NW sides chase Ulster Cup glory

In the all Senior Two clash at Burndennett, the home side squeezed through against Ardmore with the last ball of their innings going for six. Three other senior two sides bowed out with Donemana proving to strong for Eglinton.

Cup holders Bready had a comprehensive nine wicket win over Sion Mills, Coleraine did even better winning by ten wickets at Killyclooney. St Johnston caused a bit of a surprise when they defeated Senior One side Creevedonnell.

This Saturday sees first round games in the Ulster Cup involving sides from the North West and the Northern Cricket Union, while on Sunday there are four important league fixtures.

Instonians v Glendermott

The Shaws Bridge side are one of the favourites to go all the way, they have quality players in Andrew White and Johnny Shannon to name just two, they had a very impressive win over Lisburn last Saturday.

Gordon Montgomery’s side have shown a bit of improvement in their last two outings which saw two victories, the return of Bob Robinson was a big help however the home side look to strong.

Prediction: Instonians.

North Down v Limavady

The Comber side are yet another quality side, they scored over 300 runs last week and only lost three wickets, Ryan Haire scored a century in that game with Alan Sutherland also among the runs.

The Roesiders have had a very mixed season so far losing two of their opening four league fixtures, they still don’t appear to know their best batting order but there are signs that they are coming back.

Prediction: North Down.

Waringstown v Bready

Skipper Kyle McCallan has eyes on a clean sweep of trophies this season and with the players he has at his disposal you can see why, they had a good win over the star studded CIYMS last week.

David Scanlon will have his players up for this one, they have got off to a good start to the season with just one defeat, he will be hoping his early order batsmen can come good that might not be enough.

Prediction: Waringstown.

Strabane v Derriaghy

Martin Deans side are certainly missing their professional Fasid Iqbal and Niall McDonnell and their bowling was certainly exposed in last Saturdays defeat at Brigade, they will see this game as a chance to get a victory.

The visitors ply their trade in Section One and that is not the highest of standards, they will be big outsiders to get a result.

Prediction: Strabane.

Fox Lodge v CSNI

The Foxies put up a battling performable before bowing out of the Northern Bank Senior Cup last week, however they have been blowing a bit hot and cold and they have only managed one league victory out of four.

Civil Service had an impressive nine wicket win last Saturday where they chased down 240, their professional Nieuwoudt scored an unbeaten century ably supported by the talented Nigel Jones, this could be a high scoring game.

Prediction: CSNI.

Donemana v Lisburn

Richard Kee’s side are playing at the top of their game, currently undefeated confidence is high at The Holm, there may be a slight doubt about the fitness of Junior McBrine but he will want to play.

Lisburn are having a poor season, they are lacking genuine quality and already look like relegation material, the home side should win comfortably.

Prediction: Donemana.

Brigade v Carrickfergus

These two met in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup a few weeks ago with the Beechgrove men winning comfortably. Mark Simpson’s side have genuine quality in their ranks with their top four or five getting plenty of runs.

The visitors were missing Ryan Eaglestone in their last encounter and if he plays he will certainly strengthen the side, however on a beautiful batting strip the home side will be warm favourites.

Prediction: Brigade.

CIYMS v Coleraine

The Belfast men suffered their first defeat of the season last week and with the signings that they have made they will want to bounce back, Jeremy Bray, Ryan Butterworth and Taimur Khan are all fine cricketers.

The Bannsiders are reportedly missing skipper Ian McGregor for this one and he will be a huge loss, his side have been performing superbly all season and they have designs of winning silverware this season, it may not be in this competition.

Prediction CIYMS.