Forum

I hope the NCU officials were watching the presentation of the Premier League Trophy yesterday at Wigan. That's how to do it guys. Plenty of publicity for the sponsor, recognition for the winners, mass media focus, and no complaints from the losers. Why would there be?
What a load of nonsense we read last year when the NCU officials couldn't be bothered to present the trophy to North Down at Downpatrick and to inform us this year that the sponsors want the trophies presented at a formal presentation ceremony smacks of manipulation. In any case why not have both? Get with it, you have to use every opportunity to promote the game.

What did North Down do to annoy Stu Daultrey? In his match 'report' he couldn't say a good word about the Comber team despite rolling over Malahide. Don't get too upset guys because most of his reports are full of nonsense and trivia.
Stu why don't you go on an Ian Callender crash course and learn the art?

Noticed that Paul Stafford is no longer on the NCU committees (his comment) which confirms a rumour that has been circulating for some time that he was 'pushed.' He's certainly back with a vengeance and his comments are drawing out his critics. Was Staffy too radical for the Suits and did some people put the boot in when he went to Brigade?

massive tip for LEG SPINNER at haydock2pm , my NAP wise melody 255 nott,eway lady grace345,presumptive220 ascot,ivy creek110.liberate 125 haydock. berbice 3pm, think blue bajan will give LEG SPINNER race. 2 horses at big prices on betfairlittle white lie220ascot mon michel 2pm. good luck.ps even i would settle too LOSE on horses for aWIN AT SAINTFIELD.LOL

Really looking forward to an exciting Irish Senior Cup this year and more competition from the northern teams. Good luck to everyone.

Thanks PC. He's everything you say and has so much to give cricket on and off the field. I hope the article gives people an insight to his cricket ambitions and kills some of the misconceptions surrounding his availability for Ireland. He's the best bat in the NCU and should be in the frame. You too, so keep taking the wickets and hitting the sixes!

Very interesting article with Ryan. Over the past ten years i have had the pleasure of playing with many great players. Stephen Warke, Robert Wills, Allan Rutherford, Robin Haire and Andrew White to name but a few. Everyone of them are fantastic cricketers and yet their style of batting is different in many ways. I can honestly say and have done to many people that Ryan is without doubt the most naturally gifted cricketer i have ever played with or against. Why he hasn't played more for Ireland is a mystery. But one thing for sure..... Irelands loss has been North Down's gain!!!

Clarence,
great article on Ryan, one of the few to get inside the head of the master blaster. For me playing with Hairso is one of the reasons im still at the green. a wonderfully gifted cricketer and role model. i hav my fingers crossed he gets picked in the 20/20 qualifying squad

danny , sorry been busy but did back henry the navigator too win guineas. will get you a winner sat.we had first look at our professional MANOJ FERNANDO 2night& he looked a useful allrounder but i was very impressed the time he had for everyone but especially the kids! was good too see CIYMS get their first of hopefully many wins in the premier section(oh for the days we were both in section3)shows what can be achieved with hard work.just wish was 15years younger as dont think MARKING THE BOOK is for me&im too young for umpiring.lol ps can see paddy o,hara &king of the WHITE STICKS housty biting already,

Having read your article on Cliftonville I have to agree they need support and understanding at this time from everyone in cricket. My previous posting was not hitting out at them but more for clear guidance from the NCU on some problems that could arise. It seems the situation is still not totally clear so perhaps best to sit back and see what unfolds.
We certainly don't want Andy Kennedy handling the problems!

Jeff

All quiet on the tips front? Jardin de Vienne wasnt a bad each way!

Well done to Dundrum on their Senior Cup Success at the weekend.

MARK ,thanks it was great start for DUNDRUM, i think we deserved it but also holywood bowled really well without LUCK especially DAVID CARDY who was unplayable 10 0vers 5 maidens for just 5 runs&i think we wil see a lot more RUNS FROM KIWI LEON MOORE who looks a good allrounder!CLIFTONVILLE will no boubt be ODDS ON favourites but we love the UNDERDOG TAG&in a 3 horse race any result is possible &after 2 brain operations yes i would back DUNDRUM as they say a FOOL&HIS£R EASY PARTED!!cup is a bonus but winning games creates CONFIDENCE&lets hope that we can continue at one off the BEST GROUNDS in the NCU SAINTFIELD on sat!the new COVERS made by MAG/CONN made the result possible.funniest thing i witnessed was that both TEAMS WERE READY TOO BOWL as their was CONFUSION (think rodney was alittle excited) but fair play too HOLYWOOD&THE UMPIRES SHORT delay sorted the problem.ps mark we were hoping next round was at CLIFTONVILLE so we could claim the GAME.LOL

Hats off to Dundrum and Rodney's men for a fine win in the cup. One swallow doesn't make a summer but there were a lot of people looking towards the Mournes for this result and with respect to Holywood hoping for a fairytale start to the season.
What odds Jeff against Cliftonville or is there a conflict of interest when you are involved?

Must say it sucks to see Ireland's wicket-keeper paste us in a competitive match when we are so short of genuine class players at this level. No complaints mind you as Niall O'Brien is making the most of his ability in the professional ranks and this competition has nothing to do with nationality status. It seems he's going to be joined by a host of others in the near future as I read on the other channel that counties are queuing up to 'poach' our best young players. Vanburn are you for real? If any of these players is good enough to make a living from the game then you should be delighted if a county offers them a contract. There are ten times more young English players out there in front of them so only the very best will make it and that means only a select few with both the ability and the focus. Stirling has now made his mark but note the critics on his back before this fine innings.
One writer criticised his position and then congratulated him after the innings. What a hypocrite.

interesting weekend in the NCU : Some very interesting games over the weekend in both the premier league and the senior cup. North down off to a great start, tight one yesterday though. Mr strydom has started not to badly for lisburn.
Congrats to CI on their first top flight victory im sure there will be plenty more.
Same goes to Dundrum on saturday for their first ever senior cup victory.