Foursome look for Irish Cup success

The most exciting game and a real nail biter took place at Drummond where Donemana got the better of Limavady by just four runs.

Brigade comprehensively beat Coleraine and followed up by defeating the Bannsiders on Sunday in a league game. Eglinton overcame Senior Two side Burndennett while Strabane had a comfortable win over Ardmore.

The semi-final draw took place live on Highland Radio on Sunday and it paired Eglinton at home to Brigade and Strabane visiting Donemana.

This Saturday four local sides have difficult games in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup while in the league on Saturday, Donemana host St Johnston, Strabane travel to Eglinton and Glendermott entertain Limavady on Sunday.

Glendermott v Civil Service North

The Bonds Street men are having a good season, they have a settled side with their top players performing consistently. Their support at the Rectory makes it a difficult place to get a result.

The Belfast side suffered a shock defeat at home to Ballymena last week, however up to that they had been getting some good results. They have a couple of big hitters in their side in captain Nigel Jones and professional Kieran Noema-Barnett, the home side may come out on top.

Prediction: Glendermott.

Fox Lodge v Leinster

The Foxies go into this one as worthy leaders in Section One after some impressive performances. They are a side that always produces the goods even after they lose early wickets as Mark Mooney showed last Saturday.

The Dubliners are the holders after defeating Donemana in last years final; they have retained most of that side and will go into the game as favourites but they are taking on a team at the top of their game.

Prediction: Fox Lodge.

Coleraine v Instonians

The wheels have come off the rails in recent games for the Bannsiders: they have now lost three in a row and their performance in their cup defeat at Brigade showed weaknesses in their bowling attack. However they must be given credit for the introduction of youngsters to the side.

The visitors are a class side as they showed in their comprehensive destruction of Brigade in the last round, their top four batsmen are as good as any in the country and they should progress.

Prediction: Instonians.

North County v Limavady

The Balrothrey men have won this cup on a number of occasions, they are a team full of talent with players of the calibre of internationals Andre Botha and John Mooney to name just two and they are always a difficult side to beat on home soil.

The Roesiders suffered a big set back in their exit from the Northern Bank Senior Cup last Saturday, they really should have won that one however their middle order let them down, they will be determined to bounce back but are up against it.

Prediction: North County.

Donemana v St Johnston

The home side were over the moon with their win over Limavady last Saturday in the Senior Cup. This will have boosted their confidence after some poor early season performances. Dale Olphert has been the star with the bat in recent games.

The Donegal men continue to struggle yet to win a game, they just don't look strong enough for the top division, however if they could get that first win it would be a big boost, not here unfortunately.

Prediction: Donemana.

Eglinton v Strabane

The Villagers have reserved their best performances for the Senior Cup, they had to thank Mark Averill and Johnny Gardiner for getting them through last time out, this may be the confidence booster they needed.

The visitors welcomed back Jonathon Beuckes from injury last week but rumour has it that wicket keeper and long time servant Paul McNamee has called it a day, they have lots of talent in their side and will go into this one as favourites.

Prediction: Strabane.

Sunday

Glendermott v Limavady

Another big crowd guaranteed at the Rectory: both sides have lost only once in the league so far and are tied in second spot with eight points. There are class players on view and on this track there should be a feast of runs with the visitors the selection.

Prediction: Limavady.