Chance for Firsts to claim outright lead

LISBURN Firsts face a weekend of cricket against the two bottom sides in the league, knowing that a win in at least one will leave them sitting proudly atop the Ulster Bank Premier League at the half way stage.

This would represent a considerable change of fortune for Greg Thompson's men who were nestled at the foot of the table after two opening defeats, but who since have embarked on a run of five consecutive league wins which leave them joint top at the moment.

It is a big incentive for Thompson's side but he appreciates that pride can come before a fall.

Thompson commented: "We have played really well in the league recently, particularly our last three wins which have been top notch. We executed in all areas against Carrick on Saturday and if we repeat that level, we can claim 8 points this weekend.

"Lurgan have shown that despite no wins in the league to date, they are battlers – they tied with North Down and pushed Waringstown close – and that game will be a test for us. CSNI are not a team I would associate with the bottom two, and they have underperformed to date. They are still a dangerous outfit though and we will need to press home our good form advantage in order to prevail."

The Lurgan match up is at Pollock Park tomorrow (Saturday), commencing at noon, while the CSNI game is at Wallace Park on Sunday, again with a 12pm kick off.

The Seconds are at home on Saturday to Bangor (12pm) while the Thirds entertain Ballymena III at Friends'.