One of the problems with playing Inter-Pros in the latter days was the lack of available players. Now I'm not sure who was available and who wasn't by the end of the last series of matches a few years ago so in my ignorance I have decided to try and pick some teams that could play in a Gaelic football style County championship for cricket. I've joined Fermanagh with Tyrone and made a team for Belfast.

It's got to be stressed that these are only my own thoughts about cricketers who do the business week in week out and are players who deserve the opportunity to play at a higher level. And when I say higher level I mean higher than club cricket. Once given the opportunity who knows.

Almost certainly I will leave someone out who should be selected so rather than feel slighted you should just put it down to the fact that it's the end of November and my memory isn't what it used to be! I've tried to pick well balanced teams and pick only players available for Ireland. However here again if someone is available for Ireland I may not have selected them out of ignorance of their status. Finally I used the definition of county status from the NCU development plan from location to nearest large town. Clubs as of 2007.

For no particular reason I'll start with Antrim.

Barry Cooper (wicketkeeper, Carrickfergus, photo right): Lurgan's pro reckons this guy could play for Ireland and having watched him dispatch Fidel Edwards with ease I'll not disagree.

Gareth McKee (Cliftonville): Incredible record at Ireland underage level and I know Adrian Birrell rated him. I hope he has a productive and injury free 2008.

Richard Stirling (Cliftonville): This guy has so much ability people forget about it they are so busy talking about Paul.

Paul Stirling (Cliftonville): Not sure Ireland will see much of him because I think County Cricket beckons. What a future for the youngster.

Uel Graham (Lisburn): Been there, done that. Has come back to the game and is still producing. The competitive fire still burns brightly.

Johnny Territt (Cliftonville): I've never doubted his talent but his hunger to win. No finer hitter of a cricket ball when in the zone. Totally destructive.

David Menaul (Cliftonville): He can bat and he can field. Needs to look into himself to find out why he hasn't achieved more.

Greg Thompson (Lisburn): Back in the International fold. His bowling is back to previous levels and his batting just keeps getting better and better.

Ryan Eagleson (Carrickfergus): Without back problems just how many caps would Ryan have got? Swings it late from right handers and like Jim Patterson before him has become a top batsman now that yard of pace has gone.

David Simpson (Lisburn): Young, intelligent cricketer and the best wicket to wicket bowler in the NCU.

Neil Gill (Derriaghy): Would benefit greatly from a step up in standard. Has a decent record at underage levels and there's plenty of ability to work with.

So there you have it. I think that's a pretty decent side and none would be out of place in any NCU side of latter years. I will pick the Armagh side in my next installment and in the meantime feel free to dispute any Antrim selections.