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Re: Gary Smyth

I believe CIs pro also bowls at 80mph so it should make them an interesting proposition!

I see CIYMS's pro for this season just struck 105 not out in a 40 over game today. If he shows that sort of form this season, CI might be an outside bet in one of the cup competitions, however one player doesn't make team!

A Happy New Year to all our readers and best wishes for 2010.

Clarence and Peter

Ed. - the spoon would be for stirring but the fishing rod means that there might be a bite or two! I have to agree with DK in his comments about objectivity. However the power of the pen shouldn't be ignored, especially as some people use it as a source for their "knowledge". One example I could quote from the distant past was how a certain journalist, ably encouraged by a NCU official, was able to lobby sucessfully for the selection of a player a couple of international caps.

Fair point Andy,if one thinks back to the days before the 'third umpire' review system, television replays showed that more often than not, during a tight run-out, LBW or a near ground catch appeal,the umpires out in the middle made the on the spot final decision, Out or Not Out. They seldom got it wrong.

Whats more their integrity was never brought into question by players or officials alike.
The way it should be!!

Welcome back Andy. The big wooden spoon was to stir more of more of that hot Buckna broth during these cold evenings!
And thanks DK for a much more informative posting on a subject you obviously hold dear. Wishful hoping on the analysis I feel. Some of our past Ireland coaches couldn't even provide that and as for some of the selectors, well I better not go there!
Enjoy the festive season and Happy New Year.

Flossie & I are just back from a 4 week Pacific cruise paid for entirely from 2009's umpiring fees so I've been a bit out of touch. Maybe that new NICAUS is a newly formed group - Not In it for Cash Association of Umpires & Scorers! I also misread the Editor's Christmas list and thought he was nominating P.L.O'H for President of Ireland. He certainly would enjoy the cellars in Aras an Uachtarain - and the chauffeur would alwyas ensure that he wouldn't run out of fuel! Having watched the past couple of days from S.A. I really wonder where the game is going with these "modern approaches" such as the "review". Perhaps someone could post an explanation of what the system is. I know I'll be accused of being reactionary but I really have serious concerns about developments in cricket vis-a-vis the way that "modern" rugby has gone. Has Vic any plans for the "stump cam" at Lurgan Park? I would also wish everyone associated with the game a sucessful 2010. P.S. Ed. I'm not sure about the big wooden spoon - a new fishing line might be more appropriate!!

Clarence - glad you agree on the freedom of speech & personal opinions (and yours isvery much one i respect!). Having been rather close to the local & Irish game for numerous years i can only share a realistic 'players eye' view and speak personally......rather too many 'sensational' articles written around our players weaknesses/attributes (who largely were amateurs and playing for free despite giving heart & soul to play for their Clubs, Provinces & Country)and the majority i played with or against distrusted IC because of that - at times he was scathing and his lack of quality practical cricket experience was very evident in his words. Nothing personal as Ian is a very decent man but, a very tangable view from the inside and one i could back up with some real facts, aticles & examples but dignity prevents and will continue to. As a closing objective comment i would ask any cricketing journalist to include a tad more professional skills analysis (batting, bowling, fielding & wicket-keeping) & inform the readers what actually went on in the game with some real insight into players involved at all levels and of course there will and sholud be criticism - but keep it constructive and accurate..............here endeth my writings on this subject!

DK,
"Positivity to the Irish game."
"Census of Ireland players in the last 30 years."
What on earth do these expressions mean? Speak openly and readers will form their own opinion. Remember we all have an opinion and from what I know he's highly respected by players and officials at all levels of the game. I can go back 30 years and while I don't agree with all he's said and written in that time, his service to cricket has been huge and well beyond the call of his profession. However, that's only my opinion.

On Mr Callender - open a census of Ireland players in the last 30 years and see if the majority agree on Ian's positivity to the Irish game?......bah humbug!

Frost Bitten Groundsman,
Have we recently missed something? Indeed yes. A newly formed association named NICAUS. Has it been formed to rival the 60 year old association called NIACUS? Is the new association for non NIACUS members or can current NIACUS be a member of both?
Seasons greetings to all.
Noel McCarey

TRUE STORY

On 4th May 2009 "The Times" newspaper reported the following detail of a match between Andhra Pradesh and Kerala held in 1990:

Chamundeswaranagh c Balasabramaniam b Anantapadmanabhan......2

It did not say if it was 1 or 2 scoring shots.

Perhaps the new Chairman of NICAUS could use this for practice or will we have the scorebooks recalled to check the validity of the players.

I`m away back to the grease nipples!!!

Seasons Greetings to all Ulster Cricketers, lets hope for some sun in 2010 :)

here's to a dry 2010. oh ryan you and your jokes! merry xmas to everybody!

Happy Xmas Clarence , ive never been too THESAURUS can u watch sky sports out there & get a bet on the horse racing lol. As for my spelling its actually improved after two operations but as long as im still passionate about the game off cricket and my love off Dunndrum cc ill keep trying too get my point of view over. Dundrum hope too put in more drainage and hope too have double sightscreens at both ends along with new concrete wicket (pity it wasnt on the square)and are presently extending the car park but the best for me is our 1st ever under 13 team in the league an cup as this can be future players for the club ,and plans too put in 2 clay wickets this year, last but not least happy xmas too all the groundsmen and players !ps editor feel free to spell check my posts .pps hope too have couple winners for boxing day posted tomorrow