Forum

The NCU headline indicates that with the move to 8 team leagues in 2012, there will be no promotion or relegation at the end of 2011. Really? Surely 2 teams will be relegated from the Premier League, with none coming up from what is currently Section 1. Further, to facilitate the structures, the bottom 4 teams in Section 1 will be effectively relegated to what is now Section 2, and which will become Premier League Qualifying League. I presume similar issues will occur in the new Junior League?

I dont think any decision has been made in whether it will be one up one down under the new structures, or the current 2up 2 down. I understand that Andy Clement and his team will consult on those types of issues.

Whether we like it or not, I suspect this sounds the death knell for 10 team leagues and 18 league games per season. The aim behind it - to make local cricket more competitive - is an admirable one in theory. Whether it happens in practice remains to be seen but as 60.2 percent voted for it at the AGM, the majority does indeed rule (it was interesting that the chair moved very hastily to the next motion; one might have expected a recount in such an incredibly tight vote with 60 percent required for it to pass - as occurred in a similarly tight vote for 2up 2 down a few years back - but the next motion was upon the meeting before anyone had a chance to do the maths).

As things stand, there will be a lot of clubs hoping for cup runs next season as there is the potential for there to be a lot of free Saturdays in the calendar. Lets hope the NCU, in their consultation process, follow through with their aim to be more imaginative in the cricket schedule for next season. With 22 more players now going to miss out on senior cricket from 2012 onwards, some sort of carrot will be required to keep motivation levels high for those aspiring to play at the top table. And for those clubs who rely on home first XI fixtures to generate income (through bar sales and match sponsorship) who now will have 2 less opportunities to raise income, lets also hope the NCU come up with ideas on how to fill that gap too, in what are not the easiest of times to raise funds.

John,
I got one or 2 photos but the quality isn't great. Being of normally sound mind and vision it would have been easy to get a couple of good snaps but i'm afraid the affect that the magners had on me distorted my Lord Snowden qualities!

im sure the new league structure will spark some debate on here.

Although i am sure this will benefit the top league in making a more competetive top league i am thinking from a purely selfish view point in that obviously we would have been hoping to push for promotion this season and now that is not a possibility. I assume that the following season there will only be one promoted also, making it even harder to get back in to the top league?

Im sure it is a positive step it just happened at a bad time for us

armagh . will get look fri night at runners see if can come up with couple winners for you. NCU AGM 2012 8 TEAM leagues passed by crucial 1 vote .ps john as the lovely Zoey was out enjoying herself and i had the wife with me i wasnt allowed take any photos but cant say the same for rest.

From the NCU website:

"The Northern Cricket Union's Annual General Meeting has passed a motion to restructure the Ulster Bank League with all Sections being of eight teams (apart from the last Section) in 2012. To facilitate this there will be no promotion or relegation at the end of 2011.

The other major decision taken by the AGM was to amalgamate the Division 2 and 3 leagues into a new Junior League."

Don't like this. Bad news for VCC (in my opinion).

1. We have been denied the opportunity to push for promotion next season!

2. With 37 teams in Division 1, it looks like we will be involved in a 13 team league. From my experience of the section that the seconds play in, playing a team once a season, with a huge difference in ability between the top teams and bottom teams is far from the best set-up. (Looks like the NCU are worried about the teams at the top only....?)

3. The merging of Divisions 2 and 3. The top third teams will now be considered superior to our seconds. Is there any incentive now for players languishing in the thirds of a big club to come and play at Victoria where they may push for a place in our firsts, rather than stay in the thirds where they are and push for a place in their seconds? I think it's going to make it harder to attract good, new, young players. (Looks like the NCU are worried about the "big clubs" only....?)

Jeff any wee tips going spare for the meeting in Wexford on Saturday - heading down for the craic

Jeff

Any pics of Zoe from the dinner?

Gents,

Just thought i'd make you all aware of a special evening that Muckamore Cricket Club are hosting. On Friday 12th November at Massereene Golf Club Muckamore will be hosting their first Muckamore Reunion Gala Dinner.
This event is an opportunity for all players, supporters and club stalwarts throughout the years to meet up and celebrate Muckamore throughout the decades and reignite those lasting friendships.
Tickets are priced at £24 and includes a 3 course meal. If you are a past player or supporter at what ever level, please get in touch ASAP for your ticket.

Clarence sounds like plan , on the transport the problem is with the credit crunch the wags just wont put up with running to nights out but think might be idea find out when clubs hold their dinner as imo if most are in october then poss the ncu could be in november ?

Re Michael Ridley

I am without doubt biased as a former schoolboy at Inst under the superb leadership and guidance of Michael, but i have to say i thought he was an excellent after dinner speaker, very engaging and had some excellent and witty one liners thrown into the mix both from the cricketing and educational worlds. I think he even surprised some of his forum doubters?!?!

Well done Ridders..LEGEND!

Now Jeff if you gave me a choice between Zoe Salmon or Michael, Basil and Murray I would have been at your dinner! I wasn't aware of Paddy's cricket background but he would pack them in if Dundrum could double up with the NCU next year. Zoe can sit at our table.
Also on the sober driver have you any taxis or minibuses in Dundrum?

The Officers and Members of the NIACUS would like to tender their most sincere sympathy to the family of the late John Doherty who was fine umpire from the North West and who had a distinguished career both at local and international level. I hope that his family are comforted by our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Michael Ridley last Saturday night at the NCU dinner - Excellent! (Can't believe I'm saying that of one so closely linked to the Master Race)

Andy, thanks again for you support & encouragement.
Not just for attending our end of season awards dinner, but also earlier on this season helping both ourselves & Donacloney C.C. by umpiring a friendly game between the two clubs, enabling a bunch of new players from both sides get some cricket action.

We may not be a 'high-flying' big name premier league outfit, but you still chose to give up your time to help us out and have been very generous towards our 'wee' club.

Speaks volumes of your integrity and respect for grass-root club cricket and we at Victoria C.C. are indebted to you and very grateful to for all your support.

Thanks again Andy, (I loved the way you casually winked at me during the dinner, when Gerald was vociferously reminding you of the 'thousands' of wickets he has taken in his career, including Irish,ex.Irish internationals and many more such like !!)

Classic entertainment indeed !

by the way umpire Ronnie Mcalpine didnt sing as his backing group DUCKWORTH LEWIS didnt get cleared too play by the NCU LOL