Bannsiders are the team to beat again

Most clubs have been involved in friendlies the last couple of weeks as well as using the magnificent indoor facilities at Bready.

Highland Radio’s cricket correspondent Eamonn McLaughlin puts his neck on the chopping block and gives the run down on the line ups for the season and where he feels they will end up come September.

Coleraine

Last seasons champions will be going all out to retain the trophy. Gordon Cooke fully recovered from a knee operation takes over the captaincy.

They have a new professional South African all rounder Kyllin Vardhan, they will once again look to the likes of Niall McDonnell, Scott Campbell and the Cooke brothers in their quest for glory.

Prediction: First.

Brigade

Gareth McKeegan is once again the skipper, their overseas player is 23 year old Diguijam Amarnath who comes with a big reputation as a batsman, his father was a professional with Eglinton in years gone by. They may however be without opening batsman Mattie Moran due to work commitments.

Prediction: Second.

Donemana

No change in the captaincy at the Holm where Richard Kee remains at the helm.

They will have virtually the same side as last season with the possible exclusion of James McBrine who may play second team cricket.

Once again they will be looking to their young players to lead the way and they have plenty of talent there.

Prediction: Third.

Strabane

Captain is Tommy Barr, in his ranks will be new professional Tawanda Mupariwm, they have also recruited ex Fox Lodge skipper Johnny Robinson which should strengthen their spin attack.

Former player Ryan Gallagher may also return after his spell with Malahide.

Prediction: Fourth.

Fox Lodge

Iftikhar Hussain takes over the captaincy at Ballymagorry, Pakistan opening bowler Tabish Khan has also signed as well as left hand batsman and spin bowler Dean Curry.

They will again look to the likes of Jason Milligan, the Heywood’s and Mark Mooney plus Andrew McGinnis.

Prediction: Fifth.

Ardmore

Newly promoted the Bleachgreen men will be looking to consolidate, they have Adrian Murphy leading them and they have made some quality signings notably Decker Curry and Gary Neely, those along with their crop of promising youngsters should bode well for the season.

Prediction: Sixth.

Bready

David Scanlon retains the arm band, they had a disappointing time last season where they just avoided relegation.

They have signed Ernest Kemm a South African all rounder, they are also hoping that Craig Young rejoins them. A lot will depend on the form of opening batsmen David Rankin and David Barr.

Prediction: Seventh.

Eglinton

Captain this time round will be the talented Christopher Pierce, they once again have decided on not recruiting an overseas professional.

Ireland international Stuart Thompson may not be available for part of the season, however the Villagers will be hoping their talented all-rounder will be 
able to play in the majority of their games.

They welcome back a number of former players, Craig and Mark Averill return from Coleraine and Steven McCloskey has left Glendermott.

Once again Stephen Smyth, Richard Wylie and the skipper himself will be the 
main men with the bat and Johnny Gardiner 
will be very important with the ball.

Prediction: Eighth.