NW CRICKET: Senior Cup holders Donemana host near neighbours Newbuildings

In a thriller at Coleraine Bready lost by three runs while the other two games were abandoned. On Sunday, Donemana proved too strong for Bready, while Brigade had an easy victory at Strabane.

The last two local sides in the Irish Senior Cup lost heavily - Eglinton defeated by 10 wickets by holders Waringstown, while Fox Lodge lost by eight wickets at home to Dublin YMCA.

This Saturday the quarter finals of the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup takes centre stage.

Brigade v Drummond

The Beechgrove side had a mixed weekend last time losing one and winning one. They were outplayed by Donemana but had no trouble bouncing back at Strabane. When these two met in the league Andy Britton’s side won easily and they will be favourites for a repeat.

Drummond, after a poor start to life in the top tier, have shown a bit of improvement. They have some good cricketers however their main aim this season is to stay in the top flight.

Prediction: Brigade

Donemana v Newbuildings

This is the real David verses Goliath. Ricky Lee Dougherty’s side are unbeaten and they really do look the business. They, of course, are the holders and they will be going all out to retain the trophy. They will be hoping their professional Jan Frylinck will be fit.

Newbuildings would love to put one over their neighbours and they can’t be taken lightly. When you have a class act like Peat Salmon in your side you are always in with a chance, however the home side look to good.

Prediction: Donemana

Coleraine v Eglinton

The Bannsiders have bowed out of this competition at the semi-final stage in the last couple of seasons and they are determined to go all the way this time round. Their pro Roshen Silva continues to impress.

Eglinton suffered a heavy defeat against an excellent Waringstown side in the Irish Senior Cup and it will be interesting to see what damage that result has done to their confidence. The home side look too strong.

Prediction: Coleraine

Bready v Strabane

This one could go either way. Both sides have been struggling but the home side were so close to gaining their first points of the season at Colerine last week - they will take confidence from that. Skipper David Scanlon will have his players fired up for this one.

Strabane put up a very poor performance at home to Brigade last Sunday where they incredibly made no effort to chase down the Brigade score and batted their fifty overs. They will welcome back Peter Gillespie.

Prediction: Bready