Shoot-out looms as Bee Gees draw level at the top

That said, the one game with something riding on it did manage to get completed as Bonds Glen took advantage of Ardmore’s inactivity to move joint top of the table with a facile win at home to Ballyspallen.

The visitors batted first in this one and Ernie Cassidy and Adam Bond got them off to a decent start with a 38 run stand. Unfortunately for the visitors however the wheels came off after that and only an unbeaten 20 from Johnny Martin prevented a total collapse.

They struggled to reach 91 in 28.2 overs, in the face of a disciplined and accurate Bonds Glen attack. Colin Hall claimed 4 for 28 and Richard Hepburn 3 for 5 at the end as ’Spallen folded.

The total proved little trouble to the strong batting line up of the The Bee Gees, and they wasted little time in knocking those off; Keith Hamilton with 30 the only man out in a 9-wicket romp. Roy Robinson with an unbeaten 29 and Johnny Heaslett with 23 not out both batted well.

The other contest had something of an end of season feel to it as Drummond recorded a 6-wicket win at The Nedd in the Limavady derby.

A delayed start saw the teams compromise on the length of the contest and The Nedd would have been pleased with their total of 175 for 7 declared in 30 overs. Alex Steele made an assured 58, and received good support from the prolific Kyle Morrow (43), and Johnny Young (27).

The bowling honours went to Craig Hartin (3-30), and Stevie Moore (2-12). Moore followed up his bowling heroics with a typically belligerent 59 to set Drummond well on course.

Philip Moon (30) also batted well and Hartin completed a fine victory by scoring an assured undefeated 34 with three overs in hand.

Both sides have a chance on Saturday to have a decisive say in the promotion race - Drummond entertain Bonds Glen, while The Nedd take on Ardmore a few miles away. Both have the potential to certainly cause an upset, particularly with final day nerves about, but it would certainly be a major surprise if a play-off wasn’t required to separate the top two.

No word of either a venue or indeed a date for any proposed play-off - Eglinton on either Sunday the 13th or Saturday 18th would be the favoured options, if of course the weather doesn’t intervene.

There’s one other game down for decision at the weekend, where Killyclooney will be expected to complete the season on a high with a win against Ballyspallen.