Mails to me recently what does everyone think of the cup tips please lets have a competition between forumites

Ulster Schools' to play MCC
Following the Ulster Schools’ Trial held last Friday, the following team has been selected to play against the MCC at Campbell College, Belfast on Tuesday 19 June (11:30am).
Ben Rose (R.B.A.I.) (Captain)
Varun Chopra (Coleraine Grammar School)
Matthew Foster (Regent House School)
Matthew Hutchinson (Coleraine Grammar School)
Rhys Logue (Holy Cross College, Strabane)
Marc McCloskey (Foyle College)
Gregory McFaul (North West Regional College)
Kyle Magee (Foyle College)
James Metcalfe (R.B.A.I.) (Wicket Keeper)
Oliver Metcalfe (R.B.A.I.)
Marcus Poskitt (Coleraine Grammar School)
Jonathan Waite (R.B.A.I.)
Some established players have been excused from this match in order to enable the selectors to see a wider range of players, while others are unavailable because of examinations.
The team for the Schools’ Interprovincial against the Southern Schools at Osborne Park on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 June will be selected after the match.

Forgot to send in the tips for the quarters all one sided affairs apart from the Holywood v Instonians was by reports a cracker.

Was following the Leinster Lightning beat the North West Warriors and now I have no figernails left. The Northern side thanks to Gary Wilson and Greg Thompson done the buisness but the bowling nearly let Munster back into it.

The Northern Knights are a good unit but play some strange shots to get themselves out looking at the 50 over contest on Leinster TV YouTube last Monday well ahead of the rate for all the innings but it needed one or two to stick around for a while and would have won.

Editor can you tell me where I could find scorecards from the Womens matches as I like following Womens cricket even if the National side is being thumped at the moment v New Zealand plus is the Sunday Life sold in the Republic anywhere as I hear that scorecards are printed from your region thanks

Interesting to read on the ‘other’ site about the problems that Holywood are having in getting the outfield cut. Surely Councils should be looking for ways to support local sports clubs instead of creating problems where none exist. If they already have the equipment and the staff, as an asset, then the only additional cost is the price of the fuel. Mr. McCormick (sen) highlighted these difficulties earlier in the season and the problem seems to be escalating. I remember Victoria had issues with the local council a few years ago and the resulting publicity forced a rethink. I suggest that everyone involved with Holywood should contact their local councillor and remind them that if they want a vote at the next election ‘then get it sorted’. That might concentrate their minds!!

Also congratulations to Jackie Neill on her award. The older guys will remember her as a long time Ballymena scorer and imbiber of fine wine. She is also the sister-in-law of our much respected(?!) umpiring colleague Alan. Just realised that Neville is going to dress formally the day of the investiture! Congratulations Mrs.!!

A well deserved honour for Mt. Templepatick but there is one glaring omission in Peter's posting and that is, as well as all the other tasks that Arthur has done, the important duty of preparing the tea!! Having known Arthur since back in the days of his friendship with the late Willie McAllister from Larne CC and knowing his commitment to cricket this is indeed something of which he can be rightly proud.

Just like to add my congratulations to Arthur Bowron on his richly deserved award, a genuine cricket enthusiast, clubman and gentleman, hope to see you soon Arthur when we travel to your place next month.

Re. Peter Sheppard

Great news. Thoroughly deserved award for Arthur. A real servant to Templepatrick and the NCU. One of the games true gentleman.

Congrats Arthur.

Templepatrick President to receive Royal honour for services to cricket
The long-serving president of Templepatrick Cricket Club has been named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Mallusk man Arthur Bowron is to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to cricket in Co Antrim.
Mr Bowron was a founding member of the club - now based in Ballyclare - in 1969.
Over the past five decades he has served the club as a player, committee member, groundsman and president - a post he's held for over 20 years.
He also carries out many other roles, freely volunteering his time to ensure adults and young people of all ages have the opportunity to play cricket.
The 73-year-old retired civil servant said he was shocked to receive a letter from the Cabinet Office informing him that he's to receive the BEM.
"I was extremely surprised, but delighted with the award," he said.
"I think this one of the nicest things that has ever happened to me.
"I do feel a bit guilty though as after all, cricket has been my interest and my hobby for many years."
Mr Bowron said he's looking forward to collecting his BEM later this year.
"I would just like to thank everyone involved in making the award possible. I just hope that I am worthy of the award," he added.
Congratulating Mr Bowron, TCC chairman John Busby said: “This royal honour is richly deserved.
"Arthur has been instrumental in the development and success of Templepatrick Cricket Club over the past five decades, as a founding member, committee member, groundsman, president and in the many other roles he fulfils, all as a volunteer.
"His efforts have been key to the growth of TCC into the thriving club it is today, offering sporting opportunities to so many people in the community through cricket.
"On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank him for all his hard work and dedication over so many years, and congratulate him on his BEM. No one is more deserving of this recognition.”

"Billy Dobbin" of the no identity, club or country, stop any emails to me with your garbage. We don't welcome pseudonyms or personal attacks so do it somewhere else. I have a name and identity, which I'm prepared to comment yet you hide under a cloak of anonymity. You are a fraud. Get lost!

Congratulations Gary Wilson on attaining the T20 captaincy for Ireland.
Well deserved!