Faltering Brigade facing 
a battle to the bitter end

Fox Lodge and Eglinton didn’t even get started, while at Ardmore the home side had reached 160 for seven before the heavens opened.

Leaders Brigade’s title hopes suffered a reverse when they entertained Donemana. The visitors, batting first, scored 180 for seven in a game reduced to 40 overs with skipper Richard Kee top-scoring with 50.

Gareth McKeegan’s side were set a target of 157 in 27 overs but were all out for 117 with Jordan McGonigle the pick of the bowlers with four for 31.

Coleraine hosted Bready, a team which has been dragged into the play-off fight. The Bannsiders batted poorly, scoring just 128 with Scott Campbell top-scoring with 37. The Magheramason side were seemingly cruising to victory when they reached 59 without loss but then the wheels fell off as they were all out for 95 with Chopra taking five for 21.

On Sunday, Brigade got back to winning ways defeating Coleraine while Strabane kept up the pressure with a win over Donemana.

Eglinton’s Stuart Thompson was in superb form against Ardmore scoring 168 not out as his side defeated the Bleachgreen men by 100 runs.

Fox Lodge got a victory at last, defeating Bready, but it has probably come to late for them to avoid the drop.

Once again there are games on Saturday and Sunday this weekend with all sides keeping an eye on the weather.

On Sunday all eyes will be on the champions Coleraine and the Bleachgreen. The Bannsiders entertain title contenders Strabane, while Ardmore face Premiership leaders Brigade, bottom side Fox Lodge, fresh from last weekend’s first win of the season, take on Eglinton, who will be hoping that Ireland international Stuart Thompson keeps his good form going.

Saturday

Eglinton v Coleraine

The Villagers have moved two points clear of Ardmore in the play-off position. They have an away game with Fox Lodge to end their season, so one more victory should take them clear.

Coleraine are merely fulfilling fixtures now. It has been a disappointing season for last year’s champions and they now have lost David Cooke, who has left the club.

Prediction: Eglinton

Strabane v Fox Lodge

The Red Caps know that if they can win their remaining three games then the worst they can get will be a play-off. However two of those games are away from home so they must keep their finger on the pulse.

The Foxies at least can say they didn’t go through the season without winning a match. They will battle to the end but their number looks up.

Prediction: Strabane

Donemana v Ardmore

Richard Kee’s side have won the Danske and Faughan Valley cups in what can be described as a good season. This is their last game of the season and they will want to finish with a victory.

Ardmore still have four games remaining - three of which are at the Bleachgreen. They occupy the play-off position at the minute but they still are hopeful of pulling away from danger.

Prediction: Donemana

Bready v Brigade

David Scanlon’s men now find themselves heading towards the play-off position after a disastrous run of results. They should have given themselves breathing space before that collapse at Coleraine last week.

Brigade slipped up against Donemana last Saturday but bounced back on Sunday against Coleraine. They are playing a side who have still something to play for but they should win.

Prediction: Brigade