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CI man.

Apparently the umpires stopped their watches every time the ball was lost and they were still overtime. Still quite unfair considering the score! Great knock from a potentially legendary player!

Picking the North team isn't easy and depending on the guidelines could be even more difficult. I see Decker's in one of the selections and if that's the criteria I wouldn't argue but in the same breath based on 2010 form Stephen Smyth and Peter Gillespie would be in the reckoning. Other names missing of the selections include Andrew Britton and Phil Eaglestone while younger players such as Chris Dougherty, Stuart Thompson, James Hall, Jason Van De Merwe and James Shannon must have their supporters close to the Irish set up.

If it's the knack of "how to win " the younger guys want to pick up then you need the McBrine twins in there. What a performance again on Saturday at Strabane. Certainly puts paid to ther myth that they can only do it on the smaller grounds these days.

This certainly has the makings of a very competitive fixture and if the weather holds up and the crowds come out will be a great warm up to the games v Pakistan at the end of the month.

PS. Maybe I should say ( before Andy Kennedy or someone else does ) that my team is 17th out of 18 in the Muckamore Fantasy League at the moment so maybe selecting isn't my forte

North team :

1. N. McDonnell
2. R. McCann (wk)
3. M. Taiaroa (Irish passport?)
4. L. Nelson
5. N. Jones (c)
6. B. McCord (Irish passport?)
7. A. McBrine
8. R. Ervine (Irish passport?)
9. J. Thompson
10. P. Connell
11. S. Dunn

My Northern team for up coming regional game...

1-Niall McDonnell (Strabane)
2-Neil Russell (North Down)
3-Ryan Haire (North Down)
4-Andrew White (Instonians)
5-Nigel Jones (CSN)
6-Lee Nelson (Waringstown)
7-Rory McCann (Instonians)
8-Johnny Thompson (Brigade)
9-Ben McCord (CIYMS)
10-Eugene Moleon (Instonians)
11-Peter Connell (CIYMS)

1 N McDonnell
2 R McCann
3 R Haire
4 A White
5 D Curry
6 K McCallan
7 T Khan
8 N Jones
9 J Thompson
10 E Moleon
11 P Connell

I don't think a format that brings two teams of international or potential internationals at one of the best grounds to watch cricket ( Eglinton ) will need much marketing. I for one am looking forward to a highly competitive game with a chance for some guys to push for a place in the full Ireland side in the months ahead.I can't see what difference it will make giving the teams another identity.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, the doomed format of Inter Regional cricket has been revived - what prat came up with that idea?
Have they not realized that this fixture will only work with an identity for the teams?
North v South is nonsense, it will certainly need the marketing department to be in good form!
What about Leinster v Ulster, LCU v NCU v NWCU, some sort of district/county championship or dare I say it, Northern Ireland v Republic!!!
Please, please, something to give a bit of interest...

what a knock from pienaar, pity i didnt see it, hopefully waringstown dont lose him for any SA squads.

On a similar note saintfied's pro's knock against us on saturday was one of the best i have seen in a long time, he looks like a serious player, he will destroy some attacks in that league this season.

Just like to say what a pleasure it was to witness a truly outstanding knock of 244 from Obus Pienaar today at The Lawn. Although the result didnt go our way, it is great to see such a talented young cricketer in the NCU. I wouldn't bet against on him getting another double hundred this season.

PS still finding it hard to believe that CI were penalised for a slow over rate considering Obus cleared the boundary on 22 occasions!

If anyone gets the chance to watch Waringstown in the near future, take it. I have just nipped home after watching an innings that I dont think I will EVER see equaled, 244 of 114 deliveries, an an awesome display of batting with shots all round the ground by Obus Pienaar and against a more than decent bowling attack.
If you get the chance to watch him, take it.

not sure about global warming at Larne - was in bed all day yesterday with pleurisy! A good day - Bobby's tea up to the usual standard and over 400 runs scored on a good pitch. I predict that bowlers will have to work for wickets at Sandy Bay

GRAHAM CUP

First round is to be completed by Friday of this week. Want to wish all teams involved good luck - and to all coaches - please read the regulations and PLEASE PLEASE REPORT THE RESULTS!

Was that Andy Kennedy I saw today at Sandy Bay wearing a short sleeved shirt throughout the whole day???
This global warming obviously has it's good points then!
Also great to see John Kennedy umpiring in his first match too. From what I hear he got all the important decisions correct.

Sincerely wishing every cricketer on the Emerald Isle, particularly in the NCU a fabulous 2011 season - may the sun shine often and may you reach your dreams. Believe me when i share it is such a privilage to be part of the Irish game and always the game is much bigger than any individual or club. With you very much in spirit...........

Just like to join Andy in wishing support to Clogher CC after another mindless attack on their club.
Having had many a very tight nd competitive game against them since they started playing in the NCU, it must be heartbreaking to have things like this happen to them (& far too many other clubs that have been afflicted likewise over the last few years), but if i know the lads down there as well as I think I do, I am sure that this will just re-double their efforts to improve their club.
All the best for the new season (except when you come to Lurgan park, or we head down to the Moss lol)