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with recent player employment at Moylena there can be no doubt that the Muckamore family are intent in surviving the 2017 Premier League season. If you spend the money you stay up and if you don't, you don't. It's the same for all clubs. it doesn't matter if you pay 2 players or 8. once you pay more that the overseas pro then your club has fallen into the trap. no club can take any sort of moral hugh ground in the PL anymore.

It's not that long ago when the all conquering Australian side seemed invincible,
though nowadays a pale shadow of their former selves, reduced to accusing their
opponents of cheating cause one guy was seen sucking a boiled sweet ?

Dearie me, how the mighty have fallen...

Ode to Arthur

They came from the land down under, where woman whinge and men blunder
dressed in yellow, donning baggy green caps, a touring team of cocksure chaps
each six foot plus and full of muscle, they'd journeyed far to pillage and rustle

Their coach a moustachioed man named Rod, a kind of loud, abrasive sod
stood on his soapbox and appealed, his likely lads were unbeaten on the field
his bowlers fast like Thommo and Lilly, his batsmen made others look rather silly

And so it proved to be no idle boast, they vanquished all from coast to coast
with county sides they wiped the boards, and even stuffed the M.C.C. at Lords
then just a week before the first test, they boarded a boat and duly sailed west

Their first port of call a country pub, who's landlord Arthur sponsored a cricket club
himself the chairman of that team, on recognising his patrons, began to scheme
' would you fine men consider a game, against our village side? ' He did proclaim

At first they scoffed at his bold address, considering it a pointless, no contest
Preoccupied, lapping up the liquid black, like thirsty dingos from the outback
But Arthur was not the least put out, offering the winners gallons of free stout

The temptation proved much to great, as up spoke Rod, ' good on ya mate
let's get it on straight after lunch,' then downed a pint with a stiff rum punch
So at two o'clock on a pleasant day, two sides faced off and began to play

The touring skipper called the toss, bowling first in hope he'd be back on the sauce
and yes they bowled at lightening pace, but most deliveries went all over the place
sundries aplenty kept the scoreboard moving, as Rod looked on so disapproving

Soon one hundred on the board, even though both batsmen had hardly scored
They turned to spin and a guy named Shane, but this caused Rod even more pain
as though it turned it must be said, every ball was short and pitched outside leg

With two hundred runs easily accrued, the home side declared, Rod now subdued
When his opening batsman took guard, the umpire remarked, 'towards you a yard'
And on receipt of the first red cherry, he swiped and missed, no more to tarry

So began a limp procession, ten hapless batsmen all dismissed in similar fashion
No player reached double figures and with each wicket, louder grew the sniggers
And as for Rod such was the disgrace, his coiffed moustache fell from his red face

As his rambunctious side began to chunder, Rod resigned and returned down under
bypassed the poms and conceded the test series, as to why there's lots of theories
The secret known only on the Emerald Isle, where a landlord pours a pint with a smile?

( chunder...Aussie slang for vomiting)

Andy Kennedy
so i was right this was just another in a boring long line of rants against ciyms. As to my being defensive i can only say i would defend any clubs right to operate as they see fit within the NCU rules. cannot see any connection between clubs spending their money and teams not being entered for cup competions that is a more complicated problem, would be interested to hear your solution to that

Andy - perhaps in light of the recent developments you will be dismayed at the "revolving door" policy closer to home?

Would be interested to see people select 15 for the upcoming t20 7 team tournament in UAE? Any outsiders...

Re Andy Kennedy

I read with interest your posts (not of course in your capacity within NIACUS) on here bashing clubs in the Premier league about the signing of players and your assertion of the 'big money revolving doors continue to turn and the decline in the rest of the game continues'.

What then are you to think of this big money revolving door when it would appear to have been erected and be turning quickly at your own wonderful happy family at Moylena.

Pots and Kettles, and glass houses spring to mind.

Hearing rumours that Jonathan Waite is heading to Instonians after moving to RBAI this autumn. Can anyone confirm this??

I suppose the difference between CI ( Cricket Ireland) and CIYMS (Church of Ireland Young Men's Society) is too subtle for Michael McDowell. But then he may have his reasons for being defensive! Anyone who reads the 'other' forum will be au fait with the point that I was making. Perhaps if Michael were to peruse the draws for the Minor Cups he would note that another club side is missing already.

Andy Kennedy
Sorry but am missing what point you are trying to make
or is it more CI bashing and what would you do differently ?

Paddy
A lot of starring's need looked at last year guys are playing first eleven cricket then when no game playing against third eleven teams strange

Once again CIYMS SNATCH another player from CSNI(snatch not really the right word). Maybe they need to think about a name change.
I wonder what happens went the money runs out will they ALL play for the love of the game at CI. I suppose they could fall back to their youth policy, if there are still some there.
All this for £500 not a great return on their investment.
Rant over.

So the big money revolving doors continue to turn and the decline in the rest of the game continues. CI continues to talk about the 'health' of the game with the usual platitudes about participation. 'Look, the emperor has no clothes'!

I see the latest NCU Knights training squad has been announced. Congrats to all but interesting to see Alex Haggan of Carrick included, someone who's played quite a few games for Carrick 2nds in 2016 in addition to almost all in the Premier League.

Interesting starring which I hope will be changes in 2017.

http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES2016/articles/000024/002458.shtml

Hello everyone
I have played for donaghcloney cricket club for 5 years . And I'm available for upcoming season .

He only played the two competitive games last season, yet still he left a favourable imprint on those involved and spectators alike. And even if old bones will groan, creek and may someday even give way, his enthusiasm still abounds...

Fight the good fight

As an unassuming, energetic lad, he enjoyed a bit a craic
never gleaned or nurtured, like privileged Etonian stock
his upbringing less kid gloved, he carried his own sack
and sidestepped idle talk, preferring more to walk the walk

That chosen path was cumbersome with many a jagged edge
but his gait was ever forthright, purpose in his stride
and if the way was blocked, he'd always find a wedge
to help remove the obstacle, then journey on with pride

Born of competitive spirit, he played the gentleman's fine game
indulged in victory's adulation, reverent in defeat
aware that when the crowd had gone, it was a moment's fame
and they'll judge not if you win or lose, but how you did compete

Faced down the aggressive tyrant, affording him scant regard
the thief he had no time for, chased him from the place
as for the sly old fox, spouting innuendo, conceit and canard
he silenced him in one fell blow, when he said it straight to his face

And now a chivalrous octogenarian, still, he has guts and soul
adversity he obliterates, from a self-effacing, humble turret
with truth and virtue by his side, he has but one treasured goal
to onwards fight the good fight, knowing, if the flesh should wane...
willing is the spirit!