More progressive outlook needed by Leinster officials

THE WIDENING GULF in playing standards between north and south is perhaps best illustrated by the make up of the international side for today's final Benson and Hedges group game at Eglinton. Discounting Justin Benson, there are just three southern players in the squad and only skipper Alan Lewis could be described as a regular selection.

On one occasion last year, Lewis was the sole Dublin representative and while coach Mike Hendrick claims that this had no adverse effect on the morale of a close knit squad, such an imbalance must worry those running the game in Leinster.

Or does it? This, effectively, was the question with which Hendrick opened his forum with LCU officials and coaches after Ireland's last Benson and Hedges game at Castle Avenue. As he sees it, Ireland has been given an opportunity to become a major player on the world stage of amateur cricket. How interested, he wondered, was Leinster cricket in playing a part?

If the interest is there, he feels there are a few essential changes required. Top of his list of priorities is the type of club cricket we play. As the vast majority of Ireland's competitive games are now played under the same format as the recent World Cup, we should adapt to this style of game throughout the season.

At their last a.g.m., the majority of clubs voted for retaining the old style Leinster Senior League, which includes the option of teams playing for a draw but Hendrick hopes for a more progressive outlook to emerge in the near future.

Limited overs cricket is proper cricket, Hendrick insists, just a different type of game. "All the best players at the World Cup were technically correct, with the odd notable exception. The spinners also played a vital role, with each side including at least one and the Sri Lankans picking three."

With a purely most runs wins formula, at least younger players would play for their clubs under conditions consistent with the under age tournaments they have dominated in recent years.

Our potential internationals would also be helped considerably if they could play on surfaces that are similar to those they will see when they go up the levels. Of course, the problem of substandard wickets relates not only to climate but also to finance. Most clubs simply cannot afford the materials, or the manpower, to maintain a first class square, so bowlers and batsmen develop bad habits. On this issue, Hendrick believes properly maintained artificial tracks may be the way forward.

In an ideal world, we would also have a Leinster Development Officer and an indoor facility dedicated solely to cricket but again, the clubs are short on cash and more interested in fund raising schemes of their own. It's a different story in the north, where Garfield Harrison's job is heavily subsidised by government grants.

Hendrick's more immediate concern is with containing Surrey's awesome batting line up at the tiny Eglinton ground today. With Chris Lewis coming in at eight, they have probably the strongest batting side in the county championship and have won all three of their Benson and Hedges games so far.

Apart from England regulars Alec Stewart and Graham Thorpe, there is the threat of Alistair Brown, who should be prominent in the selectors' thoughts as the Test series with India approaches. Last week, he smacked 117 not out off 105 balls to win the Gold Award against Sussex.

Stephen Warke is unavailable because of business reasons and so Angus Dunlop and Harrison will probably form the opening partnership against Lewis and Australian Test player, Brendon Julian.

. Irish cricket lost one of its most popular figures when Dickie Spence died unexpectedly last Saturday.

Since joining Clontarf CC in the late 40s, Dickie became a great servant to the club as player, administrator and umpire. He played 247 games for the first team, captained the club in 1975 and was president for the past two seasons. He was a highly respected umpire and was recently appointed to the international panel.

Most importantly, he will be missed for the warm welcome he always extended to visitors at Clontarf. Our thoughts are with his family.