Captain backs Lisburn to overcome Brigade

The Wallace Park team travel to face Brigade in the Ulster Cup tomorrow (Saturday) knowing a defeat would put another huge dent in their season after they crashed agonisingly out of the Challenge Cup last weekend.

However, Simpson doesn’t think they’ll suffer another body-blow to add to their two cup exits, having already been dumped out of the Irish Senior Cup by Contarf before last week’s loss to CSNI.

“I’m backing us to produce a result, as long as the Duckworth lewis doesn’t shaft us again,” said the Lisburn skipper, who felt more than a little aggrieved at the manner of last weekend’s final ball defeat.

“It was absolutely gutting to be honest.

“All out for 159 probably wasn’t good enough but it wasn’t an easy wicket to play on and, bowling against them, we showed that.

“We fought really hard to get ourselves back into the game and we had bowled and fielded superbly.

“Whatever way the Duckworth-Lewis calculation had worked out and whatever they needed off 46 overs, our professional Darryl (Brown) couldn’t bowl his full overs, which we had been saving.

“That scuppered us and we had to find an extra bowler.

“We just need a break from somewhere but we need it to happen sooner rather than later.”

Simpson is desperate for that slice of fortune to be served up to his side tomorrow in Londonderry as the team’s chances of cup success drop away.

He said: “I’d love a cup run so this is the last chance. We also need the win to keep up an interest and give us something more to play for towards the end of the season.”

And however confident he is for tomorrow’s first round match, Simpson knows it won’t be easy with Brigade fresh off the back of a win over North West champions Coleraine.

He said: “It’s always different playing up there. The grounds are usually smaller and it gives us a chance to play at places and against teams we normally wouldn’t play against.

“Brigade are going really well. They’re a very good side and have spent quite a bit of money getting players in.”

Lisburn’s only addition for this season James Magowan led the batting for the first time last weekend after his finger injury.

“James probably went against the doctor’s advice but he looked very good,” said Simpson. “Now we just have to make sure he doesn’t do too much as he was in considerable pain on Saturday.”

Tomorrow’s game will be the second time in a week the Lisburn man has come up against Brigade skipper Jonny Thompson. Simpson’s Northern Knights played out an abandoned game with Thompson’s North West Warriors on Monday. Simpson is now hoping for the novelty of a rain and Duckworth Lewis free day.