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I would have to agree with Robin, can't see past North Down for the title.
Connell I am sure will play at times, even if he is in England and away with Ireland, and with Dazler, Russeller and J.T. "joining" so far, along with a quality Aussie pro possibly and whoever may rock up at their nets; they probably have even more in the tank than last year even with Robin and Ralph retiring.
Fair play to CIYMS - they have worked hard and can spend their money on what ever they wish. I would agree that their facilities are top class but their cricketing surfaces (both the square and outfield) wouldnt have a patch on any other Premier League outfit. Perhaps even a fair few in the second and third tiers - ie Downpatrick, Derriaghy, Muckamore, Saintfield, New Forge to name but a few. I'm sure it's difficult with the rugby pitch but surely some of that cash could be chanelled into improving the playing surfaces?
If this ci squad lives up to the rumours can anyone eliminate them from the title race??? I can see them being stronger than csni this year and with north down losing connell who knows?
just a quick note to congratulate Dundrum on an excellent website
wayne - predictions
north down to win the league for the 9th time in the last 11 years
Stevo, I have no affiliation with CI myself, so can't comment on their scorer...but such comments by yourself, prove again my point about your opinions, totally worthless.
One, you can't even say who you are, secondly you have a bee in your bonnet about any club who show any signs of being forward thinking such as CI & CSNI.
Why do you care anyway? Sure you have no affiliation to any of the clubs you played for?! Did you get paid then as you weren't loyal to one club?!?
Re Gary..
I have played at few clubs but with no real affiliation to one or the other. Suffice to say I have played good Cricket and am amazed at whats happening at CI in the current economic climate...is the scorer on a pound per run also ?
Re CI Alickadoo & Michael Baird
Payment/Signing
I think 99.9% of the local cricket fraternity will find it hard to believe that any of Cooper, Gelston, Heasley or Hewitt are not paid anything, either by the club or someone else, for playing, coaching or ‘expenses’!
Facilities
Of course CIYMS have a fantastic new clubhouse but ‘second to none facilities’. As a cricket venue, I certainly think Waringstown, CSNI and North Down (maybe even Bangor’s pitches, Downpatrick also) might have something to say about that. And before anyone mentions electronic scoreboard, so what? I don’t know where the fascination with these things lies? Not a lot of clubs should be spending 5-10k on this luxury ahead of their playing pitches…
Re Wayne
Couldn’t be more right about this summer, and of course the IPL in the spring will be good viewing also.
RE Paul
You seem to mention the word 'signings' - has it ever crossed your mind that these people are coming to CIYMS to play Section 1 cricket in a forward thinking club with second to none facilities.
Thinking of topics what an awesome summer of sport there is brewing up. The Ashes, Lions Tour, Wimbledon could be excellent again and Ireland play England at cricket. Locally the NCU is looking pretty interesting with the various moves between clubs. Any predictions?
D Observer
No Problem - give me the topic and I'll give you an opinion!
I know that they are entitled to spend their money how they like but the rate at which they are signing these guys i just cant agree with it and wonder how there could be any stability at a club like that.
What happens when the younger players at the club reach 17,18 surely they will look at the guys in front of them and think they are better off somewhere were they might get some cricket.
And with all these supposed names coming is last years captain even guaranteed his place?
Re Stevo :
You never did tell us all what club you are affiliated with...
I am sure the lads at CI aren't losing a second of sleep over any of your comments, or for that matter Wayne at CSNI.
RE Michael...
Not so sure Michael, I reckon they are spending enough this year to relay a full square with international standard tracks !...wonder if they have considered that ??
Nearer £35k, especially if there's another one to add! Not Ralph surely?
By the way, who out of that lot is not getting paid? Who cares? If CI want to buy the league and have the money, good luck to them.
Can we please move on to discuss more important things!
