crucial games ahead

Kyle McCallan’s Waringstown take on Donemana in a double-header, with the North West kingpins visiting The Lawn for an Irish Cup tie on Saturday and Waringstown making the trip to The Holm in the Ulster Cup on Sunday.

Lurgan, fresh from Saturday’s vital win over Ballymena, can put daylight between themselves and bottom club Lisburn by recording a third win in four league matches at Pollock Park.

Captain Stephen Johnston said, “In footballing terms it’s either a 3-0 lead or 2-1. If we beat Lisburn we will looking upwards rather than over our shoulder and perhaps people around the club and around the league will realise we are more of a fifth or sixth placed team than one fighting relegation.”

Lurgan name an unchanged team against winless Lisburn, with Waringstown expected to do the same for Saturday’s Irish Cup tie.

McCallan’s men are on the crest of a wave after last Saturday’s seven-wicket win over North Down at Comber.

“We bowled and field very well and to restrict them to 170 for nine was a pretty good effort. We would have had them out for 140 if we hadn’t missed a couple of chances towards the end. You almost had to pinch yourself when they were 60 for five because previously they have always been 60 for none after eight overs against us. Greg Thompson bowled very well and it was great to see Obus get runs.”

McCallan can’t wait for the Donemana games.

He added: “It’s a unique double-header. They are the leading lights in the North West and they will be two tough tests for us.”