Brigade aim to build on cup win with challenge to league champs

In the all-Premiership tie at Eglinton saw victory going to Brigade.

The home side batted first and scored 172 with good knocks from the promising Andy Pierce with 47 and Stuart Thompson with 35.

But the Beechgrove men had few problems chasing down that under par total, losing just five wickets along the way.

Ryan Hunter with 41 and Adam McDaid with 36 were the main scorers.

Ardmore entertained Bready and David Scanlon’s side managed 232 for five in their 50 overs with opener David Barr hitting a superb 116 not out. He enjoyed good support from Brian Crumley who scored 63.

In reply Ardmore batted poorly with only Decker Curry showing any resistance with 73, but they fell 69 runs short.

St Johnston travelled to the Holm to take on the cup holders and it turned out to be a hugely disappointing day for the Donegal men. They were bowled out for just 39 with Kamran Sajid returning incredible figures of 8 for seven. Richard Kee’s side then took just 5.5 overs to get the required runs

There was another low scoring game at Coleraine where the visitors Bond’s Glen could only manage 69 with the Bannsiders winning by ten wickets.

It was a similar story at Drummond where the Roesiders scored 67, with Strabane losing three wickets in reaching that target.

On Sunday, three of the scheduled games in the Premiership were washed out while the game at Brigade lasted just 25 overs as the home side were in a bit of trouble on 72 for four against Strabane before the rain ended that one.

One game that beat the elements was the RSA Irish Senior cup at Glendermott where The Hills were the visitors, the Dubliners winning by five wickets.

It’s back to league action on Saturday while on Sunday a number of local sides are involved in Irish Senior Cup replays.

Saturday

Fox Lodge v Bready

The Foxies lost their opening game but bounced back in the Senior Cup last week. Professional Tabish Khan has been impressive opening the attack with his pace and they have also a good bit of quality in their side.

David Scanlon’s side are currently unbeaten, even without star batsman David Rankin. Opener David Barr is another player with excellent qualities at the top of the order. They may also have a couple of players returning for this one.

Prediction: Fox Lodge

Ardmore v Eglinton

Decker Curry showed in his innings last Saturday that he hasn’t lost any of his undoubted ability.

However he needs some of his teammates to back him up and right now not too many are contributing.

Eglinton have yet to win a match which must be a concern. They have a lot of talent coming through, with Andy Pierce looking an excellent opening batsman. Their policy of bringing young players through looks the right way to go.

Prediction: Ardmore

Donemana v Strabane

A rehearsal for the Senior Cup quarter-final in a few weeks time although then the Red Caps will have home advantage. Richard Kee’s side have not got off to the start they would have been hoping for so a defeat here would be a major blow.

Strabane’s confidence is high and they are looking like potential trophy winners this season. They welcomed back Kevin Martin at the top of the order last week and their new recruits have settled in well.

Prediction: Donemana

Coleraine v Brigade

Probably the match of the day. The Bannsiders have continued where they left off last season.

They are currently undefeated but they really haven’t been tested. Jarred Barnes and Gareth Burns are a formidable opening attack.

Brigade like their opponents are also unbeaten, opener Ryan Hunter showed his true form against Eglinton last week and with 
Johnny Thompson also among the runs this season they are a formidable outfit, should be plenty of runs in this one.

Prediction: Coleraine