Forum

having caused a debate about starting times I'd like to change the subject. There have been many references to the somewhat biased decision-making of umpires in the "lower" Leagues. These relate to the interpretation of wides and LBW calls - both of which can be subjective. But there can be no excuse for the sort of recent incident that I have heard of where a "mature" guy in the lower leagues "no-balled" a 15 year-old bowler for "failing to indicate his bowling action". FGS - this is 2102! Surely it is the responsibility of captains to ensure that before sending guys out to "stand" that they have a basic knowledge of the Laws.

With regards to starting times, I know that we have a number of players that work saturday mornings, we also have some that have to do nightshift on a friday night, with a 1pm start we can normally get these guys to play, for earlier starts it will be very difficult.
As for families, even with a noon start, it could well still be 7 or after before you are home, so if the idea is for people to get home earlier to have time with their children, would a later start not be more beneficial giving a few hours in the morning to take them to the park, the swimming pool or whatever you fancy doing with them, it also allows the like of myself to spend a bit of time carrying out work round the house.
If a match is in doubt, what time would the home skipper need to inspect the pitch for a 11am start if the opposition were travelling any distance?
1pm is late enough, and should be the starting time all season.

Re C.Boomer...

I agree with Neal - too much pandering around schoolboys, half them aren't interested anyway - simply used to 'fill in the blanks'
Have to say I've played 30 years man and boy (inc old section 1 & prem league)just about hanging in there through obligation.
My 'Disco' shoes have been well and truly hung up...The earlier the start the better FGS - there is life after cricket...
C Boomer, you're the exception mate and thank God for you !
I was inside like most 'sane' people today...
The Dog didn't fancy an outing either...!

Drop the moaners not the cricket Neal!

Ref Neal the dreamer: Ans. YES !

Matthew start time dont just affect the young generation who are watchin tv and meeting girls at 5pm. They affect people with families too.

Lots of people work 9 - 5 during the week or other various shifts and come the weekend they get the "bloody cricket again taking up the whole weekend!"

Should they just be ignored and left to give up their cricket??

Quite right Matthew, time enough indulging in all those activities after a good days cricket, regardless of what time the game finishes at. What's more you'll enjoy the rest of the weekend especially if your team has won !

In fact, I'm going outside now with the dog for a few throw downs at the single stump despite the torrential rainfall....doesn't put me off!

(Or the dog)

school kids are under pressure to play for the school but people who cant play because they are watching tv going to a party that night meeting girls at 5pm you want to play or you dont simple

What's wrong with these young ones now ?

Do they turn back into pumkins after nine O'clock on a Saturday evening ?

Or is it a case of getting back to the computers, X-boxes, playstations etc. etc ?

I'd play cricket from dawn to dusk every day of the week if I could and I'm NO spring-chicken !

Definately have to agree with the start times issue and have been going on about it for a few years now.

As i've always said why should the NCU start times be held to ransom by School's cricket??

I know that if the two teams concerned agree a start time can be brought forward but how often is that option ever used??

Start times should be between 11 & 12 at the latest leaving the rest of a saturday night free(weather permitting of course)for each individual to do what they wish rather than still be out in the field come 8pm or later.

On another note is the coloured clothing issue starting to be phased in with cup competitions before it is permanent in all competitions??

Here's hoping!!!!

your not making schoolboys unavailable you want to get teams out coming home at 9pm 10pm puts people off depending on the league reduce the overs first eleven keep 50 overs 2nds 40 3rds/4ths 35 overs you will get more adults/kids playing and teams will not have to scrap games

All matches should start at 12 all year round. All schools cricket should be made to be played during the week. Cup compititions are played during the week, why cant league games?

what time do you want to start at? im happy with an 11.30 start to all games we cant use schools cricket as an excuse all the time from what i have seen this year some schools mataches have been very very poor early stars may help clubs get teams out

I wasn't advocating late finishes as I am a big fan of early starts. I was simply pointing out that on monday there were 2 teams keen to play to a finish when conditions are neither inappropriate nor dangerous. For certain family reasons I hesitate to mention the contribution of the groundsman to the proceedings!.

starting times? What about finishing times? The only game played in Division 1 Muckamore -v- Holywood. Unlike all other matches this wasn't called off too early and with 2 sides keen to play to a finish, the game ended at 9:00! congratulations to both sides for their determination and to Alex Adams & Jimmy Ireland for "standing" to facilitate the match. Some baptism for Jimmy in his first Section 1 game!