Cricket: Big double header weekend for Donemana

Gary McClintock pictured in action for Donemana against Eglinton, on Sunday. Picture by Keith Moore/Press Eye

There is a busy programme this weekend with four Premier League games on Saturday with a further two on Sunday which sees Donemana host Brigade and Bready travelling to Strabane and also on Sunday, Eglinton entertain Instonians in the semi-final of the O’Neills Ulster Cup.

Eglinton v Bready

After the excitement of the Senior Cup the Villagers return to league action. Some of their players will be looking for a big improvement especially with the bat, they currently have 10 points so they look to be safe from the relegation scrap.

The same can’t be said for Bready who are now joint bottom. They did however get a morale boosting win last week against Ardmore when for the first time in a number of weeks they were able to field a full strength side. Another win is possible here.

Prediction: Bready

Strabane v Donemana

The Red Caps on current form shouldn’t have has a chance of defeating leaders Coleraine last week but win they did with young Aron Gillespie bowling superbly. That result should give them confidence to move up the table.

Donemana, after their Senior Cup final win, will be going all out to do the double and who would bet against them? They also have a massive game on the Sunday when they entertain Brigade, they will be favourites at the Park.

Prediction: Donemana

Brigade v Ardmore

After Coleraine’s slip up last Saturday Andy Britton’s side are very much in the title race although their bowlers last week were not at their best but that will be back to normal for this one they would expect. They will want a win before visiting the Holm on Sunday.

Ardmore, who looked if they were out of the relegation scrap, are back in the mix after three defeats on the trot. Their big players let them down last week which usually means defeat this mat be another loss.

Prediction: Brigade

Coleraine v St Johnston

How will the Bannsiders react to last weeks shock defeat their first of the season? Maybe they went into that game at Strabane over confident so they must not allow that to happen again if their title ambitions are not to be blown away.

The Saints although losing to Brigade put up a good show especially with the bat. Their overseas players have been in good form and the return of Michael Rankin should strengthen their batting, Coleraine to bounce back.

Prediction: Coleraine