Millpark to face title rivals in next two games as race goes down to the wire

The Banford Green men have to play Cooke Collegians, who they sit joint top of the table with, and Dunmurry, lying in third, in their next two matches.

First up, they host Cooke at Banford Green on Saturday before travelling to take on Dunmurry a week later, on Saturday 22nd.

The outcome of these games will be vital in deciding which way the title race will swing.

Captain Paul McCart was full of confidence after his side’s six wicket victory over Monaghan, with 10 overs to spare.

He said: “We’re hoping for two wins but these will be very difficult games, especially away to Dunmurry. They are the form side and will be hard to beat.

“Availability will be crucial but we are quietly confident of getting the results we need.”

Two wins will ensure a league title while a win and a loss should still see Millpark promoted.

McCart said: “It will be very tight. If teams finish level on points it will be decided by the run rate of each side.

“Dunmurry have a few games in hand so they will know what they have to do in those, after we play them.”

Things are looking good for Millpark but they could be so much better, were it not for a huge stroke of luck for Cooke Collegians.

Cooke were losing heavily to Newforge, who also beat Millpark, when the rain started.

Newforge could not provide the cover for the pitch and so, forfeited the match to Cooke by default.

McCart is happy his side have overcame a bad spell of form, just in time for the run-in.

He said: “We had back to back defeats but we put in a battling performance against Monaghan and chasing 208 in 30 overs is no mean feat.

“Cooke will be out for revenge after we beat them but with Ryan McCart, Ben Talbot and David Glover in the top four we feel we are capable of scoring runs.”