Forum

interesting that the umpire's course is to be held at Purdysburn!! Now why do I smile at that?!!

RE Mergers

We had discussions with several cricket clubs regarding possible merger/ground share opportunities, we even took a close run vote over one of these opportunities. The major problem with any such move is that the stellar players that another club might be hoping to entice are not guaranteed to move with you.
With 140 years history ,with several upheavels in our not so distant past, and a young team , we have decided to have a bash at maintaining Cliftonville as an entity at our former base of Mallusk. It's a place all Cliftonville players have called home at some time or another, albeit at intermediate or junior level and is still in travelling distance for our current catchment areas.
Where there's a will , there's a way

RE Ryan

Thanks for the show of support Rhino, Cliftonville will be fielding at least two saturday teams this forthcoming season, our junior section was decimated last season , what with no home base to work from, so it might be under age friendlies rather than league participation. We are indebted to our section one rivals of last season for the use of their facilities for staging our "home" fixtures . Whilst we have agreement with Belfast City council for priority booking at Mallusk, we are well aware they are facilities for hire and have no problem with other clubs benefitting from our sightscreens , covers etc when the grounds are free. The synthetic wicket on the upper level will be of great benefit to the wider cricketing family as well as ourselves.
Here's to the new season and the sight of your off peg hurtling towards the Chimney Corner. Froggy

Stevo... whatelse can I say??!! I told you all I know in my last posting!

Dan...

Tell us more...

Its true they also have deep pockets. I know Carrick have invested £'000s in their ground over 10 years and have a solid youth section. Fair play to them they'll get the hired guns to spent it back over the bar (maybe).

Stevo, you might want to jump of CI's back for a bit and turn your "quality" views to Carrickfergus. Rumour has it, along with their new pro, Gavin Ewing, there will be up to 5 new faces there next season. They have apparent links to an Aussie, New Zealander and a South African who all hold Irish passports, and the earlier postings pointed at Andrew Haire and Turk joining them too from North Down.

Interesting comments and history from Big Davie - didnt know about Shaws Bridge.
Having experienced similar with my time at Holywood, I can understand your problems and you soon find out who your friends are.
It seems you are putting a fair bit of money into Mallusk....is this you 'home' for the medium / long term then?
How will that all work with other clubs using Mallusk - will they be able to use your equipment, and what about 2nd/3rd XIs? I am just interested to know, but good luck and I am sure you will be competitive in all your cricket.
Also, what were your feelings about looking to merge with local clubs with facilities - worked well at Stormont.

RE: Cliftonville and Mallusk

As my uncle Gerry would say "We haven't gone away you know".
Yes we have lost quite a few of our established players (mind you these established players were part of a team
relegated from section one in two of the last three seasons)and are having to up sticks again to Mallusk. Ground problems are nothing new to us at the 'ville ,since being burnt out of the Cliftonville Road , we have had a nomadic existance and called Mossley, Shaws Bridge, Mallusk, Greenisland and last season each of our rivals grounds home. Mallusk isn't ideal , but will be greatly enhanced with the wicket being rolled and covered, and sightscreens and a scorebox installed. We also hope to invest in a new synthetic wicket on the upper level which will not only aid Cliftonville's continued presence in senior cricket, but also make another cricket pitch available for hire.
Good luck for the forthcoming season to the lads who have decided to move on to pastures new , we part on good terms , and here's to the new breed or weebles as i have dubbed them, "We'll wobble, but we won't fall down".

Hi,

Could I draw everyone's attention to the info. via the "news" section of the home page in relation to the NIACUS Umpire Training taking place on Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th March.

This is a great opportunity for anyone considering getting involved or considering doing refresher training.

Thanks
Jude

be interesting the grading that Mallusk gets for this season!!? Did a game on there last year and "formed an opinion"!!

REMINDER

UKCC LEVEL 1 CRICKET COACHING

Anyone interested in the course to be held at Campbell College Belfast commencing the 1st March 2009 is asked to contact the NICA directly on 02890 765619.

Places secured upon receipt of course fee (a competitive £120). Dates for course :
Sun 1st / 8th and 29th March 2009. Only 5 places remaining.

NICA are also holding :

First Aid : Wed 11th March 6pm , Stormont (£10)
and
Child Protection : Wed 4th March 7pm, Stormont (£10)

Further upcoming courses :

UKCC Level 1 North West Union (April , Bready CC)
UKCC Level 2 Belfast , July.
Bookings now being taken, please contact NICA.

ref paul
was advised at fixture meeting
Cliftonville are playing at Mallusk

Robin, you are being generous saying I bowl it at 45mph!! KP's £170k per week salary might even be a stumbling block for CI!! Good luck this season too.

any news on whether cliftonville have a ground for this season?

Will be a tough season for them with most of their estabished players leaving.

Further to my last post:
Should the PSNI C.C. or any other cricket club require the services of a player/coach. I would sternly advise against considering a player by the name of Andrew Struass should it crop up amongst the applications.(Woeful to say the least!!). Vic.