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Still a lot of fun in cricket.
Two incidents in the North Down 2s game v. Downpatrick if recorded on u tube would have had numerous hits.
Firstly as Billy Adams marked out his run up from the Billy Adams end ( he doesn't allow anyone else to bowl from the top end) and the skipper set the field something didn't look quite right. Yes we had an exceptionally tight field but one position was not filled. We had NO wicketkeeper!!!
Second incident as we expected a close finish Burns opened up 6 4 4 and finally a straight 6. Skipper Josh yelped in delight on the boundary jumped in the air but before his feet returned to the turf delight turned to horror as the ball sailed over the fence and smashed into the rear window of his car!!!!
You couldn't write the script.

repeat of the England game a few years ago. One has to ask if there really was any appetite to play on the part of the West Indies? A couple of 'whispers' that I heard would indicate not. The whole event puts the gaining of Test status into perspective. The article referred to earlier describes the reality for Cricket Ireland and confirms what a few of us have been saying since Test status was first mooted - the infrastructures weren't in place and still aren't. I recall being criticised for talking about the story of the Emperor's new clothes but Wednesday told a tale!

Just looking ahead to next year, why not start the season with a few T20 matches in 4 mini leagues format with 5 teams in each, all of the Premier and League 1 and the top 2 sides in League 2 over a 3 year period.

2 sides from the prem in each group with 3 sides from lge one in 3 gps and the rem lge one side with the 2 lge 2 sides. 5 matches per side played on the first 2 Saturdays and Sundays and then the May Bank Holiday, with the top side playing in Semis and then the Final on the Sunday at Stormont or a neutral venue after the Irish and National Cup weekend. This would be the new T20 comp (for the Prem sides)

Then the league programme could then start in Mid May and have leg room for any cancelled matches which then could be played as a T20 refix in midweek or as a normal 50 over encounter the following day.

The League 1+2+3 sides would still have a T20 comp of their own and play the finals of all at the same ground over a weekend.

Does anyone else agree with me.

Why did they not cover the whole field with tarpaulin, canvas sheets or something waterproof the evening before, it's not as if the rain on Tuesday night wasn't forecast?

Seems like an own goal on Cricket Ireland's part, and once again, it's the travelling fans who bear the brunt of this potentially massive 'gaff! '

Clarence, the media sure did get it right.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20691604/washout-belfast-was-costly-farce-unbecoming-test-nation

The media got it right!
Match abandoned at Stormont.
Huge disappointment for everyone.
PS
Still raining in Barbados too!

Editior in all honesty I thought the relegation scrap would be between Muckamore and CSNI with Carrickfergus and yes Lisburn maybe involved, but the main thing between the 4 of the sides was Lisburn could'nt get any significant scores on the board which led to their relegation.

It will be interesting to see will they (Lisburn) bounce back at the 1st time of asking or will it be someone else.

But that is the beauty of Sport and especially Cricket if were played on paper we the public would not turn up

I have to say I am a neutral when it comes to following the NCU as I think you enjoy matches more so than the biting of nails unlike my LCU side Balbriggian in Div 2 and the local side near to me Dundalk (Div 10 going back up to Div 9 next year). I also take an interest in Knockharley (going well in Div 4) and Ashbourne (Div 11 champs and up to Div 10 in 2018) results being in the same region.

Thanks Ed for your quick response

I hope the pundits aren't correct. Quote from Ian Callender...
"...certainly in the media tent, is that the umpires are just waiting for the rain to arrive so that they can call it off!"
Huge disappointment so far, but you have no control of weather. After all, it has been raining in Barbados! Ugh!

Fortescue's dilemma?

Lord Fortescue could not sit alone
and bide away precious time,
always by the book, no babbling brook
straight talking his regime

A retired colonel, a decorated career
served King and country well,
though civvy street, gave him itchy feet
so he began to rebel

After dinner parties at his grand home
guests, ceremoniously drilled,
and any gentleman, whose boots were bland
made aware of his déshabillé

And when the vicar called for weekly visit
he too, subject of short shrift,
shown the front door, for nothing more
than asking for philanthropic gift

Though once a colonel, his wife, the general
finally had enough,
the good Fortescue name, must not be shamed
so took him by the scruff

"Horace, my fine fellow, now listen here
relinquish your dominion,
accept your station or take permanent vacation
none regard, inflated opinion!"

But Smithers the family butler, long standing
listening with keen antenna,
knew the master's malcontent, not his natural bent
sought cure for this dilemma

He organised a local cricket match
the venue, Fortescue's estate,
his Lordship chipper, appointed himself skipper
of that, there was no debate

A fine, competitive game ensued
Fortescue led by example,
his innings prolific, his leadership terrific
courageously, he bore the mantle

Out LBW on ninety-nine, adjudged by umpire Smithers
but acceptingly, he departed,
as applause pulsated, reputation reinstated
ne'er again, stand-offish nor cold hearted

The old military officer, now back to former self
willow replaced, the swagger-stick,
aided by stellar gent, Smithers, his manservant
knew what made the master tick

And as for Lady Fortescue, a woman of substance
content she turned the worm,
no more in dread, her husband brings his bat to bed
between them, things now feel firm!

Can Wylie McKinty please tell me if the Womens Leagues has finished as League 1 has no fixtures at the side and no sign of updates in the Prem League. Be nice to see if Lurgan could get a 100 % season v North Down

Well done to Armagh on being promoted to the Prem and Laurelvale and Creagh to Lge 1 and and Monaghan and Dumaness to Lge 2. Sad to see Lisburn getting relegated as I thought they would have had a good season.

Just wondering also who from The NCU qualifies now for The Irish Senior Cup and National Cup next year thanks

CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019
· The 1975 and 1979 champion side has to beat Ireland in a one-off ODI and then defeat England 5-0 or 4-1 with wins in the last four matches to qualify ahead of Sri Lanka
· India and Australia have a chance to reach number-one position in upcoming five-match series
The Windies side has an arduous task of trying to qualify direct for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 as it braces for an upcoming one-off ODI against Ireland in Belfast on 13 September and a five-match ODI series against England from 19 to 29 September.
The Windies side is currently on 78 points in the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings, eight points behind eighth-placed Sri Lanka, whom it will need to overtake in order to qualify. The top seven ODI sides apart from host England as on 30 September qualify direct for ICC’s pinnacle 50-over event, which will take place from 30 May to 15 July 2019 in the United Kingdom.
The 1975 and 1979 champion side will have to beat Ireland and then also defeat England either 5-0 or by a 4-1 margin in which it wins the last four matches. In other words, losing any match other than the opening match against England at Old Trafford on 19 September will allow Sri Lanka a direct passage.
Teams not getting direct places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 will get another shot through a Qualifying tournament.

Welcome aboard Mr Ford and thanks you for the pleasant compliments.

Yes indeed, by and large we're a decent breed of folk here and doubtless you'll be made very welcome wherever you go.

Just one thing though, if your tenure at the very pinnacle of our national sport is to be a successful one, and I've no reason to think not, please bear in mind the grassroots end of our game! Don't be a stranger to our lower leagues, as it's here that the majority of our younger players 'fledge their wings and cut their teeth.'

You certainly won't be disappointed or feel it's a waste of your valuable time, quite the contrary, you'll be highly impressed by the standards, the skill and competitive play on view, which should encourage and reinforce your ambitions, long term plans and overall, bode well for the future of the game here on the Emerald Isle.

Good luck!

Ps. You'll also get a decent cuppa, to be sure, to be sure.

GRAHAM FORD has been named as the new National Head Coach of Cricket Ireland. The 56 year-old South African has signed a three-year deal and will take over the reins from John Bracewell when his current contract ends in December.
A former first-class player with Natal, Ford has 25 years coaching experience including roles as Test coach with South Africa and Sri Lanka (twice). He also enjoyed successful spells with Natal/Dolphins, Surrey and Kent.
"I am really excited to be a part of this new era in Irish cricket. I have always enjoyed working with decent people and, in their attitude, character and camaraderie, the Irish cricketers have always come across as such," said Ford.
"With my knowledge and experience I believe I can genuinely make a difference. All my efforts will be dedicated to assisting the players to improve and achieve their full potential while playing an enjoyable brand of cricket."
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom welcomed the appointment of Ford, who comes with an impressive reputation and track record at international level.
"We are delighted to have a person of Graham's calibre as Ireland's next Head Coach and we are all looking forward to working with him," said Deutrom. "Graham has a strong reputation for man-management, of improving individual and team performances at all levels, and has shown how to build winning teams in all three formats
"He is well respected throughout the cricketing world, and we believe his coaching CV sends out a strong signal of our intention to try and hit the ground running as quickly as possible as a competitive force among the Full Member nations.”
Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth outlined why Ford had been chosen from a strong field of candidates.
“Graham’s reputation for improving young players, his work ethic and huge knowledge were among the key factors for his appointment," said Holdsworth. "The panel was strongly persuaded by Graham’s clear understanding of what the Ireland team and Irish cricket in general needs right now, while he is already familiar with some of our players through his coaching spells at Kent and Surrey.
"In the short term, his expertise in the shorter forms of the game will also be vital as we build towards two major ICC events over the next three years – including the ICC World Cup Qualifier in the first half of 2018 – while longer term he is aiming to strengthen the national team in its rebuilding process from a core of long-established players to a younger less experienced team
"John Bracewell and his support staff continue to plan the next few months, while a hand-over with Graham during the tour to UAE in late November and early December has been mutually agreed, after which Graham will take charge."

Cricket Press Release

Northern Knights to play Leinster Lightning (September 10th) in the Inter-Provincial 50 Over Championship
The Northern Cricket Union has announced the Northern Knights squad, captained by James Shannon, for the final 2017 Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial 50 Over Championship fixture against Leinster Lightning, at Rathmines, Leinster Cricket Club (Dublin), on Sunday September 10th.
Gary Kidd, Lee Nelson and Greg Thompson return to the squad after missing the Inter-Provincial Championship fixture at Castle Avenue.
Leinster Lightning secured their fourth successive 50 Over Championship title with a fixture to spare.
Sunday September 10th: IP 50 Over Championship - v Leinster Lightning, at Rathmines, Leinster Cricket Club, Dublin - 10:15am Start
• James Shannon (Captain)
• Chris Dougherty (Wicket Keeper)
• Shane Getkate
• Gary Kidd
• Graeme McCarter
• James McCollum
• Robert McKinley
• James Magee
• Jacob Mulder
• Lee Nelson
• Nathan Smith
• Nikolai Smith
• Greg Thompson
All requests for interviews should be made through Angela Platt, NCU General Manager (028 90 522664 / 07713512315) or Northern Knights Manager Andrew Rose (07967580122).

Massive congratulations to all involved at Cregagh gaining promotion to Section One - a great club full of fantastic players and also volunteers working behind the scenes !

From what I have seen there are numerous players capable of playing at the very highest level ! Onwards and upwards ! To name a few players that NCU should be watching - Aaron Johnston,Adam Skelton and Adam McCormick !

Also on behalf of Max a massive thanks to the fantastic youth coaches who have helped the young players develop throughout the season - credit to yourselves and the fantastic youth structure in place !Ian Kerr,Davy Harris,Jonny Simpson,BobMoore,Adam McCormick,John Kelly and most importantly David McCormick you are a credit to your club !