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I'm sayin nothing more about the current Ashes series, as my tips & predictions so far have all back-fired !

That big English fast bowler Chris Tremlett must have read my last post and got angry, he certainly bowled well against the Aussies taking three upper order wickets and should have gotten more for his efforts.

Still, I was right about the cold weather coming back to haunt us again...roll on next April.

Foot-note:
Congratulations to the two local umpires on their selection to the upper echelons of their trade, another great boast for N.I.C.U.S & the N.C.U.
'Well done chaps'.

The NIACUS would like to extend their congratulations to Keith Smith and Alan Neill who have gained due recognition for their umpiring as they have been elevated to the ICC Europe Elite Umpires List. This is a great honour for both men and for the NIACUS and this together with recognition for Mark Hawthorne, Trevor Magee, Noel McCarey and Alex Adams by ICC Europe underlines the quality of our umpiring and how fortunate the local game is to have such officials. It also acts as an incentive for those who wish to umpire at a higher level. So well done to all and good luck for 2011.

has any div 2 section 1 skippers any thoughts on the idea of the ulster plate beinig a 20/20 competition this year if passed

Yes indeed, Shane Warne is otherwise pre-occuppied !

Ronnie Irannie and Alan Brasil were chatting about the Ashes and Warney this morning at 6.ooam on Talksport and Mr Brasil(not a great cricket enthusiast) referred to him as Shane Horney but like I've said, he doesn't know his cricketers and leaves most of the cricket analysis up to his co-presenter.

Whose going to replace the unfortunate Stewart Broad ?

I don't really rate that big fella Tremlett, he looks the part but I think he's a bit of a 'wooden one' and Bressnan is a good work-horse, but that's the problem, he doesn't have that bit extra needed for this level !

(I wish the management @ Victoria C.C. would appoint me as the Skipper some time very soon!!)

Shane Warne coming back as Australia captain - a bit like Boyce the Voice coming back to the IFA!!!

Vic,
Shane is a bit pre-occupied with a certain Miss Hurley at present! Not sure if his mind would be on the game!

I suppose it is Ryan, have to be magnanimous here and say well done to England so far and I can't really see the Aussies winning a game.

Although they're definitely panicing, there's even talk of Shane Warne coming out of retirement to bolster the flagging ranks!

Could he even take over the captaincy ?

Andy...

Re. Carl Williams for Lisburn

Surely the men at Wallace Park aren't that stupid.. although at least Ballymena Seconds would be certain of 8 points this season. Lol

Ryan,

Not sure whether Hussey is the guy to take charge. I would have Watson to lead from the front or top i suppose.

Vic,

Is that a reversal in your Ashes predictions then?? Have you thawed out.
Ponting to resign after series, Hussey to take charge.

It's a fair cop Stephen,

I'm sure I wasn't the only one hoping England would once again flatter only to decieve and fall flat on their faces and get a good hiding out in Australia.

Au contraire, they're one up already and look a class act all round and I certainly hope they can go on now and win the Ashes convincingly.
Dear knows they may even become the top ranked test cricket nation very soon, they definitely look the finished article, so no reason why not !

The icing on the cake for me would be for Eoin Morgan to get a game, but I can't really see it given the form of the top six batsmen, but you never know ?

Ps. Still don't know if a non-striking first ball duck is a Platinum or a Diamond one ??

P.S. - is there any truth in the wee whisper that Carl Willams is for Lisburn?

thanks Stephen - listen very carefully -I will say this only wance - I have only the highest regard for most of the England players (not that they'll be too worried about my views), its the English pundits such as Mr. Hussain that gets on my t**s. I would recommend anyone watching the Test to turn the Sky the sound down and radio tuned to R4 LW - much better

editor, i thought i posted this yesterday? maybe i didnt

Any transfer rumours yet? Andy Bassett to Lisburn? Any truth in that Jeff, it would be a big loss for Dundrum

Just for Andy Kennedy...

Q. What is the height of optimism?
A. An Aussie batsman putting on sunscreen.
Q. What would Jimmy Anderson be if he was a Aussie?
A. An all-rounder.
Q. What is the main function of the Aussie coach?
A. To transport the team from the hotel to the ground.
Q. What's the Aussie version of a hat-trick (with apologies to Peter Siddle)?
A. Three runs in three balls.
Q. When does the ball travel at its fastest in this Tour?
A. A Doug Bollinger delivery flying towards the boundary.
Q. Why don't Aussie fielders need pre-tour travel injections?
A. Because they never catch anything.
Q. What's the Aussie version of LBW?
A. Lost, Beaten, Walloped.
Q. What do you call an Aussie with 100 runs against his name?
A. A bowler.
Q. What's the most proficient form of footwork displayed by Aussie batsmen?
A. The walk back to the pavilion.
Q. Who has the easiest job in the Aussie cricket party?
A. The guy who removes the ball marks from the bats.
Q. What do Australian batsmen and drug addicts have in common?
A. Both spend most of their time wondering where their next score will come from.
Q. Who spent the most time on the crease of anyone in the Australian Cricket party?
A. The lady who ironed the cricket whites.
Q. Why are Aussie cricketers cleverer than Houdini?
A. Because they can get out without even trying.
Q. What does Ryan Harris put in his hands to make sure the next ball almost always takes a wicket?
A. A bat!!