A BRIEF HISTORY OF MIZEN 1999
After considering both Skibbereen and Ballydehob, the M.C.C. decided to return to Schull. Thanks must be given to Bunratty United F.C. and The Schull town park committee for their co-operation and to Joel Davis and Joff for their efforts in the substantial task of creating a cricket ground and wicket from a muddy football field. Mizen’s stalwart umpire, Donal O’Donovan and scorer Shirley Linnell deserve countless thanks often for turning out in conditions where a pint and warm fire would be far more appropriate.

The season began well with convincing wins over both Galway County and Kinsale at the town park Schull. These games were prevented from being free-scoring by the exceedingly soggy low scoring wickets:
Galway 71 all out, MCC 72 for 2 (Minor Cup)
Kinsale 59 all out, MCC 60 for 7 (Towns League)

Unfortunately MCC’s early season joy was curtailed by a second round Minor Cup thrashing by Cork County at the Mardyke .Mizen fielded first in the much anticipated game, bowling the strong County side out for 120 in 38 overs. A commendable performance by Mizen on a good wicket and fast outfield. Their batting, however, was dire.
Cork County 120 all out, Mizen 16 all out (Minor Cup)

For the next match, in Schull, not only was the pitch soggy but play was twice interrupted when the persistent rain became a deluge!
UCC 47 all out, Mizen 49 for2 (Towns League)

The Coolmountain fixture, the first of the local derbys, was this year played at Bandon Grammar School. Mizen again bowled first and restricted Coolmountain to133 for 9 after their 40 overs. Mizen appeared set for victory after an opening stand of 76 runs. After some agitation Coolmountain rallied, dismissing Mizen for 128runs, 5 short of the target.
Coolmountain 133 for 9, Mizen 128 all out(Towns League)

The Semi- Final of the Towns Cup against Bantry produced Mizen’s best performance of the year. Batting first Mizen scored an excellent 170 all out, again aided by another 70 plus opening stand. Mizen then maintained their hold on the game with some fine fielding reducing rivals Bantry to59 all out.
Mizen 170 all out, Bantry 59 all out(Towns Cup)

The honours were not bestowed on Mizen in their last match of the season, the Towns Cup Final. Their opponents, Clonmel, batted solidly, if not spectacularly, scoring 140 hard earned runs. Mizen’s fielding was again up to standard, except for a mid innings wobble giving away an unnecessary 25 to 30 runs. At this stage considering a good pitch and outfield Mizen were still a good bet. Unfortunately the batting disappointed, Mizen being bowled out for 85.
Clonmel 140 for 9 after 40 overs, Mizen 85 all out(Towns Cup Final)

During the 1999 season Mizen Cricket Club played seven matches, won four of them and appeared in a cup final, which is a distinct improvement on previous years. The rise in the standard of fielding has been the most dramatic and if the same increase can be seen in the batting standard next year Munster cricket might even see Mizen win something!