Forum

This is from the Leinster Umpires and Scorers website:

Guidance for umpires
A fielder chasing a ball down to fine leg, did a slide and mimed a pickup & throw while still about 15m away from the ball and while the batsmen were running. The umpires consulted and considered that this could well constitute an attempt to distract the batsmen under Law 42.5. When they spoke to the captains and the fielder, the latter stated that it was a practice that had been coached in his home country! The umpires insisted that it was against the Spirit of Cricket and possibly Law 42.5.
We suggest that umpires keep an eye out for this practice and be prepared to act under Law 42.5, The correct procedure, if the umpire considers that an attempt to cause a distraction, is to call and signal "Dead ball", and inform your colleague and the fielding captain of the reason. In addition, neither batsman shall be out, 5 penalty runs shall be awarded and the run in progress shall also be awarded, even if the batsmen have not crossed. The ball shall not count as one of the over and the batsmen shall decide which of them shall face the next delivery. A formal report must be made under the disciplinary procedure.

Can anyone in the NCU confirm that a similar approach will be taken to this most unsporting practice!

I am sure we speak for everyone associated with local cricket in expressing our sincere sympathy for Ian and his family at this tragic time. Ian has always been one of the most popular people in local cricket and an unsung hero who does a mountain of work behind the scenes without fuss or controversy. It begs the question why does tragedy always hit the nicest people? We can't imagine the devastation within the family but we can offer our prayers and sympathy. It puts everything in life into perspective.
Clarence and Peter

Ryan, you are correct on both fronts. The "Non nationals" debate is the legacy of the old Ireland culture unable to move into the modern arena of Cricket Ireland. These are often the same people who are anti-professionals and anti-change and in some cases anti-everything. In their hands the game would stagnate and eventually die a slow death!
Whether we like it or not we have to move with the times.

120 a run a ball maybe easy in theory but when you are facing the worlds best bowlers it becomes that little bit more tricky for part time players to get it away surely....

I dont understand the whole "non-nationals" debate if they are qualified to play it shouldnt even merit a mention. There is no doubt anyone who has been picked to date is good enough to feature.

Andy, you were away too long. You didn't happen to notice who was bowling when we were chasing a run a ball? Quantum leap in standard for our boys and they did well. As for the overseas players in Irish cricket go back to the days before them and tell us we were as strong as we are now. I know you love a wind-up but since tennis is in vogue these days can I just say "You can't be serious!"

have been on holiday so have missed the background to the recent postings.
I didn't have time to post some thoughts about the Cricket Ireland performances in the 20/20 competition. Was really interested to see the lack of participation by some members in "Ireland's Call" - but then I realised that some wouldn't know the words! - Bit like watching Jackie Charlton's Irish imports trying to sing "The Soldier's Song" (or "Amhran na bhFiann" as we call it in Buckna) a few years ago. Can't really accept the view that the inclusion of non-nationals improves our overall standards other than to encourage others whose grannie once visited Blarney Castle or the Ring of Kerry to claim an Irish passport and come here in order to improve their cricketing CV. Also disappointed that scores of 120 gave us problems - it is only a run a ball

On behalf of all the players and members of Cregagh Cricket Club we send our condolences and prayers to Ian Houston and the Houston family circle.

On behalf of Woodvale Cricket Club, we send our condolences to Ian Houston and his family circle.

On behalf of Armagh Cricket Club, we send our condolences to Ian and the Houston family circle at their tragic loss.

Dundrum cricket club sends our condolences and prayers to Ian Housten and their family circle who lost their 5 year old grandaughter after a long illness. RIP

Have just heard the tragic news that Ian Houston's grand-daughter has died after a long illness. My thoughts are with Ian and his family at this awful time.

Please contact Mark Hawthorne with any appointment queries until further notice.

Re Craig Irwin,

I thought of that match too actually but didn't have that scorebook at hand to check. My stats were provided by our first team scorer so I'm going to have to let him know about that! Maybe the Mall isn't a graveyard for batsmen after all :)

Gareth (Armagh CC),
Sorry for being picky but check your scorebook for our game against you in early June 2008. Lurgan scored 314 and you scared the living daylights out of us by getting 250 in reply. Colin Russell again starring with the bat. The game was only safe when he got out in the 90,s. Anyway good luck for the rest of the season.

wayen, as always a sensible and practical reply, i totally agree with wht your saying.

On a lighter note i experienced a first yesterday at ardmore , first over and walking back to the end of my run up and a sheep is walking past me baaaing away, very surreal but it did keep us amused with all the sheep jokes for about five overs.

As they say only in the nor west would you see that lol

Back to cricket, there was a sensational game on the Mall yesterday when Armagh scored a colossal 328-4 against Templepatrick in our 50 overs. Colin Russell and Charu Kulkarni both scored centuries in a partnership worth 209 for the third wicket.
In reply, Templepatrick's score of 220 all out ensured that the match aggregrate of 548 runs was a record for any Armagh match and that there had been over 1000 runs scored on the Mall that weekend.

Who would be a bowler!