Title winning duo take part in US T20tournament

Coleraine's batsman Niall Mc Donnell, celebrates a century with team mate Roy Silva, against Brigade on Sunday at Rugby Avenue.PICTURE MARK JAMIESON.

Roy Silva and Niall McDonnell were in Florida plying their trade with the US Tigers Cricket team in the US Open T20 event, which is their version of the IPL.

In the end they lost out to the eventual winners, US Smart Choice by seven runs in the semi final

It might only be December but plans are already in full swing for the 2014 North West Cricket season. Draws for the Irish Senior and National cups took place in Dublin last Thursday and North West sides will have it all to do again in 2014 if they are to improve on this year’s showings in both competitions.

Coleraine have the advantage of a home start when they entertain a CIYMS side likely to boast several players well known to the Bannsiders.

Team Manager Trevor Harper suggested that his club were delighted to have come out of the draw first and that could have a major bearing on the contest.

“First and foremost you look for a home tie in cup competitions and we’ve got that,” he said.

“That said there are no easy games in the All-Ireland but we will definitely be looking to progress having gone out to beaten finalists Merrion last time.

“We are happy to be hosting CIYMS and their North West players who include of course Stevie Dunn who played a major role in the rebuilding process at Coleraine.”