CRICKET: Seconds in search of Cup final glory

COLERAINE Seconds training will have an extra edge this week as they step up their preparations ahead of their first Intermediate Cup final in over twenty years.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jul 2010, 11:11 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2010, 10:47 BST

On Friday they come up against last season's league champions Bready at the neutral venue of Donemana. Coleraine, who are undefeated in eleven league games this season, reached the final with commanding victories over Burndennett and Crindle.

Captain Nigel Barr, who is no stranger to cup finals, gave us his thoughts on his side's chances of success.

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"I have no doubt that my players have what it takes to win the cup this weekend," he told Times Sport. "We bat right the way down the order and we have lots of different options with the ball.

"But perhaps most important of all is our strong sense of team spirit. We have been involved in a number of close scrapes already this season but our strength of character has brought us through every challenge."

However while the Coleraine skipper is evidently full of confidence, he has been around long enough to know not to underestimate the opposition.

"While Bready can boast players of the calibre of Norman Allen, Alan Jeffrey and Trevor Austin as well a host of talented youngsters, we'll not be taking anything for granted," he was quick to point out.

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"Big Alan Jeffrey hasn't really got going against us so far this season and that is something I know he will be desperate to redress. Having said that we have defeated Bready twice already this season and I think our most recent victory, when they had us 25-5 and we fought back to win the game, will give us the psychological edge going into the final."

Despite playing at the club for over thirty years the Coleraine talisman has lost none of his desire.

"I have played in four cup finals over the years, I have won two and lost two and I would desperately love to add another winner's medal to my collection," said the skipper.

"It has been a pleasure to captain this great bunch of lads and I thoroughly hope they get the plaudits they deserve by lifting the trophy on Saturday."

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The final, which consists of two innings of 50 overs per side, starts on Friday at 12.30pm and will play to completion on Saturday. We would like to wish the seconds all the best for the big game and we would encourage you to get to Donemana on Friday and offer the lads your support.

How they reached the final

Quarter final

Coleraine IIs 240/9

(V Chopra 56 Wallace 55)

Burndennett IIs 195

(A Douglas 3-42 N Barr 4-40)

Semi final

Coleraine IIs 257

(V Chopra 63 P Wallace 50)

Crindle 112

(A Handforth 3-16 N Barr 4-28)

Related topics:CricketColeraineDonemana