In the battle for the nomination for the White House, all the Presidential hopefuls have created a slugfest where no-one can be in any doubt as to their desire for the top job. We tend to be understated in this side of the Pond and prospective MPs are well schooled in appearing not to want to be PM, saying they have no ambition in that direction. So it is with a refreshing frankness that CIYMS and their captain Stephen Hughes have declared their vision for the club moving forward.

I cannot recall a time when one club has generated so many rumours in an off season. Almost anyone who was anyone in Ulster cricket seems to have been linked with the club. But the reality is somewhat different. The vast majority of the names linked with CIYMS weren't approached and the club decided it would be best to maintain a dignified silence. Still as the season kicks off the only new face involves an old one. Paul McCrum whose retirement in 2006 lasted a fortnight has once again accepted the challenge of Section 1 cricket. The pace may have gone from his bowling but he still possesses the ring-craft of an old prize fighter. They last thing that goes is the punch and anyone who takes him lightly will find he is still a dangerous customer. Along with Derek Heasley, Johnny Hewitt, Michael Hingston, Richard Lucas and Matt Dempsey, captain Stephen Hughes will be confident he can steer his side to safety. I am too, but only just.

Cliftonville even without David Menaul still look as if they can score plenty of runs. Gareth McKee is back with Bronwell Williams as Professional. The main difference this time around is that David Munn is fit and Connor Brett has joined the club so the chances of Brian Anderson picking up a hernia from carrying the bowling attack have diminished. Paul Stirling‘s availability may be patchy but the club will be looking for him to start replicating some of his performances at Youth International level to club level. It can be soul destroying constantly playing away from home and this will ebb away at the Cliftonville players enthusiasm and could tip the scales against them. Long season ahead.

Carrickfergus has more new faces than an X Factor audition. South African Colin Birch joins Zimbabwean Ryan Ervine and Jamaican Omal Elliott giving them the look and feel of the NCU version of an Indian Premier League side. Bollywood film star and owner Roger Bell proudly announced his overseas stars to the world's media at a glittering bash at the Indian Ocean Restaurant. 'We are delighted to have picked up these stars in the first Player Draft and we have been busy checking passports, and employer references to ensure there are no hitches.' Carrickfergus Chargers as they are now known have a strong contingent of local talent in Barry Cooper and Naj Khan to mix with the new boys. Captain and ICON player Ryan Eagleson is confident of doing well in 2008.
Expect them to feature prominently in all competitions.

Bangor is a strange team. Last year they went from awful to awesome as if some switch had been flicked sometime around early July. All of their good cricketers seemed to be disappearing and the side started to look threadbare when suddenly their young cricketers like Chris Cargo, Ryan Bell and the Nixon twins started producing some excellent performances. I would personally like to see some of the more senior players commit to the fray to provide some solidity for the youngsters. Bangor cannot afford to start 2008 in the same manner as 2007. The club are moving in the right direction and should steer clear of trouble. Mid Table.