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Staffy, have read your last article twice and I'm totally confused by the contradicitons and assumptions that simply don't stand up. The final statement is almost delivered in a tablet of stone yet it is absolutely aburd. You are entitled to your opinions and that's exactly what this article was.
John, it's a good idea. Think of ways of trying to make it work rather than throw in obstacles. I used to live in the Ards area and I doubt if you know much about Ards CC from a Derry base but the history between the two clubs over many years has shown the ambitious players moved to the bigger club because it had the best facilities and opportunities. This has worked well and looking down the line maybe it could even help clubs like Ards prosper.
Lisburn and Derriaghy might be a bigger challenge!
First of all my thoughts are with the White family at this time.
Secondly re John Ross. I think Robin and Andrews suggestions are excellent. It is about youth development and the promotion of cricket of which all clubs will benefit. If what is perceived to be a lesser club than North Down gets an improved youth playing base and coaching set up by applying a collective approach to development officers then surely that is a result.
Just a thought why don't Robin and Ivan chair a meeting at Comber with 1 or 2 playing representatives from all clubs to have a bit of a brainstorming and make some players suggestions on how to improve the game?
Staffy - can you bring along a few sandwiches please to keep folk happy!!
Wayne
Ivan - Don't get me wrong, it is a good idea, no doubt about that. A sliding scale could be the answer - but, as usual with some innovative ideas, I just cant see how it would work in practice. Perhaps NICA seeking specific grant aid from the Sports Council / Lottery would be better than clubs footing the bill? That way it is independant.
Andrew - You can never stop any player moving on. My point is that a club like North Down would be more attractive to play at (ie if you lived in Ards you would simply travel to Comber) and why would a smaller club want to help a bigger club take the better players?
Dont understand the theory behind how an initiative such as RDOs would only improve the bigger clubs!
Advantages to all clubs would be an increased player base at their clubs and improved school/club links.
Whilst you can never stop young players moving clubs, I would have thought that improvements in youth structures within these smaller clubs would mean that young players would be less likely to have to move to another club.
On behalf of all at North Down, I'd like to pass on my condolences to Rowland White, whose wife Elizabeth died yesterday.
Our thoughts are with you Rowland, Richard, Andrew and Alison during this very sad time.
John Ross. Fair comment. Maybe some sort of sliding scale dependent on leagues / number of teams etc. But in principle Robin's is a sound idea and surely local councils have grants for such initatives.
Ivan - Fair enough. But the point I was making is why would a small club pay 3k to help a bigger club, paying the same amount, poach the best players from their catchment area? If I was a member of a small club I certainly wouldnt be voting to shell out to help the strong get stronger!
Robin Haire. Brilliant idea.
John Ross.The best clubs will get the best players anyway ( and why shouldn't they ).
Robin - good idea in theory but I could see problems whereby the bigger club (like yours) would take the pick of the best from all schools in the region and leave the likes of Ards with the dregs!
taito, who are the other matches against?
Re : Robin Haire
Robin I think your idea would definately be the first step in the right direction for all NCU clubs. I am sure some people will look to pick holes in the concept, i.e. those clubs who do have "pros" to coach firstly and play secondly, would they continue to do this? However, I think that all the NCU clubs should look to come together, recognise the problems and issues most clubs have, then we will be able to push forward as one and make our union grow in strength once again.
MAYBE THE WAY FORWARD.
clubs located closely like north down saintfield downpatrick holywood ards donaghadee bangor get together and employ a regional coach who works under the nica banner all year round.
each club to nominate their 4 or 5 schools where they want cricket promoted.
cost to each club approx.2 to 3000 per year.regional coach to be managed by head of nica in liason with one rep. from each club involved.
i am not sure if people are aware of the upcoming festival of cricket at downpatrick cricket club? some of the details are below:
The Air India cricket team will be the main focal point during the up and coming Festival of Cricket at Downpatrick, between 28th July and 9th August 2008.
The team consists of some of the best cricketers in India, who are enjoying a short break, following their participation in the fast and furious Indian Premier League.
They will spend ten days at Downpatrick, during an action packed festival of cricket, coaching young cricketers from across Northern Ireland and playing seven Twenty20 matches in all.
The Irish International side have jumped at the chance to play such high quality opponents. Ireland will play the Indian Airlines team in a Twenty20 match at Downpatrick on Friday 1st August, ahead of their World Cup qualifying games.
The Air India team is led by Jagadeesh Arun Kumar (Jak), the former Downpatrick professional. Jak left Downpatrick this season to play in the highly prestigious Indian Premier League, but couldn’t wait to return to “The Meadow” at Downpatrick where he has enjoyed so many lucrative seasons.
Anyone seeking more information should contact:
Audrey Hanna
Event Manager
EMail: twenty20@downpatrickcricketclub.com
Tel: 07720 709559
Kindly supported by:
Down District Council
Flixx Graphics
PM Autos
Flowers by Tracey
Devnirs Hotel
re my ealier posting - my point was in relation to pros who made a lasting impact at their clubs - the late John Solanky, Kamal merchant and Mankad spring to mind - not sure that there are many more but I am willing to hear of others - I certainly recall loads of carpetbaggers who were clearly here for the money, drink and "related activities" only! I would also remind Paul that Kiran more didn't play all that often for Ballymena 1s - he only got a game when JRW Boyce wasn't available!!
