Big encounters ahead for Reds

The next few weeks could shape Cookstown’s whole season as they fight to reclaim two titles which they have won in the last two years.

At Coolnafranky this coming Saturday they play provincial rivals Banbridge in the Ulster Premiership at 2.30pm.

Bann will be desperate to take points from the champions after they lost 4-3 at home to Annadale.

The Reds, coming off a fantastic 8-2 victory at home to Kilkeel, will be in no doubt of the threat that Banbridge can pose, especially from the set piece, and will have to hit the ground running to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.

The games don’t get any easier when, the following week, Cookstown travel to Cork to play Harlequins in the Irish Senior Cup.

Harlequins are the current holders of this trophy and will be a hard nut to crack on their own patch on the outskirts of Cork City.

If the Reds get through that game as victors they will face the winners of the Banbridge/Fingal game the following week at Coolnafranky in Round 3 with a semi final slot up for grabs.