Forum

Any thoughts on the NCU development document and discussions that are to be held this week? In particular the "Invitational League" for teams in and around Section 3 with only a 1st XI and the other option of allowing some 2nd XIs to progress into "Senior" leagues (if I read it right based on application rather than automatic for winning Junior League 1).

Section One - Lurgan fail to get a side to play Muckamore today (Sunday, July 24).

But by not playing their run rate remains unaffected!!!
Is this fair to the other clubs in the bottom half of the table?

Do the NCU have anything in place for such an issue?

Whilst there may well indeed be a valid argument with regard to the dearth of local newspaper coverage, reports and photos etc. regarding cricket matches outside the premier league, it is encouraging to say the same concerns cannot be levelled at our union's hierarchy and officialdom, as amongst their many varied and busy roles throughout the season and beyond, it was most refreshing and moral boosting to have a cordial afternoon visit from the NCU President and his good lady down at Lurgan Pk. during our section 3 home game against Larne.

And it was not just a quick pop in 'hello & goodbye' encounter, Peter stayed with us for a good part of the afternoon and over a cuppa, chatted with our own club President/player Gerald Johnston, players past and present, including our opponents as well as both umpires.

Pity though he didn't bring us a bit more luck on the field of play as we couldn't quite overhaul Larne's well constructed innings score, but then again, they're an impressive outfit and great to see them oncemore blazing a glorious trail as they bring back those halcyon days to Sandy bay!

And just a little thought while I'm here, there are many worthy candidates for club person/player of the year but perhaps come the end of the season, the press will remove their rose tainted googles and look a little below the top flight when they chose the recipient of such an esteemed accolade ?

Yesterday, I overheard Gerald telling the President about his splendid knock of 1 n.o. as he held up an end during a recent JL 9 game against Waringstown, and how much he still enjoys the game since he began competitively playing NCU cricket from way back in the early 1950's ....

Not to many around who can say that is there ??

I find it quite incredible that my posting about the problems faced by many clubs turns into a rant about Muckamore pitches! The evidence of 'turmoil' (not my word but used by a highly respected pal in a recent conversation) in NCU cricket is there again over the past couple of weeks. Teams not fulfilling fixtures and, if the Spectator is to believed, a 4th XI turning up with 9 players and being skittles for 13. Not terribly inspiring. I realise that we have just finished 'the 12th fortnight' but if players aren't going to be available, why are fixtures organised for those Saturdays in mid-July? I always stayed clear of those dates when I was playing. Whilst I'm not the NCU chairman (and MY source is certain of that!) I am aware that the concerns are being taken on board so it's up to clubs to make their views known. P.S. Congrats to Larne for 8 wins out of 8 - I'll probably be slagged for putting that on because Sandy Bay is only 18 miles from the dodgy Moylena pitches!!

Re : Media Coverage
Just been reading todays cricket coverage in Newsletter. Am I the only person who thinks a local daily with an editor from a "cricketing background" appears to ignore all cricket outside of Premier League. Maybe someone could come up with an explanation.

I seen a comment no one like muckamore cricket club. I don't think there is any fact in that. Ask carrickferguse cricket club about muckamore, sure they will have a positive view about the club.

Re another section 1 cricketer

I thought I'd try and provide a more balanced opinion of the tracks at Moylena which you describe as "absolutely awful" and "i would think if you ask the majority of section 1 cricketers what they think of the tracks at moylena they would agree with me."
The 2nds also play all of their home matches on the main square and I can assure you that it is one of the best batting tracks in Junior 1 (a league with 6 of the 8 teams playing in the Premier League). So far this season a team score of over 300 has been achieved in a 40 over match and a score of 90 chased down in 10 over for the loss of no wickets. Last season there was a tied match with Waringstown with both sides scoring 295 for a total loss of only 8 wickets.
As you play in Section 1 this means you play a maximum of 1 league game a season at Moylena, a statistic which gives you very limited information on which to be spouting the quotes that you have.
I also find it very strange that you "believe that the majority of section 1 cricketers would agree with your thoughts" on the Moylena pitches" given the fact that only 4 of the other 9 teams in the league have so far played a league match there this year. I assume from your comments that you must play for one of these 4 teams Woodvale,Downpatrick,Armagh and Bangor.
As someone said before lets not let the truth and statistics get in the way of a good story. Maybe we just prepare good wickets for the 2nds and not bother about the 1sts!!
There is a quote that springs to mind when people feel the need to criticize cricket pitches - "A bad workman blames his tools"
Feel free to come to back to me with examples of these so-called "absolutely awful" tracks at Moylena.

I haven't played a serious cricket game on our main square in almost ten years and while I've watched a lot it's not the same as batting to judge what a pitch is playing like.
I have watched a lot of games in that time and can't remember too many "minefields".
Just recently we scored 180 for 3 against Instonians in the Senior Cup against what was an all Inter Pro attack.
Eglinton came down in the ISC and scored close on 300.
We had a low scoring game early on against Downpatrick on what was probably the most miserable day to play or watch cricket in many a long day. Our 125 was as much down to bad batting and decent bowling / fielding than it was the pitch. Downpatrick applied themselves and won by I think seven wickets.
I will watch with extra interest in Saturday when our 1sts play Saintfield and on Sunday when we play Lurgan.
All that said I don't think there are many at Moylena who would argue that we can still improve the pitches year on year.
I'm not sure why all this "aggro" against Muckamore because all we do is work hard trying to improve all facets of the club year on year and support NCU cricket should that be hosting games , encouraging guys to take up umpiring , sit on committees , coach at under age level or going along to watch inter pro's or internationals .
But no matter what you can never please all of the people all of the time.

First slip, another section 1 cricketer etc
I
There's no criticism of other clubs in any post by Ivan mccombe. His post on 12 July says (paraphrasing) that we live in a wet country maybe we should all spend more on tarpaulins so that we get more games completed. Now that's not unreasonable is it?
So why all the need to disguise your identities and launch into such invective and speculation? For example, can you really speak on behalf of a majority of section 1 cricketers? Aren't the umpires and captains supposed to give reports on the pitches.
That's not to say that every pitch every week is going to be perfect. I played on a few stinkers around the leagues. But sometimes it's part of the game, no one has full time groundsmen, get on with it. Theres no need to bring the game itself into disrepute by slagging each other. Don't think this website is sponsored by trip adviser! Despite this I hope you enjoy your next visit to moylena. Come in for a beer and a chat. Like the old days before social media.

Re Billy.

NCU already have minimum grounds requirements.
7 COVERS
7.1 Wheeled covers which are easily portable and have water-tight joins and long hoses are required.
7.2 Covers must be available to protect the pitch and bowlers’ run ups from rain before and
during a match and must protect at least 80 ft x 12 ft, taking into account the contours and
drainage of the ground.
7.3 Plastic sheets and/or tarpaulins must be used to protect the bowlers’ run-ups and areas on
each side of the wicket which are not already protected by the wheeled covers. These
must be capable of being fastened down to prevent seepage and must cover an area of 80
ft x 12 ft on each side of the wicket. If the bowlers’ run-ups can be protected by longer
coverage, that is strongly recommended.
8 DRYING EQUIPMENT
8.1 A ‘water hog’ must be available.
8.2 An adequate supply of sawdust and cloths must
be available to minimise lost time due to wet ground.
8.3 Other drying equipment including brushes,forks and squeegees must be available

Wasn't having a cheap shot - just looking at the picture that was on NCU website. And I have advocated many times on this site that there should be a minimum standards for promotion, not only on ground equipment but also in relation club infrastructure such as changing facilities and accommodation. It happens in other GB Unions and Associations. An organisation that I am involved with, totally unrelated to cricket, obtained a Big Lottery Grant of over £28k. Should we be looking to appoint a Grants Officer centrally? Just a thought!

Andy

You really can't help yourself. Leave CIYMS out of your cheap shots. You will know well that there are side sheets, run up covers, and four covers. If more clubs invested in the same then more games may have been played this summer

If the NCU wish then why don't they impose a minimum level of covers and ground equipment needed to play in Premier League?

Don't worry Ivan - I think 'Section 1 cricketer' has gotten himself a bit confused about names, positions, etc. Clearly someone really au fait with things!!

Oh Dear! it looks as though the bubble has finally burst around the 'best club outside the Premier League', once the slight bit of criticism was levied the floodgates have opened.

Some may say this is jealousy, however jealousy is wanting something someone else has, instead I put this down to a growing dislike which stems from the players and officials perceived arrogance that they are bigger and better than they are! Correct me if I'm wrong but judging by posts this belief is held by more than just myself.

RE Anon

Just like to echo your comments about Ryan Eagleson.From my experience of playing against him a real tough competitor who isn't shy of a few words but after the game always up for a chat over a beer.
How long can he keep playing in the premier league is the worry for Carrick.