Outside Edge: The Lawrence Moore Column

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Outside Edge: The Lawrence Moore Column

Lawrence Moore

Catch Curry while you can Catch Curry while you can ( )

Last Saturday saw the launch of Billy Platt’s latest book “A history of Ardmore CC from 1860-2015” and with my colleague Mr Chambers working off a few hours after his latest trip, I availed of the opportunity to go along and get a few snaps.

Last Saturday saw the launch of Billy Platt’s latest book “A history of Ardmore CC from 1860-2015” and with my colleague Mr Chambers working off a few hours after his latest trip, I availed of the opportunity to go along and get a few snaps.

Umpiring shortage reaching critical point Umpiring shortage reaching critical point ( )

Because every Monday night Noel sits down with a list of 15-20 umpires that he has available at the weekend and another list of 12 or more matches he needs them to cover. So if you multiply that 12 by 2 and then try to make the answer a number between 15 and 20, well, you’ll see his dilemma.

Because every Monday night Noel sits down with a list of 15-20 umpires that he has available at the weekend and another list of 12 or more matches he needs them to cover. So if you multiply that 12 by 2 and then try to make the answer a number between 15 and 20, well, you’ll see his dilemma.

Hope springs eternal Hope springs eternal ( )

We’re on the eve of another new domestic cricket season tonight and despite the bitter cold, this is the one weekend in the whole calendar where all thoughts turn to a bright summer. It is all about momentum at the start of a new campaign and while obviously nothing will be won or lost after Saturday, trends could well be set.

We’re on the eve of another new domestic cricket season tonight and despite the bitter cold, this is the one weekend in the whole calendar where all thoughts turn to a bright summer. It is all about momentum at the start of a new campaign and while obviously nothing will be won or lost after Saturday, trends could well be set.

T20 - it's just not cricket T20 - it's just not cricket ( )

We're very much into domestic pre-season mode now as preparations for the 2016 campaign should really be starting to take shape up and down the country.

We're very much into domestic pre-season mode now as preparations for the 2016 campaign should really be starting to take shape up and down the country.

Here come the Men in White Here come the Men in White ( )

Umpiring boom in the North West.

Umpiring boom in the North West.

Club or country: Tyson or Patterson Club or country: Tyson or Patterson ( )

The past week was as busy a time for following cricket as any of the summer months with Ireland playing PNG, Australia playing India, New Zealand entertaining Pakistan and of course the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

The past week was as busy a time for following cricket as any of the summer months with Ireland playing PNG, Australia playing India, New Zealand entertaining Pakistan and of course the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

We'll never walk again We'll never walk again ( )

Few things in cricket divide opinion anything like as much as people’s interpretation of “the spirit of the game”. The age-old “preamble” to the Laws covers a multitude and yet is substantially shorter than any of the 42 sub-sections that follow it.

Few things in cricket divide opinion anything like as much as people’s interpretation of “the spirit of the game”. The age-old “preamble” to the Laws covers a multitude and yet is substantially shorter than any of the 42 sub-sections that follow it.

Stance needed to protect InterProvincial progress Stance needed to protect InterProvincial progress ( )

Having come to the end of the initial 3-year phase it is as good a time as any to take stock and CricketI reland will probably now look at what they can tweak ahead of the next segment of competition.

Having come to the end of the initial 3-year phase it is as good a time as any to take stock and CricketI reland will probably now look at what they can tweak ahead of the next segment of competition.

Puddles, Play-offs and that PNG party Puddles, Play-offs and that PNG party ( )

We’re well into the festive season now so I just wanted to sign off for the year with a look back at what was a hectic, if overall somewhat disappointing 2015 for followers of domestic cricket.

We’re well into the festive season now so I just wanted to sign off for the year with a look back at what was a hectic, if overall somewhat disappointing 2015 for followers of domestic cricket.

Crucial meetings in store for NWCU Crucial meetings in store for NWCU ( )

The North West Cricket Union will hold the first of its two General Meetings this coming week and although the (A)GM’s are an integral part of every calendar year, you sense this is the most important close season for some time.

The North West Cricket Union will hold the first of its two General Meetings this coming week and although the (A)GM’s are an integral part of every calendar year, you sense this is the most important close season for some time.

Lots of activities to shorten the winter Lots of activities to shorten the winter ( )

We’re just about putting the final touches to this year’s club reviews at the moment and while there have been a string of big performances in 2015, little doubt that the overall tone is of a slightly disappointing Premiership campaign this time around.

We’re just about putting the final touches to this year’s club reviews at the moment and while there have been a string of big performances in 2015, little doubt that the overall tone is of a slightly disappointing Premiership campaign this time around.

Ballyspallen and Creevedonnell on life after the play-off Ballyspallen and Creevedonnell on life after the play-off ( )

Last month we opened a discussion on the fact that quite a few North West clubs have been struggling in the past few seasons and looked at ways that they may be helped to survive with a keen eye on the incoming Club Licensing Scheme.

Last month we opened a discussion on the fact that quite a few North West clubs have been struggling in the past few seasons and looked at ways that they may be helped to survive with a keen eye on the incoming Club Licensing Scheme.

10 team Championship a genuine option 10 team Championship a genuine option ( )

At the outset I will hold my hands up here and admit that I was a massive fan of the move and in the Premiership at least, still am. Because while the individual stats will allude to the fact that the standard of cricket definitely hasn’t increased because of the new format- the competitiveness certainly has.

At the outset I will hold my hands up here and admit that I was a massive fan of the move and in the Premiership at least, still am. Because while the individual stats will allude to the fact that the standard of cricket definitely hasn’t increased because of the new format- the competitiveness certainly has.

PNG wins hearts and minds PNG wins hearts and minds ( )

There are always a number of things that divide opinion in any sporting organisation and it’s fair to say that there are a few in local cricket as well. Start times are a prime example, as are 8-team leagues, midweek replays, the T20 format and starring lists.

There are always a number of things that divide opinion in any sporting organisation and it’s fair to say that there are a few in local cricket as well. Start times are a prime example, as are 8-team leagues, midweek replays, the T20 format and starring lists.

Clubs struggling with demand of heavy senior schedule Clubs struggling with demand of heavy senior schedule ( )

Too many competitions and dreadful weather putting strain on Ulster cricket.

Too many competitions and dreadful weather putting strain on Ulster cricket.

Young guns go for it Young guns go for it ( )

The youngsters hoping to make an impact in the NW; Stephen Smyth puts the nail in the size 9 boots; Craig Young takes 8 wickets on trial and looks destined to be offered county contract.

The youngsters hoping to make an impact in the NW; Stephen Smyth puts the nail in the size 9 boots; Craig Young takes 8 wickets on trial and looks destined to be offered county contract.

Simmo signs off after superb reign Simmo signs off after superb reign ( )

I suspect the developments of the past few days will have come as little surprise to many as Phil Simmons takes his leave of Irish cricket to start a new life as Head Coach of his native West Indies.

I suspect the developments of the past few days will have come as little surprise to many as Phil Simmons takes his leave of Irish cricket to start a new life as Head Coach of his native West Indies.

Chance to challenge ICC as Ireland chase quarter final berth Chance to challenge ICC as Ireland chase quarter final berth ( )

Players, backroom team and supporters will have had time to take stock after Ireland’s brilliant start to WC2015 and no doubt there will be plenty of food for thought ahead of Tuesday’s huge test against South Africa.

Players, backroom team and supporters will have had time to take stock after Ireland’s brilliant start to WC2015 and no doubt there will be plenty of food for thought ahead of Tuesday’s huge test against South Africa.

World Cup looms large on the horizon World Cup looms large on the horizon ( )

A look ahead to the World Cup, Bap Beechgrove bound, and the new club licensing scheme.

A look ahead to the World Cup, Bap Beechgrove bound, and the new club licensing scheme.

What's the odds? What's the odds? ( )

Given that it’s a fairly lean time of the year in terms of actual cricket news, CricketEurope’s in-house betting guru has been casting an eye over the forthcoming punting opportunities to see if we can find a way of helping with those festive costs.

Given that it’s a fairly lean time of the year in terms of actual cricket news, CricketEurope’s in-house betting guru has been casting an eye over the forthcoming punting opportunities to see if we can find a way of helping with those festive costs.

Review of the NW cricketing year Review of the NW cricketing year ( )

It hasn’t always been the case on the North West cricket scene but 2014 will probably go down as a reasonably uneventful season, something that will no doubt have pleased the new generation of leadership in the region.

It hasn’t always been the case on the North West cricket scene but 2014 will probably go down as a reasonably uneventful season, something that will no doubt have pleased the new generation of leadership in the region.

The cricketing family The cricketing family ( )

If ever anything proved the existence of the “cricket family” it has been the fall-out from the death of Australian batsman Philip Hughes.

If ever anything proved the existence of the “cricket family” it has been the fall-out from the death of Australian batsman Philip Hughes.

JT defection hits Warriors hard JT defection hits Warriors hard ( )

Johnny Thompson's move to CIYMS will hit not only Brigade but also the NW Warriors.

Johnny Thompson's move to CIYMS will hit not only Brigade but also the NW Warriors.

Fixtures fiasco can't be repeated in 2015 Fixtures fiasco can't be repeated in 2015 ( )

The dust has settled now on another fascinating domestic cricket season and there are plenty around the North West who will be glad of the chance to draw breath.

The dust has settled now on another fascinating domestic cricket season and there are plenty around the North West who will be glad of the chance to draw breath.

Financial windfall will benefit development Financial windfall will benefit development ( )

The announcement that Cricket Ireland have secured a decade-long cash injection into their Academy is fantastic news for everyone involved in the sport in this country.

The announcement that Cricket Ireland have secured a decade-long cash injection into their Academy is fantastic news for everyone involved in the sport in this country.

One small step for Johnnie, one giant leap for Limavady One small step for Johnnie, one giant leap for Limavady ( )

There's an old proverb that says that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

There's an old proverb that says that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Rain, Promotion and Cup wins Rain, Promotion and Cup wins ( )

A look at how the dreaded R word looks to overshadow the end of the season, Newbuildings on course for Senior cricket, and congratulations to all the trophy winners.

A look at how the dreaded R word looks to overshadow the end of the season, Newbuildings on course for Senior cricket, and congratulations to all the trophy winners.

Sion Mills. run rates and the MCBrines Sion Mills. run rates and the MCBrines ( )

Sion Mills hold 150th celebrations, U13 inter-pro confusion and another senior final for the McBrines.

Sion Mills hold 150th celebrations, U13 inter-pro confusion and another senior final for the McBrines.

Crisis averted as NW pair even it up Crisis averted as NW pair even it up ( )

Things have certainly been a little less traumatic after Bready and Donemana both survived to the semi finals to level it up numerically.

Things have certainly been a little less traumatic after Bready and Donemana both survived to the semi finals to level it up numerically.

No moral high ground when field is level No moral high ground when field is level ( )

A defence of NW cricket and their strategy after another defeat for the Warriors, launch of T20, and wedding day congratulations for Jason Milligan.

A defence of NW cricket and their strategy after another defeat for the Warriors, launch of T20, and wedding day congratulations for Jason Milligan.

Lost in France, well Donegal Lost in France, well Donegal ( )

Sat navs, Championship hundred for Porterfield, Burndennett Seconds folding - an eventful time in NW and Irish cricket.

Sat navs, Championship hundred for Porterfield, Burndennett Seconds folding - an eventful time in NW and Irish cricket.

New season, new optimism New season, new optimism ( )

A look ahead to an intriguing NW season, credit to the Warriors Academy, and a tribute to the outstanding Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh.

A look ahead to an intriguing NW season, credit to the Warriors Academy, and a tribute to the outstanding Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh.

Ulster Cup revamp on cards as sponsorship lost Ulster Cup revamp on cards as sponsorship lost ( )

There could well be a major restructuring of the Ulster Cup after the loss of sponsors Clubturf.

There could well be a major restructuring of the Ulster Cup after the loss of sponsors Clubturf.

More talk than action in the NW More talk than action in the NW ( )

The latest player gossip, T20 revamp, plans for a Warriors under-age launch and a tribute to Eric Cooke.

The latest player gossip, T20 revamp, plans for a Warriors under-age launch and a tribute to Eric Cooke.

Heads I win, Tails you lose Heads I win, Tails you lose ( )

Is it just me or is the trend of batting first currently reaping massive rewards for teams at all levels?

Is it just me or is the trend of batting first currently reaping massive rewards for teams at all levels?

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