Action packed start to Senior Two campaign

Top marks on the team front will go to Bonds Glen who travelled to one of the promotion favourites Creevedonnell on Saturday and came away with a convincing win.

The hosts made 208 in their 45 overs with Don Dougherty's unbeaten 70 the highlight and skipper Charlie Elder weighing in with 36 but the Bee Gees gave the impression from the outset that they felt that number was very gettable.

Opener David Robinson then set about the home attack with some savage hitting, his superb innings of 149 not out including 9 sixes and 16 fours as the visitors had an impressive eight wickets to spare at the end.

The Bee Gees are on the road again on Saturday when they will start favourites at The Nedd whilst the Creevies will have to be on their best behaviour if they are to take anything away from the Bleachgreen.

Ardmore's campaign got off to a winning start when they recorded an easy verdict over new boys Ballyspallen who were re-appearing after a three year absence from senior cricket. Truth to tell the Bridge Park side could have done without having to come up against a side that included a bang in form Adrian Murphy.

The West Indian scored over 1,100 runs for the Bleachgreen outfit last season and is already well on his way to a repeat performance after plundering a magnificent 208 at the weekend.

Murphy's knock contained the small matter of 16 sixes and 15 fours but Ballyspallen can take comfort from the fact that they won't come across anyone of his ilk for a while again. Mind you, they weren't happy just to make up the numbers at the Bleachgreen and made a good effort of their reply, especially Calum McGregor who played really well for his 45 runs.

Its Sion Mills at home this weekend and the Tyrone side put their troubles of the past couple of seasons behind them on Saturday when they recorded a good win over The Nedd.

Skipper John Brown has been able to recruit a few old faces to help nurse the youngsters along but it was he himself who was at the centre of their opening day victory. Brown's 74 at the top of the order contained a typical 14 fours as he helped the Mill men to 187 all out.

Despite a fighting 36 from visiting skipper Creighton Wilson the visitors rarely looked like pulling off the win. The ultra reliable Lee McGonagle conceded just 15 runs from his nine overs and took three wickets to boot as Sion showed that they are nobody's mugs this year.

The Nedd now have that home game with the free scoring Bee Gees to look forward to whilst Sion will look to cement their good start when they travel to Ballyspallen.

Killyclooney had no game on Saturday so they start their season at home to Drummond who, despite the best efforts of Gordon Cooke found Burndennett too hot to handle.

The former Ireland bowler scored an unbeaten half century as they chased a target of 197 set by Jimmy Boyle's team but Drummond were 44 runs adrift at the end. Burndennett's top five batsmen were all among the runs, Mark Doherty top scoring with 35 whilst Mark Roulston picked up four wickets in the hosts' innings.

Burndennett are sure to be there or thereabouts this season but it is they who sit out this Saturday's action and must kick their heels for a week before welcoming Ballyspallen next time.