Crucial weekend for table toppers

The Firsts travel to Belmont to take on the in-form Craig McMillan and CIYMS and skipper Greg Thompson knows that in order to maintain their magnificent run of seven consecutive league wins, his side will have to be at the very peak of their powers

"We have got ourselves into a great position at half way and I don't think anyone expected us to be here. And most people probably don't expect us to stay there and that can be an advantage for us as we can approach the game as underdogs with the pressure on the opposition. But winning is a habit, and a good one at that," said Thompson.

It is now 15 years since Lisburn last won the league title and this year represents possibly their best chance for many seasons to push on and be challenging at the business end of the campaign. In previous years the side has struggled at times in the second half of the season but Thompson is confident that his charges can maintain their levels until the end of the season.

"We have developed a good mindset this season. Practices have been good under Yasas Tillakaratne, we have a great team spirit and we are playing good cricket.

"The good weather has definitely helped us in terms of our preparation and not having rearranged games. We are fresh, and ready to put in a challenge."

The action at Belmont commences at noon. The Seconds are at home to Woodvale on Saturday in a match sponsored by Prosafe, with the Thirds host Bangor Fourths at Friends' School.