Video: Charles and Paul McCrum recall highs and lows of cricket careers
In the third episode of our new cricket podcast, In The Middle, Alistair Bushe talks to two of the stand-out NCU players of recent decades, brothers Charles and Paul McCrum.
The duo recall how, controversially, the inside story of how they became two of the first local cricketers to move between clubs for money and how they both struggled to face each other in matches between the likes of Waringstown, Lurgan and North Down.
Charles speaks frankly about his disappointment in winning just 22 Irish caps as he criticises former Ireland coach Mike Hendrick, while Paul reflects on the crushing disappointment of Ireland’s defeat to Scotland in a pivotal play-off match in Kuala Lumpur in 1997.
There are fascinating memories of big matches, including a dramatic last-ball Irish Senior Cup triumph for North Down against Bready in 1995, which both brothers played in, and Paul’s memories of the so-called Waringstown ‘Dream Team’ that won the treble of Challenge Cup, Senior League and Irish Cup in 1992.
The brothers also recall the best overseas professionals they played with, including the likes of Shoaib Akthar and Raman Lamba.
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Alistair Bushe
Editor