Forum

Think the argument about pros is simple. People complain about them if theirs is rubbish but love them if theirs is great. In County Cricket and the IPL, you pay for players who change and win you games. Same as any sport. The coaching they do is regularly invaluable and their ability helps coach both the players at the club they play for and their opponents who have to raise their game when they play them.

re billy , first of ill only deal with Dundrum cc we started getting a pro 5 years ago we now have under 11/13/15 teams and the pro coaches in 6 primary schools he coaches 4 night a week summer schemes 121 daily sessions = slave labour (he deserves double what we can afford) and he deserves commended on what he does for our club that is thriving because of his dedication last year he came at short notice scored just 215 in ten games and didn't do himself justice but Rahi Kakade worked hard on fitness and is a very dangerous attacking batsman and I for one even if pros were banned would still bring over a coach to continue the conveyor belt of kids to cricket and Dundrum cc as make sure that this fine club will be here for another century no matter what section we play in

Andy was good to see that. Carried on well into the night I might add.

Billy quite simply these players all meet the criteria set down by the NCU who have approved their registration. Yogesh has won us two games. We've also won 3 other games where he hasn't top scored. So that dispels your one man team idea. He's also a wicketkeeper so hard to take wickets standing behind the stumps. As for what we gain from it. That's not really any of your business. We identified the type of overseas Ayer we wanted to bring in and got him. He does sterling work with our youth and has helped to develop the 7 enthusiastic qualified coaches we have. Anything else you'd like to know?

Ps there really is no such thing as a one man team, definitely not at Queensway anyway

Re interested.
CSN had a free hit, I think Jonesy was balled and the ball went for 4. The umpires said dead ball, no run. Doing a quick google check this is not correct and should have been 4 but the website is a Q&A site and caveats itself.

Had my faith in local cricket restored today. Derriaghy and Woodvale players enjoying a few beers in the back room at Queensway together - and slaggjng the c##p out of each other -just like the old days Clarence

Pros- bizarre stats looking at the professionals of Derriaghy, Donacloney and Dundrum. How are these players approved for action at that level. We are told there is no such thing as a one man team but this trio come pretty close! What do these clubs really get out of it is what I ask?

CSN-v- The Hills.
During CSN innings a front foot no ball was called. Bowler then bowled "free hit" ball which batsman struck and ball went to boundary, striking the other stumps on the way. Umpire appeared to give a "dead ball" signal to the scorers. Sitting on boundary it was difficult to appreciate what happened. No runs appeared to be added to scoreboard total.

Any comments?

best wishes to Davy Menaul as he finally gets around to marriage on Thursday. I tried to talk sense to him at the weekend - showed him grey hair, bank statements, etc. - but he seems determined to go through with it!! Seriously though - all the very best from Flossie and I - a true sporting gentle giant.

Bumperdale / alan. It would be great if ncu or cricket ireland could organise a 20/20 or quickcricket in falls park.

My Dad played for Falls Road Methodist, home ground Falls Park. They won the Shields Memorial Cup in 1945 playing (can't recall) at Sirocco's ground.
It you have a couple of days I'm sure he could talk you through it!

Message for saintfield. I was in HSBC Donegal square south office last Thursday. They are clearing out and came across an inaugural 1984 club trophy. Contact me if you want this collected or collect yourselves.

Just to follow up on the BCL stuff. We have a number of players who used to plan in the leagues. Richard Walker, David Harris and Maurice Coates all played for Loopvale. If you want more info let me know and I can pass on telephone numbers. You can always catch Richard Walker at Cregagh on most nights.

Belfast Cricket League.
As a boy of 8 I learned to score and followed LOOPVALE. Every game I counted our players 10 men and I got a game.I recall a game on the mat at Ormeau Park when I had to bat 11 with the team needing 1 to win. 'Get forward, bat and pad together!' was my instruction. Difficult enough as the adult pads went as high as my belly button!
I followed instructions facing what to me as a kid was Freddie Trueman: the ball smashed into the pad and away for a leg bye. That was the first time I was called a hero on the cricket field.
I have a photo of the League xi v. Eglinton in July 1967- some players were
Ernie Mccormick, Richard Walker, Heaslip the others I have forgotten. I also played a cricket match at FALLS PARK against Hillview!! Happy days!

Instead of merging Section 2 and 3 and still having separate junior and senior leagues, why not merge the senior and junior leagues ? Isn't it that way in Leinster and the North-West ?

So you would have 1st XIs playing against 2nds in league play, not just junior cup. Open leagues from Premier league to Junior 8

Would take a bit of time to shake out the leagues based on playing strength.

Donaghcloney CC are hosting a 50 over match at the Factory Ground on Tuesday 9 July between an NCU U17 Select and The touring Pune Cricket Masters Academy starting at 12 noon. All welcome.