Big weekend for Roesiders

Three of the top sides suffered heavy defeats namely Brigade, Donemana and Strabane.

Glendermott won a nail biter at Phoenix scoring the winning runs in the last over, Fox Lodge won a low scoring game at Ballymena, Limavady easily disposed of Lisburn while on Sunday Coleraine were once again very impressive in their win over Clontarf. There are league fixtures on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

Sunday's matches should see wins for Bready at Eglinton, Donemana at the Rectory and Strabane at home to Fox Lodge.

Saturday

Bready v Strabane

Both these sides were knocked out of the Irish Senior Cup last weekend, the home sides batting let them down badly and it must be a major concern for skipper Davy Leckey, they will be hoping their new professional settles in quickly.

The visitors have conceded a lot of runs in their last two outings and that looks like an area where they must improve, their batting may see them through.

Prediction: Strabane.

Coleraine v Fox Lodge

The Bannsiders have been a breath of fresh air so far this season, still unbeaten they must be serious contenders for silverware. Tim Chopra and professional Mohammed Salman were excellent in their win over Clontarf but they may have a concern over Salmans fitness after pulling a hamstring in that victory.

The Foxies once again saw Darryl Brown win them the game at Ballymena, however they do have other more than capable batsmen and can be a very dangerous side.

Prediction: Coleraine.

Donemana v Limavady

Arguably the match of the day, both sides have already lost a league game this season so that should ensure an excellent game. Young Andrew McBrine has already been among the runs for the home side.

The Roesiders scored a big total last Saturday. With David Cooke and Decker Curry batting down the order this season they were in excellent form, they are determined to hold onto the league title.

Prediction: Donemana.

Eglinton v Glendermott

The Villagers look as if they are in for a difficult season, they have lost their opening three games and are struggling in all departments. They may be missing a couple of regulars for this one.

The visitors' signing of Stephen Smyth is already bearing fruit and with Gary Neely producing the goods with the ball things are looking bright.

Prediction: Glendermott.

Sunday

Brigade v Limavady

This will be a real test for the Beechgrove men after their poor performance last week, on paper they are the strongest side in the league but some of them are not performing, this is their chance to silence the doubters.

Limavady if they win on Saturday and get another result here then they can move to the top of the table, there should be plenty of runs in what is a peach of a wicket thanks to grounds men Graham Moore and David Tosh

Prediction: Brigade.

St Johnston v Coleraine

The Donegal men are finding things tough in the top division, their decision not to strengthen looks like back firing although it is still early days.

Coleraine are on fire although they may be missing their talented opening bowler Rory Knox due to exams; they should still win.

Prediction: Coleraine.