Forum

Jeff by the sounds of it the boys had a good day out at Dundrum. It's always better when you win. Re your posting about young Craig Drummond I really think if he keeps his feet on the ground (and hopefully there's enough of us old guys about to ensure that) he can play at the highest level. I saw Andrew White at 15, James Hall at 14 and Craig at 14 isn't far behind the standards those boys set. Unfortunately for Craig we didn't as a club put him forward for the winter nets for the NCU Under 15 side. I know John McCormick (who knows a cricketer when he sees one) has spoken to Bumper Dale about Craig but it looks like he will miss out as the trial 22 was already selected. Our professional Kami thinks he's the best youngster that he's seen in his five years here and at Downpatrick for the 2nds on Saturday Paul Linehan wanted a £50 bet Craig would play for Ireland. He was impressed when he saw him bat but was really impressed when he faced him bowling with real pace. So hopefully he can get a chance now to break in to the NCU under age set up. Benny Craig who has bowled probably the most overs of anyone still playing in the NCU (and played at Downpatrick on Saturday) is another reference if any selectors want another opinion.

A brief note to comment on a terrific day yesterday at Dundrum and to thank the club for their hospitality. No doubt they also will claim credit for the weather! but a really enjoyable afternoon in scenic surroundings - and in the Dundrum Inn afterwards - they certainly entertained the visitors well.

dundrum lost on sunday too a strong muckamore side & without darren mccann richard shilliday&gavin mcnerlin it was always a tall ask, they brought a good vocal support to the meadow&fully deserved the points& have a real star for the future in 14 year old chris drummond who can go too the top . it was great too see a big crowd at dundrum

ridiculous that a game of cricket is called off because one player was missing. i see in dublin both clontarf and railway union both played in their repspective cup competitions without their international players

cheers danny was great result for us & fantastic too see ciyms ,derriaghy &us 3teams that not that long were in section 3& still in quarter final of the DOWN DEMOCRAT challenge cup!we deserved too win but it was alittle nervous at the end but still would rather have win 2day as think MUCKAMORE might be 2strong as we have 3missing. but we always hard too beat in THE MEADOW.i would love too see waringstown or north down at our as it might never happen again as ciyms proved 2 years ago DREAMS do happen.yes horses were good yesterday &1 didnt run ironiclly i backed the wiiner strategic mission 16 1, so dont tell her indoors but was a TOP DAY allround.fair play too brian stirling&his team were top sports & dundrum wish them well in a predictement that they have very little control over!

Where can I get the NCU cup results?
The NCU site has only two results this morning and it seems there was plenty of action elsewhere.
Is it true the Instonians v Bangor game was called off because one player was on Ireland duty? Who was this?

Is the Paul Ryan instigating the 'Peter Connell for Ireland' club the same Paul Ryan who is his bat sponsor, by any chance?

Congratulations to dundrum on their cup win today.

Maybe it will be CIYMS v Dundrum quarter final and a night out in the Bay Inn!

Jeff your tips were a lot better today than last week!

Doesn't Craig Irwin talk a lot of common sense?
Fine cricketer, nice person and straightforward talker on the game. Good to see him on the forum and his views are much appreciated on any topic.

CRAIG,think your post was 100%!madness picking TEAM now as not many had a chance too show selectors how much talent each club has,&july would be idealtime then play game in august get sponsor ground (saintfield)run all day barbeque& raise £ give too charity(or ulster schools cricket tour).their even use too be game between section 3&4 &realy is time for all sections too be noticed as they say its the CLUBS outside the premier that will provide the up&coming STARS of the future.realy dissapointed that paul stirling not playing as wee at DUNDRUM want too see &play againest the best as not enough people enjoy CRICKET as its not all about WINNING!NAP AQLAAM535 newbury.eway JARDIN DE VIENNE435bangor,TRANQUIL TIGER210 newbury .STORYLAND 850 doncaster. cant decide between TARIQ & HARADASAN 245 newbury.ps great too see wylie mckinty&roger bell on THE BEST FORUM we have,idont always agree with NCU but they do a FANTASTIC UNPAID JOB&will never get every decision right so lets also SUPPORT THEM or get YOURSELF IN the commitees&see if you can do better, good luck 2day &lets hope weather holds.

To all contributors re Junior Interpro.

I have had the privilige of playing in this fixture and my opinion is that is is a keenly fought and looked forward to contest on both sides. I initially was one of those players albeit early/mid 90's who was a fringe Senior Interpro player and I did not enjoy the atmosphere of people needing to bat/bowl to impress selectors, or indeed hideaway so they couldnt do any wrong or knew the skipper etc, all factors that ultimately resulted in a largely non-enjoyable experience. Can I say that the Section 2 equivalent is no such thing with everyone involved enjoying the banter of meeting up with colleagues/rivals and no pressures of Irish Selection around the corner(and I know the originators of the idea wish for a better name than Junior). It is I believe a recognition of players who 'stand out' as major contrbutors to the leagues below Premier League. There are always players who will declare a disinterest but this should never undermine those that are proud to represent their league.
I do however believe that a date in late July/August would have truly reflected those players who deserve recognition and then the ball is in their court should they choose to accept it.

yes rodney , but i think what myself and paul are trying to say is that we play in section 2 every bit as hard as we would do in section 1 , we know we have to battle hard in that section ,of course everyone would like to be in section 1 ,and as paul said , noone expects to go straight back up without a fight. My views on junior inter pros have absolute no relevance on my views of section 2

Paul

I am only commenting on what I see you / other people post on the forum. My post is in response to that and entirely that. However both yourself and taito and everyone else are entitled to their opinions, thats what the forum is for so i will respect that.

Wylie

Fair play to you for taking the time to post.

I also agree with there being an underage inter pro for example under 23 etc rather than the existing setup.

Seven northern players on the Ireland team today.
We may be off the pace in the ISC but our cricket can't be that bad?
Good luck guys.

Re Paul
Given that the Irish squad was only announced on Monday, not quite sure how a 7 day rule can be imposed in these circumstances?