Forum

Re junior league umpiring:

Instead of a stonewall, no quarter given attitude, why not make life much simpler and more enjoyable for all and before the toss, captains converse and agree on what's wide and what's not?

Teams will find this really helps the overall flow of the game and cuts out a lot of this unnecessary 'bad blood' by setting a positive precedent and good example to the younger players especially, including those that chose to take their turn and stand out in the middle.

For example, if it's down the leg side then call it wide, no exceptions, likewise, nearly all wickets, including artificial, now have guide lines to help the budding umpire if he/she should see a ball pitch and pass outside the tramline, wide again to be singled and no need for controversy or any silly backchat!

I think what folk must bear in mind is that although leagues 1 to 8 are classified as junior, this by no means implies that it is exclusive to only junior or minor players, indeed, all age groups are to be found here and not to call wides etc. doesn't help the younger up and coming bowlers of tomorrow with their direction and technique!

Colin has hit the nail on the head with his latest post especially regarding adults encouraging this nonsense.

Remember back when I was playing for Ballymena 3s and our captain (wasn't you Andy!) gave one of our young lads (think he was around 14/15 at the time) an almighty bollocking after the game because he had given him out LBW. Always stuck in my mind because after that I refused to umpire and would score instead.

What's equally disappointing is to hear that bickering/verbal diarrhea has crept into the game in N.I. - can always remember playing junior cricket never coming across it as a youngster. It's unfortunately pretty standard in cricket in Essex; you only have to go to the various league disciplinary pages and you'll see at least one person pop up week by week. Sign of the time......

I always walk when I hit the ball but that didn't stop me being subjected to a torrent of abuse from the wicket-keeper in a game (2nd XI) a few seasons ago when the ball flicked my pad on the way through to his gloves. I explained that it was pad not bat but that was met with more abuse. The wicket-keeper then officiated (i.e. umpired) at our 1st XI's match the next week and before the start of the game informed our skipper that he wouldn't be getting any decisions that day! With unofficial umpires the default position is always that there is cheating going on even when there isn't. Square leg fielders appeal for LBWs, mid-on for stumpings and deep mid wicket for caught behind. Add in the ignorance of the rules and it's a recipe for ill feeling.

Changing the topic here but I noticed the first week produced some big individual efforts with the bat - do you think the batting has got better , the bowling poorer or maybe the pitches are better - opinions ?

BUMPER seem remember you SQUEALING in the meadow last year .lol I gave 5 lbws in u15 at donaghcloney (should been 6 ) and could have CHEATED at moylena last year to get us to a final but didnt its about the individual not the appeal and theres lot good umpiring in junior leagues . One of our players walked last week when umpire was giving a WIDE and
might cost us game but fair play thats the way game should be played.

In a bygone age the bowler, wicketkeeper and possibly first slip made a polite inquiry to the umpire concerning a possible lbw appeal!!!!!
Now it is a well rehearsed 11 man intimidating roar lasting at least 10 seconds with Oscar performances of the great anguish and disbelief towards an umpires negative response.
You wonder why we have a shortage of umpires! !!

So sorry to learn of Ivan's wife Joanne's passing. She certainly was a fighter through her illness. Thoughts and prayers with Ivan and his family. RIP Joanne

'Player'
I'm not publishing another missive because most people will already know the issue, whether true or false.

Andy,
I'm sure cricket circles everyone will have the Ivan's deepest sympathy for the loss of the lovely Joanne. She fought bravely for many years against the odds, and has now finally found peace.
Sincere condolences from everyone.
Rest in Peace.

It is with sadness that I learned this morning of the death of Ivan McCombe's lovely wife Joanne. Ivan is well-known throughout cricket and I am sure that he and his family will be in the thoughts and prayers of many at this incredibly sad time. R.I.P.

Strange comment from Ed. One of the biggest problems in Junior cricket is the square leg fielder going ballistic because an lbw has been turned down. So the players on the field aren't always the best to judge allegations of cheating .
One way to help would be for a lot of the touchline umpires volunteer to stand as a neutral in the Junior Leagues.
I'm sure all players would welcome that.

Any clubs looking Junior cricket equipment give me a shout, unused helmets pads bats gloves no balls, would suit U11s. 07715950121

Although a baptism of fire for our 3XI in Junior 1, we have certainly enjoyed our opening two games. Great experience for our younger guys coming through the ranks and some older hats like me who have only ever played a handful of games at J1 level. Both our games were played in good spirit against Muckamore (a very good tea also!) and Lisburn. Long may the competitive goodwill continue.

A note on Nathan Doak, in particular (for Lisburn) - looks a very promising talent with both bat and ball.

I am sorry to bring this subject up again as it has been flogged to death but I hear that dandekar has been approved by the ncu to play for lurgan in section 1. How can this be? The ncu know that dandekar is in breach of a standard visitor visa by his job in India bring cricket. He was initially applying to come on a tier 5 PROFESSIONAL visa after all. So are the ncu now helping clubs break the law? It will be interesting to see if the ncu face any action if the home office come knocking. An extra incentive for clubs to want to raise their game against these clubs.

Don't know who the supporters were watching the top match at Comber yesterday as I was one of a very few who saw both games but will say that in junior cricket now a lot of captains sadly say win the toss and umpire second, in other words let's see how the opposition guys umpire first.