NIPBA clubs ready for IBA Irish Cup

Several local sides are in action in the first round of the Goulding's sponsored Senior and Junior Cups this Saturday.

Coleraine face a tough task as they travel up the A26 to take on Ballymena. Coleraine will be out for revenge following last year's exit to Ballymena at the quarter final stage.

Ballymoney entertain Dubliners St James' Gate and with home advantage ‘the Toon’ will be confident of making it through to the second round.

Portglenone also have a home tie as they face Donaghadee of the Parks Division Two. The home side like a cup run and home advantage should again give them the edge.

Cookstown, who have been knocking at the door for a few years now, are on their travels to Gallaher of the Private Greens Division Two. The Sizzlers know they have every chance of progressing to the next round.

Brookgreen, Dunluce, Limavady, Portrush and City of Derry all have byes to round two.

In the Junior Cup Coleraine have another tough task ahead of the as they travel to Whitehead of the Parks Division Two. It's sure to be a tough game with either side capable of making it through to the second round.

Castlerock will also have to pull out all the stops as they take on Larne from the Private Greens League One.

Portstewart have the advantage of a home draw but they know they will have to be on the top of their game as they take on Balmoral from the NIBA Division Two.

Portrush are also at home as they entertain Belfast of the Private Greens Division Two and the seasiders are quietly confident of progressing to round two.

Brookgreen have a plum home tie against BLI side Leinster and they should progress with home advantage.

Kilrea also face southern opposition in the shape of CYM, who are renowned cup fighters, but Kilrea will be hoping to make home advantage count.

Limavady will be hoping to make it safely through as they take on Rathfrailand of NIBA Division Five.

Dungiven have a tough task against holders Ballymena, who are going for a hat-trick of wins.

Cookstown have an all NIPBA tie against new club Letterkenny, with the Sizzlers favourites to progress.

And finally Magherafelt welcome Antrim from the NIBA for their first round tie and they should seal the win.

Times Sport would like to wish all the NIPBA teams the best of luck.