A wonderful weekend for cricketers

The Northern Bank cup game at the Rectory saw Brigade just come out on top against Glendermott in one of the best games seen locally for many seasons.

It was a good weekend for Mark Simpson's side as they defeated CIYMS in the Club Turf on Sunday. Limavady and Strabane also had double victories while Bready lost in the Senior cup on Saturday but bounced back with victory over Lisburn on Sunday.

Coleraine booked their place in the Northern Bank third round after an easy win over Sion Mills, Eglinton will play Burndennett in the third round after comfortably defeating Bonds Glen however they were knocked out of the Club Turf on Sunday. Fox Lodge had a disappointing couple of days losing twice.

Donemana had a mixed weekend defeating Drummond on Saturday but losing to Civil Service on Sunday. St Johnston had a comfortable Northern Bank cup win at Ardmore on Saturday.

There are three league games scheduled for Saturday with another three to be played on Sunday.

Saturday

Donemana v Strabane

What a disastrous start to the season for the men from the Holm, they have lost three of their first four league fixtures and are out of the Irish Senior and Club Turf cups, they must start getting their act together soon.

Strabane have lost two league games but they have showed improved form in their last two games with Peter Gillespie scoring two centuries.

Prediction: Donemana.

Glendermott v Brigade

What a thriller these two served up last week and it would be asking a lot for that to happen again. The home side batted poorly in their defeat by Waringstown but that was not their true form.

Brigade after a shaky start seem to have got it together in their last two outings, there is no doubting their talent and it was good to see Trevor Britton get amongst the wickets.

Prediction: Brigade.

Limavady v St Johnston

This game will be played at the Donegal venue as the Roesiders ground is still not available. The home side got their first win of the season last week which will be a welcome boost, they must now get some league points on the board.

Decker Curry's side are just getting better and better, they were without their skipper due to injury last Sunday but the strength in depth of their side was their for all to see.

Prediction: Limavady.

Sunday

Coleraine v Bready

Then Bannsiders have just lost the one league game so far and they are still involved in both the Irish Senior and Northern bank cups. Their batting has been superb in most games especially their top order.

The men from Magheramason have lost two of their four league games but they put up a better show in their defeat of Lisburn last Sunday where their pro was in top form.

Prediction: Coleraine.

St. Johnston v Brigade

What a double header the home side have with Limavady on Saturday and now Brigade. This will be a big test for their players and will show them where they are so far this season.

The visitors want silverware this season and the league title is their first priority, it has taken a little while for their new signings to produce the goods but last weekend things look to becoming together.

Prediction: Brigade.

Fox Lodge v Eglinton

Although they lost their two cup ties last weekend they were close to winning both, they have lost just once in the league so far and they must now consolidate their position.

Eglinton continue to struggle although they gave the talented Instonians side plenty to think about in last Sunday's defeat; their pro looks as if he will be a major asset as the season progresses.

Prediction: Fox Lodge.