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Rodney
I’m surprised the league restructure was defeated but as far as increasing the standard is concerned, I must say I’m gob smacked that Instonians proposal to play 20 over replays in Senior Cricket got passed at the NCU AGM last night.
Do we not already have a 20 over competition?
It is a sad indictment of our cricket that Senior League cricket matches will be decided in this fashion, without even trying to play the standard 50 over replay.
Can players not be bothered anymore?
Did the ‘Premier League’ clubs vote in favour of this?

Interesting to see the league restructure was defeated last night at the AGM. As a result I believe the standard of the NCU will not improve any time soon. It would be interesting to see the stats on who of the 36 voted against it - did they vote against it because it would negate their position in the leagues? Personally, even if our club was in a position where the change had a negative affect on us, I would still vote for it because it's the only way the standard of the union will improve - the best teams playing each other every week. Again it would be interesting to see how many voted against it based on their own position as a club rather than thinking about the overall picture of cricket not just in the NCU but also in Ireland.

Your thoughts?

I heard on the grapevine that Downpatrick are "courting" the two Boultwood brothers who moved to CIYMS last year. From the outside looking in, it would seem to be a strange move for them, with CI blooding them slowly into the Premier League and the two brothers playing roughly half CI's 1st XI fixtures. They are young lads earning their spurs and CI have given them the opportunity and both seem capable of becoming permanent fixtures at the highest level over the next few years...

First time on here and just thought i'd have a go at my own section 2 team of the year. Some very interesting selections from some of you!! Where is my name on your lists??? Well here goes

1. D.Kennedy
2. T.Stewart (gotta get me in there!)
3. S.Sharkey
4. R.Owens
5. J.Kennedy
6. S.Johnston
7. G.Ferguson
8. A.Kirkpatrick (WK)
9. M.Glass
10.L.Connor
11.I.Cleland

What you think lads?? I think statistically this season that would be a very strong team to beat. Lee Connor was on top form this season as were most of the batting line up. I went for Kirkpatrick behind the stumps purely because i saw him bat and keep first hand when we played down there and he helped win the match for them. Let me know what you think!!

from what ive seen in section 2 this year,id like to throw a few names forward for the section 2 team of the year. Saintfields Tommy Stewart for being a very solid an consistant number 1 batsman, lee connor of Dundrum arguably the best bowler in section 2 this season and joel maguire also of dundrum had a good season with the ball. Ian Cleland of Woodvale would always be in my team. Happy arguing guys.

Lot of good "older" players in the league, be interesting to see how that team would do against an under 25 team from the league say.

Good team Craig.

It would be interesting to have an old section 2 team (over 35s) v young section 2 team match next season (under 35s).

I would be happy to bet on that one !

Intersting seeing some of the selections for Section 2 XI. At the risk of offending those that have not weathered well I have comprised an XI of lets say more Senior players to contest the selections cast so far.

C McCrum (Laurelvale)
R Owens (Saintfield)
G Ferguson (Downpatrick)
C Irwin (Lurgan)
W Pearson (Laurelvale)
N Nelson (Laurelvale)
B Topping wkt (Laurelvale)
L Allen (Muckamore)
M Glass (Ballymena)
N Maguire (Dundrum)
M Shannon (Holywood)

Lets have belief in the older boys and yes I picked myself and to bat at number 4! What a team photo this would be.A good rub down with several masseuses and a good lubrication of Deep Heat and we will take on any opposition on a Saturday as long as we can book Monday off work!

2008 - team of the year sect 2

1.sharkey
2.baguley
3.d.kennedy
4.j.kennedy
5.kirkpatrick
6.mccormick
7.johnston
8.mullan
9.taylor
10.glass
11.shannon

section 2 team:

some interesting teams out there:

1. D Kennedy
2. S Sharkey
3. R Owens (just because you just joined our hockey club dickie)
4. J Kennedy
5. A. Kirkpatrick
6. P.Mccormick
7. D. Mullan
8. M. Taylor
9. I. Cleland
10. M Glass
11. L Connor

Quite a hard choice as not too many had an outstanding season stats wise.

Stand out batsman was DK without a doubt, and big Lee certaintly had a great season with the ball. Acouple of all rounders in there in dale and fluter who probably both would have liked to have scored more runs to go with their wickets.

Interesting to see the old team of the year debate started again. I have to say I find it unbelievable that Lee Connor hasn't made it in to anybodys side yet. Leading wicket taker in section 2 by a country mile he is without doubt the best opening bowler in the section. Saying that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and perhaps some of the better players didnt have great games against some opposition. It would be interesting to see the final stats for the section as I dont believe they are all on yet.

Anyway, from personal experience my team of the year would be:

1) D Kennedy
2) S Johnston
3) S Sharkey
4) J Kennedy
5) B Dunlop
6) A Kirkpatrick
7) J Maguire
8) A Bassett
9) M Taylor
10) M Glass
11) Lee Connor

Interesting that M Shannon has decided to select S Dunlop, Stephen has not played for a few years now ;-) I think you mean B Dunlop.
Also intersting that you have overlooked L Connor too and picked so many Ballymena players...are you look for a contract at Eaton Park for 2009 maybe?

My NCU Premier League Team of the Year:

1 R Haire
2 J Montgomery
3 N Jones
4 R West
5 J Shannon
6 D Heasley
7 P Shields * +
8 R Eagleson
9 E Moleon
10 A Coulter
11 M Moreland

RE - Kyle Scott Section 2 Team of the year

S.Sharkey H/WOOD
C.Williams B/MENA
D.Kennedy B/MENA
J.Kennedy B/MENA
A.Kirkpatrick W/VALE *
S.Dunlop M/MORE *
P.McCormick H/WOOD
W.Pearson L/VALE
N.Gill M/MORE
M.Glass B/MENA
M.Taylor B/MENA

* - Undecided who would keep between Kirkpatrick and Dunlop but both would make it for their batting alone.

12th man S.Johnston W/VALE

Kyle,
Although I am totally biased, I would have to add Lee Connor to your team. He ended the season with over 40 wickets and he should probably be your opening bowler!