CRICKET: Title contenders Brigade and Donemana clash at Beechgrove this weekend

Donemana batsman Gary McClintock is sure to play a big part in their clash at Brigade this weekend. INLS2016-102KM

There are four games scheduled for this Saturday in the Premier Division, while on Sunday the two remaining local clubs Fox Lodge and Eglinton have got home draws in the Irish Senior Cup against YMCA and Waringstown respectively.

Eglinton v Strabane

The home side have a double header this weekend and after an opening day defeat they have shown some improvement especially with being able to field a full strength side.

Oraine Williams, their pro, has begun the season well and they have a lot of talent in their ranks.

The Red Caps lost a thriller away at Malahide in the Irish Senior Cup last Sunday so they will be looking for their first league victory here.

Prediction: Eglinton

Coleraine v Bready

After their bowl-out defeat at Merrion the Bannsiders will be even more determined to retain the league title.

They have a wealth of talent in their side although Niall McDonnell may not always be available which could cost them.

David Scanlon’s side are blooding a number of promising youngsters in Reece Kelly. Andrew Austin and Conor Olphert which should stand to them in future years, but will they have the time in the top division? A home win looks a banker.

Prediction: Coleraine

Ardmore v Drummond

On paper the Bleachgreen men have a formidable side and although they lost heavily at Donemana in the senior cup they still look capable of getting a mid table place although its early days.

Drummond have yet to find their feet in the top flight, their batting was poor in their heavy defeat at Carrickfergus last Sunday. That has to improve sooner rather than later.

Prediction: Ardmore

Brigade v Donemana

Two of the well fancied sides clash at the pristine Limavady Road venue. They will both be disappointed that they fell at the first hurdle in the Irish Senior Cup. There is an abundance of talent on both sides with their two professionals Danza Hyatt and Jan Frylinck already showing that they are top class.

However it is certainly not all about those two with super players like Andy McBrine, Ricky Lee Dougherty and the McClintock brothers in the Donemana side, and Andy Britton, Gareth McKeegan and Iftikhar Hussain in the Brigade side.

Plenty of thrills forecasted and it could be tight.

Prediction: Donemana