North West teams on passage to Cup glory

Donemana had an easy win at Eglinton while Limavady picked up their first points after defeating Bready, Glendermott had a comfortable home win over newly promoted St Johnston at the Rectory.

This Saturday sees the second round games in the prestigious Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup. There are nine games on Saturday while Coleraine's game at home to Clontarf will take place on Sunday.

Phoenix v Glendermott

The Dubliners are one of the better sides in the Leinster league, they have a number of talented players in their line up and with home advantage they will go in as favourites.

Glendermott were impressive in their win last week with Stephen Smyth showing that his year out of the game hasn't effected his batting after a superb innings, young Craig Averill has settled in well but they must be concerned about their professionals bowling.

Prediction: Phoenix.

North County v Eglinton

The home side have won this competition on many occasions, they have quality throughout their ranks and may have Irish international John Mooney available after his sojourn in the West Indies.

Eglinton have got off to a terrible start to the season they could manage only 52 last week, they have a number of youngsters in their side who are not quite ready for senior cricket.

Prediction: North County.

Brigade v Instonians

One of the ties of the round, the Beechgrove men have got off to a good start to the season with two victories, as previous winners they would dearly love to go all the way again. Their wicket which has had some criticism in previous seasons is playing superbly a credit to their ground staff.

The Belfast men are an excellent side and may welcome back Irish international Andrew White for this one, they showed with their win at Limavady last season in the Club Turf what a good side they are.

Prediction: Brigade.

Bready v YMCA

The Magheramason men were impressive in their opening game but were the complete opposite last week, they look to be a bit light in the bowling department, however their new professional looked quite useful.

The Leinster league side are not one of the strongest sides in Dublin but they still have a number of good players, they may not be good enough.

Prediction: Bready.

Strabane v Merrion

The home side after scoring 255 last week against Coleraine where Peter Gillespie batted superbly were let down by their bowlers, after losing a couple of players this may be a season to regroup.

Merrion have a good record in this competition, they are one of the best organised clubs in Leinster and they are constantly bringing young players through their ranks.

Prediction: Strabane.

St Johnston v Malahide

The Donegal men are opening their new pavilion before this game, they have suffered two heavy defeats so far and things are not looking to bright, their bowling was exposed last week at Glendermott and that has to be a concern.

Malahide have not done that well in this cup but they have strengthened this season and may prove to strong for the home side.

Prediction: Malahide.

Lisburn v Limavady

The home side suffered a five wicket defeat last week, they will rely on the experienced Bruce Topping and Professional Van Der Merwe as well as the Simpson brothers David and Ricky.

The Roesiders picked up the first silverware of the season with their win over Donemana in the Faughan Valley Charity Cup, Chris Moore was in good form with the bat in last Saturdays win over Bready, a team full of talent they should progress.

Prediction: Limavady.

CIYMS v Donemana

The Belfast men will include ex New Zealand test player Craig McMillan in their side, they have also got the experienced Derek Heasley in their ranks, they had a comfortable league win last Saturday.

Donemana having to play all their games away from home in this Competition are renowned cup fighters who lost in the final last year. Junior and son Andrew McBrine both starred in their easy win last week but they have match winners throughout the side.

Prediction: Donemana.

Ballymena v Fox Lodge

The County Antrim men suffered a heavy defeat against Downpatrick last week which won't have helped their cause, they rely a lot on David and Johnny Kennedy two experienced players.

The Foxies were a bit unlucky to lose at Beechgrove last week where their professional Darryl Brown was in superb form with the bat, they have some big hitters in their side and that may see them through to the next round.

Prediction: Fox Lodge.

Sunday

Coleraine v Clontarf

What a dream start to the season for the Bannsiders they have taken two big scalps in Donemana and Strabane both away from home, their new signings have got off to a great start especially Ian McGregor so the future looks bright.

Clontarf are a very experienced side who have a settled team for the last number of seasons however their record in this competition isn't very good, the home side to continue their great start to the season.

Prediction: Coleraine.