Forum

I joined the Divisional Committee in the mid-70s at the same time as Roger - I had enough sense to jump ship some years later but he has continued to plough on through the bad years as well as the good. This has also been mirrored by his service to his beloved Carrick through all the years on their travels round the Grammer School and Eden until their final destination at Middle Road. It was never my intention to cause any upset nor to cast any aspersions on the integrity of someone who I have known and respected for more years than some of you guys have been on this earth. The circumstamces that were given to me did cause some problems - purely as an observer of the cricket scene. I was particularly disappointed to learn that the Inter-Pro was not taking place at Muckamore having left Dundrum on Sunday under the impression that we were still hosting the event. I will put the matter no further other than to say that I unreservedly apologise for any offence that I have given. I trust that I will still be welcome at Middle Road for a jar or two with Tonto, Hendie, young Stewart and of course yourself Roger - I suppose this means that its my turn to buy!

I've a lot of time for Roger Bell who is involved in the NCU for the right reasons ie to improve local cricket.

That said I don't think any slight was intended by Andy.

I agree its gone on too long, don't forget Andy you started it with the allegations that I forced Muckamore to play on a certain date which is untrue, with the clear inference that I did so to help Carrick 2nds which is also untrue, and frankly ridiculous. The clear purpose of your original posting was to discredit me, but in doing so I think in the eyes of most people you have discredited yourself. You could do yourself some credit and finish this with the requested apology.

There will be no more from me on the subject in this forum.

Jeff

CIYMS v Dundrum for a place in the semi final of the senior cup - who would have thought it!!

Re Michael P

Regarding schools cricket the 20/20 route is the way forward (unless time is available on Wed afternoons etc). Regent House I remember played only 20 overs max on Saturday mornings either home or away when White,Shields and Haire were involved..didn't seem to affect these lads !

This has really gone on too long - I would really appreciate if Roger Bell could point out where there was any alleagtion in my original posting. I simply asked a question - a simple answer "yes its coincidence" would have sufficed!!

Andy, that does not sound like an apology to me. In the absence of one our friendship will certainly be effected (ie:ended) as you have questioned my integrity and not been man enough to offer an apology when one was asked for. I have been a Section Secretary for 32 years now and this is the first time such accusations have been made against me (certainly in public), and by an active umpire in this case. I will now decide what action to take. I think NIACUS may be a good place to start.

PS: The Interpro was indeed being switched to Downpatrick with the agreement of both Muckamore and Downpatrick, and was subsequently moved to Lisburn to cut the NW travelling time.

re schools cricket/rugby. There is an age restriction for young men playing "adult" rugby whilst in cricket we can have 14 and 15 year olds playing with and against adults.

On Roger Bell - come on Roger - I think you "doth protest too much". I made no direct allegations but the vehemence of your protest makes me wonder. The scenario that was qouted to me from "a source close to Muckamore" is slightly different from the one that you describe so I'm happy enough to leave it there. Was there never any mention of the Inter-pro going to Downpatrick? By way of clarification - the views expressed are my own and in no way am I speaking for the club. I add "Muckamore" as my "location" because its a mandatory field. I don't really think that a frank exchange of views should affect a friendship.

Good article by Staffy on schools cricket although a little harsh in some areas. Saturday schools cricket has always been a challenge.
Does the same problem exist with schools rugby, hockey, football and netball? If not, is the reason the length of the games? If so, why not go the Twenty20 route?
Also what do the teachers out there think?

Thanks Ed.
That makes sense. Sorry Phil, call off the wolves. We don't see much of the Leinster players these days!!

Fintan McAllister called up for Ireland and not Ryan Haire?
Is Phil Simmons oblivious to Ryan's form or did he get a message at Comber last Saturday that they play Waringstown this week and he's not available at any price?

Andy, I am extremely disappointed in your remarks which are an absolute disgrace and question my integrity.

Your facts are not even correct as I did not enforce this date on the clubs. They both wished to play it on that date as 1 June is Ulster Shield and 8 June is the Junior Inter pro and neither wanted a 2 nighter, especially Downpatrick who would have had a long way to travel to Muckamore during rush hour.

I have known you for a long time and have always got on well with you. I thought better of you and will give you time to reflect on your comments, and if you think it appropriate, offer me an apology on this forum.

Interesting comment from Roger - I trust that the re-arrangement at the insistence of the Section Secretary of the Muckamore/Downpatrick game happens to coincide with Carrick 2s playing Muckamore 2s - mmmmm - interesting!!

Very innovative Staffy. I can just see Robin's reaction to playing Waringstown without three of their Ireland players and three points already in the bag with only one to play for! I know you like to think outside the box but this one would be better kept in the box with the lid closed.
PS
Well done Bumper on Craig Drummond.

Re Andy

Tha Under 17 Inter Pro between NCU & NWCU which was scheduled to be played at Muckamore this Sunday is still on 25 May but the venue is now Wallace Park, Lisburn. This is to allow the rearrangement of the Muckamore v Downpatrick league match to take place at Moylena this Sunday.

The Junior Interpro (for players playing below Premier League) between NCU and North West still goes ahead at Muckamore on Sunday 8 June.