Senior Cup final place at stake

On Saturday they defeated Glendermott to book their place in the Northern Bank Senior Cup semi-final while on Sunday they had a comprehensive win over Dublin side Railway Union which now sees them entertain Merrion in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup semi-final.

Brigade reached the Northern Bank Senior Cup Final after a win over Coleraine at Sandel Lodge.

The big winners in the league over the weekend were Fox Lodge, they had two victories over Bready and Strabane to ease their relegation worries. Bready although losing on Saturday bounced back with a win over Creevedonnell on Sunday to move them two points clear at the top of the table.

There were wins also on Saturday for Limavady and Strabane over Bonds Glen and Creevedonnell respectively.

There is a packed programme again this weekend, on Saturday there is the Senior Cup semi final also there are three league games scheduled.

While on Sunday there is a double header at Beechgrove where the Faughan Valley and Sperrin Cup Finals take centre stage with all proceeds going to local charities.

Saturday

Senior Cup

Bready v Donemana

Two sides at the top of their game should ensure a big crowd at Magheramason.

The home side sit proudly at the top of senior one and although losing last Saturday they are worthy table toppers. A number of their batsmen are in excellent form although their bowling isn’t the strongest in the league.

Donemana are on a roll already in the Irish Senior Cup semi-final they would dearly like to reach this final.

This may be one of the last games when they will be at full strength with the loss of the talented Ireland under 19 starlets Ryan Hunter and Andy McBrine to the World cup, Bready have already beaten them twice this season but Donemana may get their revenge.

Prediction: Donemana.

Senior One

Fox Lodge v Bonds Glen

The Foxies at last showed their true form last weekend and they will now concentrate on moving away from the relegation fight. They have to many talented batsmen to be at the wrong end of the table.

The Bee Gees look like going through the season without winning a single game, they already seem to have accepted the inevitable and unless something dramatic happens they are going down.

Prediction: Fox Lodge.

Brigade v Glendermott

Skipper Mark Simpson will miss this one due to holidays but he knows his side are playing with confidence, although only sixth in the table they haven’t given up hope of retaining the title.

Glendermott put up their worst performance of the season in last Saturday’s cup defeat, they are very much in the scrap to avoid the drop with only their professional Roy Silva performing consistently.

Prediction: Brigade.

Creevedonnell v Coleraine

The Creevies performance with the bat last Saturday was shambolic, although it improved on Sunday they still lost both matches. Their decision not to employ a professional may haunt them as the season progresses.

Coleraine were disappointed to lose their senior cup semi final but they did go very close. The experience gained by their young players this season will bear fruit in the future, a win here will keep them in contention for the title.

Prediction: Coleraine.