Sammy Jeffrey final spots up for grabs

The Sammy Jeffrey ties see Burndennett travelling to Killyclooney with Jimmy Boyle's side playing their first game in the competition this season due to byes whilst Killyclooney have already had to see of Ballyspallen and Sion Mills to get this far.

Burndennett will no doubt go into the game as favourites despite the fact that they haven't been at their best in the past month after that blistering start. Mark Roulston has been in tremendous form for them, particularly with the ball and both he and Stephen McCay possess real threat that Killyclooney will need to be mindful of.

The hosts have been in and out this season and are sure to miss the talented Graeme McCarter who has now departed to spend the summer at the Gloucester county academy. That said, Mark Gordon has been enjoying an equally prolific season for them and in Ken Colhoun Killyclooney also boast a player who could have a big say in the outcome. Home advantage could make things interesting but Burndennett should have enough about them to book a final place.

The second semi-final looks like being a cracker with the holders, Bonds Glen, entertaining Creevedonnell who have an outstanding record in this competition.

The Bee Gees have made their customary excellent start to the league campaign but to their credit there hasn't yet been any sign of cracking. Also through to the semi-finals of the Ulster Shield and the final of the Sperrin Springs as well as pitching for leadership of the league table, these are exciting times at the Glen.

Skipper Gary Hamilton has come into a bit of form at the right time and with the likes of David Robinson, Colin Hall, Richard Hepburn, Willie Jackson and Roy Robinson in his corner there is every reason to believe that this could be their time.

Creevedonnell will no doubt have plenty to say about that and although getting themselves into a tricky situation at Burndennett in their last game, skipper Stephen Scroggie also has several match-winners in his ranks. Charlie Elder, Andrew Clarke, Nicky Cooke and the McGarrigle boys are all very capable of taking a hand in the outcome of this one and it could well turn into a high scoring affair.

The home side probably starts favourites but I wouldn't want to call against Creevedonnell in this tournament.

Those two games mean that only two league matches will go ahead and Ardmore have the chance to get their noses in front when they travel to Ballyspallen.

The Bleachgreen side are expected to line up without Paul and Gerard Brolly due to suspension but the hosts won't need reminding about the quality of Adrian Murphy who welcomed them back into senior cricket in the reverse fixture by scoring a double hundred against them.

'Spallen have managed a couple of wins in the first half and will be well pleased with that but a third one here would be quite a surprise.

The final game of the day sees The Nedd host Sion Mills in a contest between two sides who have had their ups and downs this season. The hosts won't be one bit bothered about that of course and in Kyle Morrow have a player capable of having a major say in the outcome. Mind you, Sion skipper John Brown is no dud either and it could well be a case of one or other stamping their authority on the game.

There are plenty of other quality players on both sides too, Vinny O'Hara, Alex Steele, Creighton Wilson and the Burns boys in the home camp, Mark Patterson, Lee Finlay and Lee McGonigle for the visitors but The Nedd may just shade it.