Seaham Harbour CC

[wicketkeeper]

The current system works well. The region is served by 12 top teams who represent the whole of the north east. Ideally, you'd have the Durham clubs in the NYSD in the NEPL. Maybe in time that will happen. And on an earlier point, who really gives a monkey's if facilities are average, as long as the match is of a high standard. It's not as if we're all living and working in palaces, as players, we dump our gear in the changing room and get out on to the outfield. My local club, Hetton Lyons, tried for years to get into the DSL and here they are today one of the best we have. That would never have happened without the pyramid system.

Hetton Lyons were in the Senior League.

BUT durham city have an excellent history therefore didnt deserve to get relegated Utter bollocks imo.

People trying to rewrite history to make the senior league look better than they were - they thought their league was bigger than everyone else. Their arrogance was their downfall.

Don't have to rewrite history. Its there for all to see. Let me know when over 5000 spectators watch a premier league game will you? When regular test players play in the premier league. Their league was better than anyone else in NE cricket.
Their downfall was caused by pompous empire builders whose only concern was the county.

What a total pile of shite you talk. You certainly have a short memory and are wearing blinkers.

The Senior League relegated Seaham Harbour to the Durham Coast League but refused to relegate Durham City. I was at the meeting at Durham City when the Senior League decided not to relegate City and attempted to set up a 2nd Division within the Senior League. They were so full of themselves the even named the Coast League teams that would join them.

The Premier League responded by setting up their own 2nd Division.

I am not denying the accuracy of what you say which is in effect that the premier league destroyed a league which had existed for almost 100 years

 

[Former Player]

Hetton Lyons were in the Senior League.



Don't have to rewrite history. Its there for all to see. Let me know when over 5000 spectators watch a premier league game will you? When regular test players play in the premier league. Their league was better than anyone else in NE cricket.
Their downfall was caused by pompous empire builders whose only concern was the county.



I am not denying the accuracy of what you say which is in effect that the premier league destroyed a league which had existed for almost 100 years

The Senior League destroyed itself.

 

[wicketkeeper]

The Senior League destroyed itself.

Bollocks they were destroyed by sycophants to the county who cared nowt about club cricket. The kind of people who never mowed a wicket ,chased up players for teams or made a tea in their lives. The senior league looked after their clubs


Your avator tells me all I need to know.

The whole point is it is just a local cricket league that’s all it is!!!

I find the whole criteria thing laughable tbh just to promote a local cricket club.

You have people coming out to inspect clubs, and other clubs calling coaches director,director of this director of that!!

The point is the senior league were wrong to stop a team progressing and so are the Premier League.

It’s hard enough for local clubs to run teams nowadays without putting unnecessary barriers in place.

The Senior league didn't stop teams progressing : they looked after their clubs and were not prepared to cast them aside.

The current system works well. The region is served by 12 top teams who represent the whole of the north east. Ideally, you'd have the Durham clubs in the NYSD in the NEPL. Maybe in time that will happen. And on an earlier point, who really gives a monkey's if facilities are average, as long as the match is of a high standard. It's not as if we're all living and working in palaces, as players, we dump our gear in the changing room and get out on to the outfield. My local club, Hetton Lyons, tried for years to get into the DSL and here they are today one of the best we have. That would never have happened without the pyramid system.

An elitist system which is the death knell for local cricket.

 

[Voice of fair play]

Bollocks they were destroyed by sycophants to the county who cared nowt about club cricket. The kind of people who never mowed a wicket ,chased up players for teams or made a tea in their lives. The senior league looked after their clubs


Your avator tells me all I need to know.



The Senior league didn't stop teams progressing : they looked after their clubs and were not prepared to cast them aside.



An elitist system which is the death knell for local cricket.

Yet at the same time the senior league were snobbery as well which is what I crtitcise the premier league for

I remember attending several cup matches between a senior league side and

coast league sides and supporters of the senior league team saying to the other team you only a coast league team in a belittling way, at that time Ryhope and Hetton Lyons had good sides too, easily as good as the likes of North Durham,Wearmouth, Seaham Harbour etc.

Yet when the likes of Ryhope tried to get into the senior league they were always blocked, so in one hand were criticised for only been a coast league but on another were blocked from progressing.

The bottom line is any team in any sport should be able to progress and the senior league blocked that!!




Cricket was better them days and agree with you they were definitely more of a community spirit with cricket players loyal to their local club but that was not exclusive to the senior league.

The current system works well. The region is served by 12 top teams who represent the whole of the north east. Ideally, you'd have the Durham clubs in the NYSD in the NEPL. Maybe in time that will happen. And on an earlier point, who really gives a monkey's if facilities are average, as long as the match is of a high standard. It's not as if we're all living and working in palaces, as players, we dump our gear in the changing room and get out on to the outfield. My local club, Hetton Lyons, tried for years to get into the DSL and here they are today one of the best we have. That would never have happened without the pyramid system.

The current system doesn't work well imo, as it is totally set up to support the county without a second thought for local cricket clubs who have some have ran for over 100 years.

You could and should have had a promotion and relegation system that allowed rightly teams like Hetton Lyons to progress without having a top league dictating to other clubs what they must do and must have just to enter their league!

Like you said who gives a monkey if facilities are average as long as you have a good game of cricket, therefore why is they a number of criteria to enter the premier league,

We seem to be going over old ground yet again.

The NEPL are an FTECB sponsored league.

To receive this financial sponsorship they have to comply to the FTECB memorandum of understanding (criteria to you and me). They then distribute the financial sponsorship to all clubs except Durham Academy.

To maintain their Premier League status they MUST ensure these standards are improved or reached.

Problem is some clubs are struggling soo badly to turn teams out and meet the required standard never mind improve them, that criteria like must have a Sunday third team is outdated, soo maybe it's time for the ECB the premier league or whoever to show some common sense and flexibility to relax some of the criteria?

 

[wicketkeeper]

Yet at the same time the senior league were snobbery as well which is what I crtitcise the premier league for

I remember attending several cup matches between a senior league side and

coast league sides and supporters of the senior league team saying to the other team you only a coast league team in a belittling way, at that time Ryhope and Hetton Lyons had good sides too, easily as good as the likes of North Durham,Wearmouth, Seaham Harbour etc.

Yet when the likes of Ryhope tried to get into the senior league they were always blocked, so in one hand were criticised for only been a coast league but on another were blocked from progressing.

The bottom line is any team in any sport should be able to progress and the senior league blocked that!!




Cricket was better them days and agree with you they were definitely more of a community spirit with cricket players loyal to their local club but that was not exclusive to the senior league.




The current system doesn't work well imo, as it is totally set up to support the county without a second thought for local cricket clubs who have some have ran for over 100 years.

You could and should have had a promotion and relegation system that allowed rightly teams like Hetton Lyons to progress without having a top league dictating to other clubs what they must do and must have just to enter their league!

Like you said who gives a monkey if facilities are average as long as you have a good game of cricket, therefore why is they a number of criteria to enter the premier league,



Problem is some clubs are struggling soo badly to turn teams out and meet the required standard never mind improve them, that criteria like must have a Sunday third team is outdated, soo maybe it's time for the ECB the premier league or whoever to show some common sense and flexibility to relax some of the criteria?

You are right about the Community spirit . You went to play different clubs and you knew you would be playing local lads who you would have a drink with after the game. Every club had their characters. The cricket was more interesting as well.
Now you are playing against players who think they are semi professional who turn up in sponsored tracksuits and warm up for half an hour before the game under the direction of their 'team manager' then go straight home after the game.
The ironic thing is team manager or not most of them would have been hammered by a half decent senior league side in the 80s.

 

[leecoo]

I know this is again going over old ground but didnt the Lyons leave the coast league due to assurances they would be offered a place in the senior league. Only then to be not offered a place and then had to sign up to the Durham County league for a few years

 

[Ageing trundler]

You are right about the Community spirit . You went to play different clubs and you knew you would be playing local lads who you would have a drink with after the game. Every club had their characters. The cricket was more interesting as well.
Now you are playing against players who think they are semi professional who turn up in sponsored tracksuits and warm up for half an hour before the game under the direction of their 'team manager' then go straight home after the game.
The ironic thing is team manager or not most of them would have been hammered by a half decent senior league side in the 80s.

The NEPL should consider itself semi-pro, a step below the pro game, there is a real aspiration for lads 18-25 in that league from thinking they can still get signed up by DCCC given its current predicament. Further down the ladder it should be less serious.

 

[wicketkeeper]

The NEPL should consider itself semi-pro, a step below the pro game, there is a real aspiration for lads 18-25 in that league from thinking they can still get signed up by DCCC given its current predicament. Further down the ladder it should be less serious.

I repeat its local cricket .

The NEPL should consider itself semi-pro, a step below the pro game, there is a real aspiration for lads 18-25 in that league from thinking they can still get signed up by DCCC given its current predicament. Further down the ladder it should be less serious.

Who would people rather watch a local derby in the 70s and 80s between Hetton Lyons and Eppelton or Horden and Blackhall supported by passionate supporters or a sterile boring very poor imitation of a,county game between South Northumberland and Chester le street.

 

[Former Player]

I repeat its local cricket .



Who would people rather watch a local derby in the 70s and 80s between Hetton Lyons and Eppelton or Horden and Blackhall supported by passionate supporters or a sterile boring very poor imitation of a,county game between South Northumberland and Chester le street.

What an absolute load of shite you spout. Plenty people watched the local derby between Hetton Lyons and Eppleton in the NEPL Premier Division last season.

Take off the Senior League rose tinted glasses and give your head a shake.

I agree it was a fantastic opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world (test players) when I played in the Senior League 30 years ago. The reason there are very few test players playing local cricket now is because they are all under central contracts, playing much more international cricket than they did now. 1st Class Counties cannot even sign many of them due to their non-availability.

Yet again in your tiny little brain somehow this will be the NEPL's fault.

We are now in 2018 not 1990.

 

[wicketkeeper]

What an absolute load of shite you spout. Plenty people watched the local derby between Hetton Lyons and Eppleton in the NEPL Premier Division last season.

Take off the Senior League rose tinted glasses and give your head a shake.

I agree it was a fantastic opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world (test players) when I played in the Senior League 30 years ago. The reason there are very few test players playing local cricket now is because they are all under central contracts, playing much more international cricket than they did now. 1st Class Counties cannot even sign many of them due to their non-availability.

Yet again in your tiny little brain somehow this will be the NEPL's fault.

We are now in 2018 not 1990.

Is it shite to say that before the premier league teams consisted much more of local players and now they are mainly mercenaries.

When Burnmoor and Horden won the senior league 8 or 9 players were local and had come through the club
How any of South Northumberlands players come from Gosforth? How many Chester players come from Chesterlestreet?

I'll tell you what's shite all these director of crickets,sponsored track suits - its pretentious rubbish man which people like you are buying into.

 

[redandwhiterob]

Is it shite to say that before the premier league teams consisted much more of local players and now they are mainly mercenaries.

When Burnmoor and Horden won the senior league 8 or 9 players were local and had come through the club
How any of South Northumberlands players come from Gosforth? How many Chester players come from Chesterlestreet?

I'll tell you what's shite all these director of crickets,sponsored track suits - its pretentious rubbish man which people like you are buying into.

Are you partaking in a bit reminiscing next Saturday night?

 

[wicketkeeper]

Are you partaking in a bit reminiscing next Saturday night?

I hope so mate but have just got out of hospital . I am sure voice will fill you in. Oh my goodness Steele has just made a good save. Spoke too soon they have scored.

 

[wayne entwhistle no9]

Is it shite to say that before the premier league teams consisted much more of local players and now they are mainly mercenaries.

When Burnmoor and Horden won the senior league 8 or 9 players were local and had come through the club
How any of South Northumberlands players come from Gosforth? How many Chester players come from Chesterlestreet?

I'll tell you what's shite all these director of crickets,sponsored track suits - its pretentious rubbish man which people like you are buying into.

The tracksuits and energy drinks are all just candy floss. The local cricket and the times it was played in you are recalling are long since gone, what you going to do next reopen all the pits and get the village community spirit back.
No doubt cricket is struggling in this area like everywhere else in the country but one thing is for sure at least young talented cricketers in the region have a better chance to live out their dreams and play county cricket and perhaps for England than they did in the glory days of the Durham Senior League.

 

[wicketkeeper]

The tracksuits and energy drinks are all just candy floss. The local cricket and the times it was played in you are recalling are long since gone, what you going to do next reopen all the pits and get the village community spirit back.
No doubt cricket is struggling in this area like everywhere else in the country but one thing is for sure at least young talented cricketers in the region have a better chance to live out their dreams and play county cricket and perhaps for England than they did in the glory days of the Durham Senior League.

I am not disputing that - in fact you make my argument that club cricket is all geared to the county these days.
I remember the words of a club stalwart who had supported his club for years. Prepared wickets, chased players up, made teas etc.' I don't come to watch some kid bat 5o overs for 50 not out to try to get in the county team'

 

[wayne entwhistle no9]

I am not disputing that - in fact you make my argument that club cricket is all geared to the county these days.
I remember the words of a club stalwart who had supported his club for years. Prepared wickets, chased players up, made teas etc.' I don't come to watch some kid bat 5o overs for 50 not out to try to get in the county team'

Iam probably one of the biggest critics of county cricket and a times Durham C.C who regularly get on here and yes Durham could certainly do more to support local clubs, But the best thing that has come with Durham getting first class status is the Academy and the chance that gives to the youngsters in our region to have a fair crack at making it.
You are harping on to a time when local talented lads did not have that equal opportunity as in other parts of the country. Over the decades how many Mark Woods, Paul Coughlins to name 2 of about 3 dozen have there been playing local cricket who never got a sniff of full fillng their dreams. Yes there was the odd player who got away to say Northants for some nets and a 2nds game.
Sorry but for me that makes it all the better these days. Nothing better than seeing a callow 15 year old make his debut for the Academy and watch him develop. some fall by the way side and some make it to play for the county or even England.
For me in local cricket the youth always come first as in any local sport.

 

[The Voice Of Reason]

Is it shite to say that before the premier league teams consisted much more of local players and now they are mainly mercenaries.

When Burnmoor and Horden won the senior league 8 or 9 players were local and had come through the club
How any of South Northumberlands players come from Gosforth? How many Chester players come from Chesterlestreet?

I'll tell you what's shite all these director of crickets,sponsored track suits - its pretentious rubbish man which people like you are buying into.

Although I disagree with a lot of what you have said about the fall of the senior league ( most has been stated so not going over it again ) I do agree some of the titles given regarding directors of this and that is quite laughable

 

[Voice of fair play]

Although I disagree with a lot of what you have said about the fall of the senior league ( most has been stated so not going over it again ) I do agree some of the titles given regarding directors of this and that is quite laughable

Of course it's laughable, local cricket clubs calling people nvolved with their clubs directors is just farcical.

 

[wicketkeeper]

Iam probably one of the biggest critics of county cricket and a times Durham C.C who regularly get on here and yes Durham could certainly do more to support local clubs, But the best thing that has come with Durham getting first class status is the Academy and the chance that gives to the youngsters in our region to have a fair crack at making it.
You are harping on to a time when local talented lads did not have that equal opportunity as in other parts of the country. Over the decades how many Mark Woods, Paul Coughlins to name 2 of about 3 dozen have there been playing local cricket who never got a sniff of full fillng their dreams. Yes there was the odd player who got away to say Northants for some nets and a 2nds game.
Sorry but for me that makes it all the better these days. Nothing better than seeing a callow 15 year old make his debut for the Academy and watch him develop. some fall by the way side and some make it to play for the county or even England.
For me in local cricket the youth always come first as in any local sport.

Thats fair enough that's your view. But when the grounds were full on a Friday night watching say Horden v Blackhall with Derrick Parry on one side and Desmond Haynes on the other I guarantee they weren't turning up to watch a 15 year old plod his way through 20 0vers for 40 not out

 

[The Voice Of Reason]

Of course it's laughable, local cricket clubs calling people nvolved with their clubs directors is just farcical.

Seen a lad that farts about with the wicket at one club a bit back with a top on that said on the back

Ground Staff

 

[Voice of fair play]

Seen a lad that farts about with the wicket at one club a bit back with a top on that said on the back

Ground Staff

Our groundsman/coach/team manager ( he did them all) used to come to the game straight from his allotment.

I doubt Marcus North knows what one of them is

The one thing I agree with @wicketkeeper is that standards were high, without the need of team managers/directors of coaching,electronic scoreboards, hour warm up before the game!!!