Clockwork

Already mentioned, but Audley Harrison has to be right up there. He never going to match the hype or the money thrown at him by the BBC. Seemed so nervous of getting tagged, he was almost rigid, unable/unwilling to throw his shots and paid for it. For his size/physique, proved to be hopeless as soon as he moved up to a level, he should have been comfortable at.

Modern rules of the game eh! The on-field Umpire was in doubt judging by the time he took to indicate his ‘soft signal’ and also clearly consulted his colleague at Square Leg. Should have called ‘not out’ then referred upstairs. The third Umpire would also have declared uncertain, and upheld the decision. Fair call. Not that it’s going to make much difference in the grand scheme of things in this game!

Inconclusive on the Shreyas catch to dismiss Potts, the ball seem to ‘pop’ for me, as the fielder fumbled an attempt to scoop it up, suggesting that it hit the ground first, Shreyas then snatching it with a second bite. Not suggesting that it was a deliberate attempt to claim the catch when the fielder knew the ball had been grounded, but the benefit of doubt has to go to the batsmen surely?

Another cracking effort from Jonny Bairstow, the lad is in some nic!

Jul 3, 2022 20 | Avg. Guesses: 5.85 = 5 #globle

Andy Waterworth retires as a player to concentrate on Youth Development. Always a dependable frontman. 293 goals (675 Apps) in all competitions spanning an 18 year career spent predominantly at Glentoran and Linfield. It will remain a puzzle for many that he was never capped at full international level. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/sport/you-wont-see-me-play-again-irish-league-legend-andy-waterworth-retires-from-football-to-concentrate-on-bringing-through-the-next-generation-of-top-players-41808616.html

Sad news indeed, a superb Keeper! His save against Van Hooijdonk in the 3-3 OF draw at Ibrox in 95’ was just incredible.

Spot of transfer news; Linfield sign Striker Robbie McDaid from Belfast rivals Glentoran on a 2 year deal. McDaid (25) notched 50 times for the Cock n’ Hens, making 150 + league appearances since signing at The Oval in 2017, including an extra time winner in the 2020 Irish Cup Final against Ballymena Utd.

Jul 2, 2022 19 | Avg. Guesses: 5.89 = 5 #globle

Brain fog this morning, a wee bit frustrating!! Jul 1, 2022 18 | Avg. Guesses: 5.94 = 8 #globle

Also think it will be another close run thing in the Premiership and believe Cliftonville will be spurred on by pushing the Blues right to the wire last term. Would like to see Glentoran in the mix again especially given some of the entertaining displays they offered last season. Would be good to see Stephen Baxter’s Crusaders somewhere near back to their best too and capable of taking points from anyone. Larne probably have the deepest pockets to strengthen their squad so should be a decent scrap for the title. Coleraine may well be pushing from the periphery, Ballymena too, perhaps as last year putting decent cup runs together. Another share of the spoils in terms of silverware this season can only be good for the league. At the bottom, I think you’re right,[mention=22050]Jacksgranda[/mention] much depends how Swifts, Portadown & Carrick are able to shuffle the pack with limited resources at their disposal, but expect all three scrapping for points along with new boys Newry City at the end of the season. In the Championship, relegated Warrenpoint won’t have an easy return amongst a competitive quartet of Annagh United, Ballinamallard, Loughgall and H & W Welders (who were great to watch on occasion last year). New Ards boss Matt Tipton has already made wholesale changes to his squad. It will be interesting to see how they progress also. Ballyclare Comrades & Institute surely to make improvements on a miserable season for both clubs last year.

Jun 30, 2022 17 | Avg. Guesses: 5.82 = 6 #globle

The fixtures are out for the new 2022/23 league season in the NIFL, commencing Saturday August 13th. A thread for news updates, results reporting, match reviews, predictions etc, all contributions on the following competitions welcome here. -Danske Bank Premiership -Lough 41 Championship -Lough 41 Premier Intermediate -Danske Bank Women’s Premiership -Irish Cup -Irish League Cup -Antrim Shield -Northern Irish Cubs in European Competition -Northern Ireland International (Misc) Premiership Fixtures 22/23 https://www.nifootballleague.com/news/2022/june/danske-bank-premiership-fixtures/ Championship Fixtures 22/23 https://www.nifootballleague.com/news/2022/june/lough-41-championship-fixtures/ Premier Intermediate Fixtures 22/23 https://www.nifootballleague.com/news/2022/june/lough-41-premier-intermediate-league-fixtures/ Match highlights for the Danske Premiership are usually posted reasonably quickly on the BBC Website/ iPlayer. TV highlights are on BBC Northern Ireland at 11.30pm on Monday evenings (assuming it retains the same slot). Championship Highlights are posted on the NIFL website a little later, they usually appear by midweek after the weekend fixtures. Goals from the Premier Intermediate fixtures are usually restricted to individual highlights/streams posted on Club twitter accounts or Web pages. Hopefully the BBC (and Sky occasionally) will provide a decent coverage again this year with a good selection of games scheduled. There’s usually at least one live game per week, Fri/Sat evening on the iPlayer. The league doesn’t perhaps have too many followers on P&B, but it can be an exciting, compelling watch, it’s certainly no-nonsense, competitive stuff throughout! [mention=22050]Jacksgranda[/mention] As the NIFL thread’s ‘Jackie Fullerton’, are you happy to kick off with your predictions for the Premiership 2022/23 (or perhaps when most of the closed season transfer business has been conducted)?[emoji846] Enjoy the season to come!

Jun 29, 2022 16 | Avg. Guesses: 5.81 = 10 #globle

A stinker today, into double figures. Sorry to be a thick **** but how do you upload your scores?

Colin Murray, sound bloke!

Reading his recent book ‘And Away’ and listening to a number of interviews over the years would suggest wee Bob has never had any real confidence ‘on the pull’ with the ladies. He recalls how his self assurance with women was dismantled after being left for someone else in both of his only meaningful relationships, before meeting Lisa Matthews, his partner of 29 years. He doesn’t come across like your ex-sister in law describes at all.

Delighted for Jonny Bairstow as he goes from strength to strength in the Test arena. Saw his old man play many times for Yorkshire, ‘Bluey’ was a fierce competitor but his lad is in a different class. He would have been so proud of him, especially seeing him put in that sort of performance at Headingley. (Match total 233 from 201 balls)

Decent come back this afternoon to draw 2-2 with Cyprus at Windsor this afternoon but unfortunately probably just keeps Barraclough in post!

Northern Ireland’s greatest manager. Billy Bingham: Tributes paid to Northern Ireland's 'greatest manager' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61754354

Baraclough surely knows his time is up now. His team’s recent disappointments perhaps overshadowed by the sad news of Billy Bingham’s passing at the age of 90 yesterday. Billy Bingham: Tributes paid to Northern Ireland's 'greatest manager' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61754354

Aye, another disappointing result against a team ranked 105th in the World. So much possession with very little to show for it. Baraclough said 4 wins out of 4 was the target. We’ve got one point from Six. He isn’t taking the side anywhere. 49 years eh,@Jacksgranda still a ‘blow in’ then or finally accepted? Lol[emoji23]

Another 2-3 years to reach 12473 to become England’s leading Test run scorer, possible?[emoji848]

There are so many contributory factors that individuals and families have little or no control over. People don’t ‘choose’ low wages, job instability, high inflation, ill-health, bereavement, extortionate rents, delays in an increasingly complex benefit system, punishing rises in the cost of heating a home, the pressure of unpaid carer responsibilities, damaging relationship breakdown (domestic violence for example).... the list is endless. People don’t ‘decide’ that this is their lot in life.

Generalising that people who need to use food banks, do so, largely because of the life choices/decisions they’ve made, is equally lazy and incorrect.