Big two clash in cup

DONEMANA are the only side with a 100 per cent record after two big victories at the weekend.

On Saturday they were very impressive in their win away at Limavady and followed that up with a home victory over Fox Lodge on Sunday.

Three teams share second spot, Strabane who lost at Coleraine on Saturday before their win over Brigade the following day, Bready who surprisingly were beaten by Glendermott before winning at Bonds Glen and Coleraine who had two wins over the weekend against Strabane and Glendermott.

Brigade and Fox Lodge come next after a mixed weekend which saw them win one and lose one, Limavady, Glendermott and Creevedonnell have won one game each while Bonds Glen occupy bottom spot yet to win a game.

This Saturday there are eight games in the second round of the prestigious Northern Bank Senior Cup, while there are two league games scheduled for Sunday.

Senior Cup

Burndennett v Ardmore

This all Senior Two clash sees two teams who were beaten last Saturday, the home side although strengthened by the return of a number of former players have yet to win a league game, they have been getting some big scores but are struggling to bowl sides out.

Ardmore currently occupy bottom position in the table, they were one of the favourites to win the division but have yet to perform, they have some promising young cricketers coming through so it should be just be a matter of time until they get up and running.

Prediction: Ardmore.

Killyclooney v Coleraine

This is a real David verses Goliath tie, the home side have just played the one league game which they lost and they will be glad to get more match time, they continue to develop youth.

The Bannsiders are on the crest of a wave, after losing their opening league game they haven’t tasted defeat since. They continue to get big scores with a number of their batsmen in good form, they also have opening bowler Stephen Dunn on fire.

Prediction: Coleraine.

Fox Lodge v Limavady

The Foxies have a fifty per cent record in league matches so far, they can be unpredictable but when on form they fear no one especially at Ballymagorry, they will relish this one.

What is going on at Limavady, they have lost three of their opening four games and they don’t seem to know their best batting order, their opening pair have managed a maximum of just ten in those four games and last Saturday they had three of their top batsmen in at seven, eight and nine.

Prediction: Limavady.

Eglinton v Donemana

The Villagers were delighted to get their season started at Burndennett last week where they had an impressive victory, they are determined to bounce back to Senior One at the first attempt and with players of the calibre of Stephen Smyth and Richard Wylie they could do just that.

Richard Kee must be absolutely delighted with the way his side are playing, they have that all important winning mentality plus a settled side with match winners throughout, they will be strong favourites to progress.

Prediction: Donemana.

St Johnston v Creevedonnell

The County Donegal side are currently unbeaten and they have been impressive, they have brought in a couple of young players and they haven’t let them down, games between these two are usually close.

The visitors have found things tough up with the big boys, however they have managed to win one game so far, their bowling is useful but their batting lacks depth, however they may still be good enough.

Prediction: Creevedonnell.

Brigade v Strabane

These two met last Sunday in Strabane Park where the home side came out on top, however there is one big difference in the sides this time, with Strabane’s talented professional Fasad Iqbal returning to Pakistan after being called up by his country, they were also missing opener Niall McDonnell who has had a falling out with the club.

Brigade have lost two of their opening four league games, however they have the talent to improve and they will be looking for revenge, their young English recruit Harry Chappell looks a talented batsman but he struggled with the ball last Sunday.

Prediction: Brigade.

Bonds Glen v Glendermott

Two sides who have been widely tipped to be involved in a relegation fight in Senior One. The Bee Gees although having yet to win a game still don’t look a bad side and their pro Dilruk was amongst the runs last week, however he does need help.

The Bonds Street side had a surpAArise win last Saturday over the previously unbeaten Bready, however they were back to their poor form at Coleraine the following day, home advantage may decide this one.

Prediction: Bonds Glen.

Bready v Sion Mills

The holders will be strong favourites, skipper David Scanlon fancy his sides chances of retaining the cup and although missing the talented Stephen Clarke they could do a repeat.

Sion have come through some difficult times recently and it is a credit to them that they have kept this wonderful club going, their main aim is to have a good league season and they may find this game to much for them.

Prediction: Bready.