Cup joy for Holm men

One day after they defeated Bready to secure a place in Friday’s Northern Bank Senior Cup final, Richard Kee’s side edged out the Roesiders with just four balls to spare.

Chasing 147 to win in 20 overs, Donemana, who were without Ireland under-19 duo Ryan Hunter and Andy McBrine, got off to a flier as professional Kamran Sajjid hit nine fours in a quickfire 62.

However, inspired by Des Curry, Limavady roared back into contention as Donemana lost four wickets for 10 runs to slump to 63 for four.

Wickets continued to fall but Junior McBrine was once again the man who got Donemana over the finishing line. The former Ireland international hit three fours and a six in an unbeaten 34 while in the final over 14-year-old Kyle Dougherty hit the winning runs by smashing Curry (3-24) back over his head for four.

Curry had earlier hit three fours and four sixes in a top score of 62 but the only other major contribution came from Thomas Riddles (29) as James McBrine took three for 20. A total of 146 for six was below par for Beechgrove this season and so it proved.

It was altogether easier for Donemana on Saturday as they beat Bready by eight wickets to secure their cup final berth against Brigade.

The Magheramason side got off to a flier as openers David Barr and Brian Scanlon raced to 75 without loss in just 14 overs.

But Junior McBrine quickly turned the game in Donemana’s favour. Barr was trapped lbw after making 34 from 52 balls while Scanlon hit 48 from 43 balls, including three fours and a six, before he was caught and bowled.

James McBrine took arguably the most important wicket, with Pakistan professional Agha Sabir caught by William McBrine at short fine leg for just 12.

Bready lost their last eight wickets for just 44 runs to slump to 148 all out, with Jordan McGonigle claiming four for 30 and Junior McBrine three for 26.

Donemana made routine work of the run chase, with professional Sajjid making an unbeaten 74 from 98 balls. He hit five fours and a six while Andy McBrine contributed an unbeaten 33 from 34 balls. He hit four boundaries with Donemana winning with more than 18 overs to spare.

While Coleraine professional Chinthaka Jayasinghe and left-arm seamer Stephen Dunn combined to lead the Bannsiders back to the summit of the Long’s Supervalu Senior One on Saturday.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Jayasinghe smashed a double-century as Coleraine rattled up 347 for six at Creevedonnell. Jayasinghe hit 27 fours and nine sixes and faced just 122 balls with the next highest score 47 from opener Craig Averill.

David Cooke (34) joined Jayasinghe in a 217-run partnership for the fourth wicket as all but Gary Neely (1-31) suffered major punishment.

Creevedonnell, who on this form will be returning to Senior Two next season, then saw their batting line-up destroyed by Dunn.

The former Donemana bowler claimed eight for 34 in nine overs as Creevedonnell were dismissed for just 67 in 17.3 overs. Just one batsman reached double figures.

Coleraine are joint top with Bready, although they do have a match in hand on the Magheramason side.

Little more than a week ago Fox Lodge were staring down the barrel of a relegation fight. But after Saturday’s five-wicket win over Bonds Glen at Ballymagorry, their third in succession, Johnny Robinson’s men are in a much healthier position.

Jason Milligan claimed three for 39 as the visitors, still without a league victory, were dismissed for just 165.

Fox Lodge slumped to 88 for four in reply but Dean McCarter hit an unbeaten 54 as they won by five wickets with eight overs to spare.

Brigade are still in contention to retain their title after a five-wicket win over neighbours Glendermott at Beechgrove. Charlie Elder (45), Alan Johnston (42) and Stephen McCloskey (43 no) made good contribution as the visitors posted 234 for seven.

However, it was never going to be enough as Mattie Moran (67) and acting captain Iftikhar Hussain (96) added 160 for Brigade’s second wicket. The home side cruised home with more than 16 overs to spare.

While Saint Johnston retained the Sperrin Springs Cup on Sunday after a thrilling last over win against Drummond in front of a decent crowd at Beechgrove, on Sunday.

Mark Averill (23) and Steve Moore (29) ensured that Drummond were solid early on and Philip Moon’s 28 kept the rate ticking over however David MacBeth’s early spell (2 for 11) ensured they didn’t get too far away. A glut of wickets in the chase for late runs saw Drummond finish their 20 overs on 131 for 7.

The Limavady based side dealt the Saints a real body blow as the reply got under way with Andrew Fleming caught behind off the very first ball but an excellent innings from Alan MacBeth changed the course of the game.

The left hander kept his composure as a steady stream of wickets fell at the other end; his 66 not out including 4 fours and a six and he injected the pace just when it was needed.

The Saints still required 19 off the last two overs but MacBeth’s experience guided them over the line with just one ball to spare for a four wicket verdict.