NW CRICKET: T20 finals day this Sunday at Beechgrove

The Eric Cooke Cup decider starting at 12 noon followed by the Faughan Valley Cup sponsored this year by Friendly Financial of the Diamond following on at around 4pm.

Given the awful spell of recent weather, the finalists are only due to be decided tomorrow (Tuesday) night and Wednesday.

The winners of Strabane/Glendermott versus Ballyspallen taking on the winners of Killyclooney and Bonds Glen in the Cooke Memorial Cup.

Now into its third season the competition is becoming a permanent fixture in the North West, something that is really pleasing the former International umpire’s family.

Speaking to the Sentinel at the weekend, Eric’s daughter Wendy said that the competition had been a great source of comfort to all of them.

“It is so important to us that we keep dad’s memory alive and obviously having this competition named after him is a massive part of that,” she said.

“We were raised on cricket from a very young age and we know how much the North West meant to him so it is always a very emotional day, but in a nice way.

“Both Ardmore and Glendermott have been fantastic hosts in the past two seasons in difficult circumstances and we know that Brigade have left no stone unturned to make this a great day out too.

“Our mum and all the family will be there - Roy is bringing Granny Cooke as well - and Trevor and the rest of dad’s friends from the Gransha club will be supporting as always.

“All we can hope for now is that the weather is kind to us.”

It’s a fairly similar ‘either or’ situation in the Faughan Valley Cup.

Eglinton, who beat Donemana in a bowl-out on Saturday, taking on Fox Lodge in one semi-final, while Brigade and Coleraine lock horns in the other last four encounter.

The winner of those respective matches will then contest the second final on Sunday - set to get under way in mid-afternoon.

Brigade Cricket Club have asked those attending finals day to note that no parking will be permitted either inside the ground or on the laneway leading up to Beechgrove on the recommendation of the emergency services.

Car-parking will be available at Wilton Park and the club have asked patrons to also note that alcohol carry-outs are not permitted inside the ground.

Admission is £5 and as always, all gate receipts will be passed on to the Derry Midweek League for their continued charity dispersal fund.

Meanwhile the North West Cricket Union voted to extend 15-day rule to 29 days, at their Special General Meeting held at Brigade CC last week.

While Championship men Newbuildings have been drawn away to Laois in National Cup semi-final.