Laurelvale deliver winning cup form across knockout double

The Villagers recorded a 175-run triumph over CSNI seconds on Saturday in the Junior Cup.

This cup progress continued with the midweek defeat of Monaghan within the Twenty20 Shield.

Now focus should return on Sunday to Section Two commitments as unbeaten Laurelvale attempt to cement a position at the top of the table by extending the maximum haul.

“Confidence is high within the club and you can see the commitment put in by everyone,” said David Sinton, the senior captain. “We have some good memories of the Twenty20 knockout competitions and always put emphasis on cup ties as progress is great for the players and club overall.

“Cups offer a chance for a big day to look back on and trophy win, so we want to field our strongest possible sides.

“The fact that our midweek squad was strong shows how deep the competition for places is at present, with everyone fighting to hang on to that position in the line-up.

“That can only help us move forward as a club and we want to continue the run of form this weekend away to Holywood.”

Laurelvale have enjoyed a clean sweep of Section Two fixtures, with three wins putting Sinton’s side at the head of the standings.

“It is going to be a long and tough season, with plenty of tests across the competitions,” said Sinton. “However, we have enjoyed a really positive start and our focus is on maintaining a certain level of consistency.

“If we can produce the same standard against any side then you can develop a real competitive edge, which can make all the difference in big games or key knockout ties.

“We can point to a spread of individual performances this season, not just one or two or three players.

“That is evidence of confidence and everyone wants to maintain that progress.”