Forum

Re. the forum trawler.

Opinions may be right or wrong, but at least I am content to put my name beside whatever I submit rather than hiding behind assumed identities. Why I would have to share a similar opinion with someone of the same surname is unclear too.

Keep trawling!

Re. 8 team leagues.

Unfortunately I fail to see how reducing the amount of cricket played will have a beneficial impact on the overall quality of the local game. What I can see happening from the change if and when it comes about would be a broader gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" with the clubs who can afford more hired guns those most likely to rise to the top of the pyramid. Is that going to have a positive effect for Cricket Ireland? While the NCU teams may struggle in the Irish Senior Cup, the make-up of the Ireland team suggests that the standard of play and players in the NCU isn't maybe so bad after all.

Saying that, it seems to be that the restructuring of the leagues is something that will come around because the Union are pushing for it, so they might need to carefully consider the new regulations for this new league to ensure that the leagues below Premier level don't die off.

8 team leagues

Have to agree with Stuart Catterson regarding reasons in favour of 8 team leagues

In addition my club ( Templepatrick CC ) are also in favour of these as surely they lead to healthier, stronger leagues and as Stuart says add in flexibility of getting leagues fully completed on the field of play.

As regards a phrase I have heard “Turkeys won’t for Christmas” – I believe a majority of clubs are in favour. If I remember correctly, voting on this subject at the AGM last year was only defeated by approx 4 votes.
My own club had 4 votes to use but only 3 members attended, a club beside me were in favour but had only 1 vote in attendance rather than their allotted 4 and I know another club in favour who had no members there to vote.

So come on lets take action …………use your votes at the AGM.

Let’s not be short sighted and care for our own club, lets ensure healthy, vibrant cricket and if your club is progressive, up for it and healthy they will benefit.

Cheers
Andy McCrea

Interesting point Andy.
I think cramp has to be viewed as an injury. After all he didn't have it before a game and anyone who has had it knows how painful it can be. The next point is whether you allow a runner or not as it is not compulsory. In this instance Strauss didn't because he wanted to win at all costs and that may not be breaking the rules but it is certainly not in the spirit of the game. There are plenty of local cricketers who would do the same!

Many readers of the forum will remember Warren Ferguson, a popular player with Cooke Collegians who sadly died last year from Motor Nuerone Disease. The club has attempted to raise funds for the Motor Disease Association which is committed to finding a cure and in the meantime supporting those suffering from the illness and their families.

Warren's wife Jane is organising a Quiz Night in the Shaws Bridge Clubhouse on Friday 9 October at 8.00pm as a fundraiser.

Anyone who knew Warren and indeed anyone who simply wants to support the event will be warmly welcome.

"I also find it rich the sportsmanship of the Armagh team being questioned after letting a team field with ten, after seeing a key player sustain a injury during the game certainly not in the Spirit of the Game in my opinion." - Mr R McCarter - Sept 2008
"I'm not sure that the decision to not allow a runner is against the spirit of cricket, in fact it surely wouldn't be allowed by the umpires given that although it hurts really badly (as if I have ever batted long enough to get it), I would doubt it could be classed as an injury gained in the match. Perhaps Graham could steer clear of the 'braai' and give himself a better chance of getting through the innings!" - Mr G McCarter Sept 2009

Very differing views by Messrs McCarter.

Re the runner.

I'm not sure that the decision to not allow a runner is against the spirit of cricket, in fact it surely wouldn't be allowed by the umpires given that although it hurts really badly (as if I have ever batted long enough to get it), I would doubt it could be classed as an injury gained in the match. Perhaps Graham could steer clear of the 'braai' and give himself a better chance of getting through the innings!

interesting result in the ICC tonight. Can't wait to see the Daily Mail in the morning!! It was a poor wicket but the NZ openers didn't seem to have any problems.
Also has anyone any thoughts on the spat in the S.A. -v- England game when Smith wasn't allowed a runner - "spirit of cricket"?

Great to see my oldest mate in cricket Brian 'B.A.' Anderson make his seasonal debut on the last day of the season after his horrific arm break.
Helped Cliftonville 2's avoid relegation by chipping in with a couple of wickets in a 9 wicket win over Downpatrick. Welcome back 'Ginge'

frank smith. i belive if csni had not played so bad in the 1st half of the season they would have blown away every other team in the league!

The 2010 cricket season has come early to Saintfield - for those who may be playing there next season please view www.ellistonsport.com/saintfieldcc.

AN EARLY TEA WILL BE TAKEN FOLLOWED BY AN UMPIRES INSPECTION TO DETERMINE IF PLAY IS POSSIBLE BEFORE SEPTEMBER

Bumperdale...

It's an interesting point you make, to me the premier league could have been won by anybody this year from the top 3 or 4 clubs!

If you look at the results...

north down beat waringstown twice..
i.e. north down better side?

instonians beat north down league and cup... i.e instonians better side?

waringstown beat instonians twice comfortably... i.e waringstown better side?? lol

then throw in CSNI who beat north down and waringstown!!

outcome.. title shared between instonians and waringstown!!

I suspect the winter/transfer season to throw up a few things. who knows who will be where come april 2010!!

interesting...

Back to cricket!
What an incredible year for the mighty Instonians. Here is a team with real backbone, several star players and a youth system which will continue to deliver quality players.
In 2000 I played in the Cup final with N.Down and boldly predicted that they would dominate NCU for at least the next decade.
Didn't play in the 2009 final (sore point) but who is to say that Instonians will not dominate the second decade.
I'm sure that will bring a few comments. If not Inst then who????

steven, cant see even credit cruch that they be going mad get too PRIMARK for shoe bargains . Someone said too me a local pro is what we need as they have FREE caravan for wives an summer holiday down at dundrum bay an the mourne mountains might be enough too get PREMIER player but i do agree scorer ,umpires , groundsmen and club stalwarts money cant replace and hope they never will. ps anyone think the ncu dinner is far too close too club dinners and overpriced at 25£ ??,my idea would be ncu dinner 1st week in november possible 10£ roast beef/ham salad hot cold buffet (top table invited speakers different menu/ meal) but get back too basics with 90% would rather have longer too talk too other clubs players an have the craic than wasting half the night with 3/4 course meal ?pps will everyone miss staffy ? i hope he still posts as he talks a good bit sense most the time!

Jeff :

Judith has cost me a fortune in Smirnoff Ice's!!!

Unfortunately Judith has decided to hang up her coloured pens, she will be a big loss, as scoring along with umpiring is a thankless task.

However Jeff, I think her retirement will cost me even more money as she will more than likely be dragging my better half out with her shoe shopping!!!