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Editor's response to the NIgel Jones retirement post.
Have to say I read this differently to you.
'Nigel, top player, and top bloke by all accounts played 19 of the 48 matches scheduled over that period and when he did contributed greatly to what success the Knights had in the early days.'
Hardly a 'very cruel assessment on Nigel' to my reading.
His unavailability was reportedly down more to his employers than himself and no personal criticism is implied there.
What seems to be up for judgement is whether his assertion, in his own words or someone else's about the Knights, past, present and future can withstand scrutiny of the on field performance.
Sing along if you know the words, 'Things can only get better.'
Mike
No thoughts from you then on the reason of my post......... the rule change.
This is something I suggested weeks ago on the forum and also brought up the topic at the NCU road show.
I've just read that Nigel Jones has retired from interprovincial cricket "after a successful four years with the Northern Knights."
I have to say this left me wondering if the 'success' alluded to was at a personal or team level.
Nigel, top player, and top bloke by all accounts played 19 of the 48 matches scheduled over that period and when he did contributed greatly to what success the Knights had in the early days.
But if we're talking Team success then I'm afraid he's turned his back on his normal 'seam' for 'spin'.
"Jones believes the current squad and backroom staff have the necessary ingredients for success in the years ahead, having built solid foundations and having proper structures in place."
Sorry! but it's been downhill all the way for the last 3 years.
2014 brought 1 win out of 4 in each of the 3 competitions
2015 brought 2 wins out of 4 in the 50 overs and 0 out of 8 in the others
2016 brought 1 win out of 4 in the 50 overs and 0 out of 8 in the others.
In three years then out of 36 matches the Knights have managed 6 wins!
That's 3/12 in 2014, 2/12 in 2015, 1/12 in 2016
Not sure that is a solid foundation for any structure to be built on.
Editor-
Very cruel assessment on Nigel. So many other factors could be involved rather than bare facts.
No sign of lethargy or lack of intetest where I 've played most of my cricket this season and certainly no talk of reduced overs or early finishes!
Yes, even with a game or two still to play, its been a joy and privilege to have the opportunity to 'face off ' against our future cricketing stars of tomorrow, and though personally for me it gets more difficult with each passing season, thats the natural progession of things and I wouldn't want it any other way!
So 'hats off' to all the players of JL 9, some fantastic young talent coming through and may I especially salute the respestive captains of every team, their on field guidance and marshaling of these young prodigies are a credit to both themselves and their clubs.
Every team has impressed me in this vitally important league with Templepatrick & Derriaghy being the outstanding pick of the bunch.
Superb work by all involved and already looking forward to next season's monumental challenges.....Who says cricket in this wee province is dying ???
William
It was Neil's 14 year old son Nathan with the runs for our 4th XI
Easy error to make - no harm, no foul
re William Carr
Neil Doak was indeed at the Derriaghy IV v Lisburn IV match but only as a spectator. It was his son Nathan who scored the runs.
Re: William Carr
There is more than one N Doak registered for Lisburn so it may well have been the younger N Doak that scored those runs.
William Carr
The n Doak you refer to was Neils 14 year old son nathan
Mike
You can sort of understand Andy's point as North Down 3rd's have already been deducted twice this year?
would it be unfair to say they're struggling to get a thirds ?
why should other teams lose points and league position because of contrived voids ?
Interesting to see Neil Doak scoring 93 * for Lisburn IV on 7th August. Seems some clubs starring is closely scrutinised whereas others are not. Yet more inconsistency!
Complete joke that match was off, very poor.
Andy McCrea get over it about your match being called off at the green on sat you have made a few comments on social media regarding this I was watching at the green on sat and noticed a guy walking on the top pitch taking photo's I think was he sent down to check and if so have you contacted ndcc or indeed the captain
The recent meeting at Waringstown the option of playing in a some what less structured league, would be the ideal format for clubs like Portadown to return to NCU cricket .There are other clubs like Portadown facing an uncertain future, it is therefore essential to provide a vechicle that gives a breathing space , allowing cricket to prosper .
Back to my point and proposal about an extra go at a fixture before it gets voided.
Our seconds were supposed to play at North Down on Saturday but they deemed their top pitch unplayable.
We now have one chance to play this and if we are unlucky with the weather on the day we pick, it is voided.
This type of scenario will affect promotion in this league and indeed promotion and relegation in other leagues.
Sit back now and watch the void matches roll in over the next few week.
Technically there are still 6 weeks to go till the end of the season so lots of time to play.
There are clubs who want to play so let's promote the game by allowing people to play it.
RE Stuart Hughes
Stuarts post is contender for the best post ever submitted to the Forum! Spot on in terms of youth focus "the future of the game".............
