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I am saddened to learn of the passing of Trevor Sailes former Donaghadee cricketer & rugby player. Those of my vintage will remember a real larger than life character who fame always went before him! My sympathy to his family circle and to the 'Dee.
re: coldest grounds
I agree that Sandy Bay (Larne) is one of the coldest grounds . . . if the wind is in the wrong direction . . . but at least away teams only have to play there once a year (twice if you are unlucky enough to be drawn away to us in the cup!)
However I have seen Ian Houston remove his sweater from under his umpire’s jacket on at least two occasions over the last few years whilst umpiring at Larne. So it's not always cold down here.
However the coldest I have ever been while watching a game was Pollock Park last year when I was doing the man of the match award in the first round of the Challenge Cup. It was early May in their defence.
Always found Eaton Park ranking highly on the chilly stakes!
coldest ground has to be larne without a doubt lads
In terms of grounds, Dundrums setting is awesome. Also in my view Lurgan Park is a beautiful setting.
If you are talking about the coldest grounds, Pollock Park must be in the top 2 but I reckon Mallusk wins that title!!! Any other nominations for the coldest grounds ?
I agree that Cooke Collegians have probably the best tea in NCU. But I was selected to play for Dundrum 1st XI last Saturday at Shaws Bridge and my better half was helping out with the teas for our 2nd XI. There was soup on the menu, first game I play for firsts when seconds have a game and they got soup! It went down a treat with the boys from Dungannon and I had to 'slum it' over in Cooke Collegians with their barbeque chicken, sausage rolls etc.. Mind you, there are days when we play cricket in Dundrum and soup is sometimes needed. I can just see Sam Alexander with a cup of Chicken Soup standing in the square, unable to give anyone out because his index finger got trapped in the handle!
Re. Rodney
Never had the opportunity to play at Dundrum (though hopefully will next season) but sounds like quite the setting!
Would question the fact that nowhere comes close! Dungannon Park is quite the setting especially when the Sun is out and looking closer to home the Mall isnt to bad either!
Don't wish to blow our own trumpet but Cooke Collegians teas are far and away the best. Whether it's ones or twos there's always a fine array. Last week the pick was chicken salad with finely sliced strawberry, a masterpiece. Pity our cricket isn't quite as good.
I like our Ground (Banford Green)(Millpark) other favourites have to be Dundrum, Saintfielf but favourite is definately the Lawn, but heres one for you who does the best Teas best ive experianced would be ourselves but definatly the oe game ive played against holywood buns were superb :)
Regarding grounds. It depends what you mean by best ground. If you are talking about scenic grounds then I dont think any come close to Dundrum with the surrounding moneycarragh river and backdrop of the mourne mountains, on a sunny day there really cant be any nicer. In terms of best pitches / tracks I would have to say my personal favourite is Saintfield. It's a strange option for me because I have never hit runs there but it definately should be a batsmans paradise. The wicket is superb and the outfield isnt far behind it. I also like Waringstown, North Down and Downpatricks grounds. Last year when I played up at Laurelvale they had a good wicket too.
Think there are lots of nice grounds in the NCU but there could be a lot better in terms of wickets. Pity we couldnt pour some money into our grounds rather than other things....this really would improve our cricketers.
Ryan - surprised your favourite ground isnt The Mall!
mine personally would have to be Middle Road, Carrick!
scenic grounds? Have to declare an interest here but the one that is head & shoulders above them all has to be Moylena - especially on a sunny day and the "Galway Girl" nicely chilled!!
R.E Grounds - we are really lucky to have some lovely locations to play cricket in the NCU, Comber still has to be my favourite, but Saintfield would be a close second, really lovely, well maintained and a batsmans paradise!
jeff, long weekend indeed fergs. Yeah as far as i know the ground was always the meadow, but it became known as strangford road for some reason. I dont mind either way.
My next favourite ground after our place would have to be north down, followed by the lawn.
Hi Jeff
As far as i'm aware the full address of our ground is The Meadow, Strangford Road, Downpatrick. I and I'm sure many others would usually call it Strangford Road, but recently people have referred to it as The Meadow, not sure why.
Tato is off today so he is probably a way back to bed after posting on here this morning, it was a long weekend and i'm not talking about just playing two games!!!!!
In responce to your question, I would have to pick Comber as my second favourite ground after "Strangford Road"
