With the exception of Antrim I have been eligible for 5 out of 6 teams in this County Championship at one time or another in my cricket career. So I hope most people realise that I have no particular axe to grind. The reason I state this now is that this is my ‘home' team and although I have absolutely no doubts about the quality of the team selected my only concern is the average age of this team. North West cricket is almost reaching the stage where there is now a battle for ideals between those who believe in developing players from within and those who believe in strengthening from other clubs. Some of the most notorious clubs accused of ‘poaching' are based here. It is up to each individual club to make their own decisions for the benefit of their own club. But what is the future of this team without more development of young players?

Ian McGregor (Limavady, shown right): Four fifties and a cup final 100. Ian can still play. Outstanding 2006 where he topped 1000 runs in the season.

Desmond Curry (Limavady): A real legend. He has dominated NW cricket for almost 25 years since he first made his senior Inter-pro debut at 15. Almost anyone in Ireland who follows cricket will have heard of ‘Dekker'.

Stephen Smyth (Brigade): It's a shame Stephen's International career ended when it did as he still had so much to offer. People at Lurgan still talk about the hundred he got at Pollock Park for Ireland v MCC. A class act.

Iftikhar Hussain (Brigade): I felt he had a quiet season with the bat this year but still managed seven 50s. A quality all-rounder who many good observers felt should have been considered for the World Cup.

David Cooke (Limavady) wicket keeper: A very good keeper who averaged nearly 40 with the bat. He knows how to really pace an innings. He would strengthen any team in the land.

Richard Wylie (Eglinton): He has bags of ability and although he is relatively young, he needs to produce more consistent performances and show the commitment to match his talent.

Andrew Riddles (Limavady): An Ireland U23 player, he is a good young cricketer. Can bat and bowl and he runs well between the wickets. Needs to ensure he doesn't give his wicket away too easily.

Gordon Cooke (Brigade): He definitely takes the new ball. He can bowl a devastating in-swinging yorker. He's been a great cricketer over the years and still a real competitor.

Johnny Thompson (Glendermott): Another lively opening bowler. He's aggressive with genuine pace but needs to do it every game not just the big ones. Quite a character.

Craig Averill (Eglinton): Another one who can bat and bowl but I have picked him to offer a bit of variety in the bowling department with his unorthodox wrist spin. An Ireland U17 player he has got potential.

Mark Simpson (Brigade): The big Brigade man has been doing the business for years now. He's a clever bowler and is always a consistent performer who won't let you down.

So there you have it. Feel free, as always to make any comment regarding the Derry team. A pre-Ballyspallen Richard McDaid would have made this team but there are fitness issues. There are a number of cricketers who didn't quite make it but are knocking on the door. Gareth McKeegan is one from Killymallaght. Brian Brolly is another who certainly has the pace to trouble batsmen and won't be far away in the future. Richard Stewart from Eglinton is erratic but is a real handful when he gets it right. I didn't pick Charlie Elder when there was a younger alternative and for the same reason I couldn't bring myself to pick Bobby Rao.

Bobby however would be my choice of coach. I think Billy Henderson as Assistant Manager and Ivan Lapsley as Manager would make for a fascinating management team.