Donemana move into pole position

On Saturday at the Holm they easily defeated Limavady, while on Sunday they had an excellent win over leaders Coleraine, they now are just two points behind the Bannsiders with two games fewer played.

Bready kept their slim hopes alive with a win over Glendermott, also on Saturday, Strabane needing just 13 runs to defeat Coleraine with six wickets remaining feel apart going down by three runs.

Brigade had a winning double at the weekend defeating Bonds Glen on Saturday and ending Limavady’s title hopes with a win on Sunday.

This weekend there are games on Saturday and Sunday as things really hot up at the top of the table.

Saturday

Fox Lodge v Donemana

A lot at stake in this one, the Foxies are fighting to avoid a play off with Eglinton to maintain their Senior One status with just three games to play. They have had an indifferent season but are always capable of pulling off the odd shock.

Donemana are undoubtedly the team of the season, they have been performing incredibly well considering they have been playing the last month with five of their players missing, it goes to show the strength in depth that they have.

Prediction: Donemana.

Brigade v Strabane

Mark Simpson’s side have pulled well clear of the play off place after last weekends games, they will be disappointed after being champions last year that they didn’t put up a better defence of their title.

Did the Red Caps blow it with that incredible collapse against Coleraine last week? They now must win all their remaining games and hope for a slip up by Donemana, however they still have to visit the Holm.

Prediction: Brigade.

Bready v Bonds Glen

How David Scanlon’s side must rue their two defeats at Glendermott and Fox Lodge earlier in the season, games they would have expected to win. They like a couple of other sides are depending on Donemana dropping points.

The Bee Gees after avoiding the drop last season just were not up to it this time round, they have enjoyed their time in the top flight and they always gave it their best shot.

Prediction: Bready.

Glendermott v Coleraine

Just two games left for the Bonds Street men and a win in either could possibly pull them away from the play off place, their last game is at home to already relegated Bonds Glen.

The Bannsiders will battle right to the end but last weeks defeat by Donemana has made life a lot more difficult for them, they do however have to play Donemana again so all may not be quite lost.

Prediction: Coleraine.

Creevedonnell v Limavady

The Creevies will find things a lot easier in Senior Two next season, they just were out of their depth which they probably realised from match one, they could bounce back if they strengthen.

The Roesiders after last weekends double defeats all but saw their title aspirations blown away, to many of their players didn’t perform consistently and in some games they lacked the will to win, however they should get a victory here.

Prediction: Limavady.

Sunday

Donemana v Strabane

This is arguably the home sides toughest fixture remaining, they should be at full strength and with their loyal supporters scenting the title they will be very hard to beat.

Strabane know that a defeat here will probably end their title hopes, they will be looking for Fasal Iqbal to get among the runs and hope their bowlers are in top form.

Prediction: Donemana.

Bready v Limavady

The men from Magheramason know that if they are going to have any chance of catching Donemana they must win all their games, they have undoubtedly missed Ian Young’s bowling but they have still got results.

What will be the make up of the Roesiders starting eleven they have been found wanting when they had a chance of the title, the home side may be the hungrier.

Prediction: Bready.

Coleraine v Brigade

The home side will be keeping one ear open to find out how things are going at Donemana, but first they must concentrate on winning this game, their middle and late order batsmen have not been consistent enough most of the season.

Mark Simpson will want his team to keep their good form of recent games going, they have a couple of young players who have established themselves in the team and that augurs well for next season.

Prediction: Brigade.