Sides stacking up at the top of Senior Two

In the Sammy Jeffrey trophy, Bonds Glen travelled to The Nedd and booked a home semi final tie with Creevedonnell after an emphatic victory in Ballykelly.

The hosts batted first and after losing both openers early, Alex Steele and Johnny Young got them back into it. Neither however was to press on after getting a start and it took 30 from Vinny O'Hara and 28 from Mark Magee lower down to help them post a respectable 162 all out. David Robinson and Colin Hall both picked up three wickets for the visitors whilst Keith Hamilton claimed two.

The Bee Gees lost a couple of wickets en route but an unbroken partnership between Roy Robinson and Johnny Heaslett saw them through to a comprehensive win. Robinson smashed 13 fours and 2 sixes in an unbeaten 86 as his side continued an impressive run of form that also sees them still contesting top spot in the league.

Battle has definitely been joined in the chase for the promotion spot now after Burndennett lost their unbeaten league start when Sion Mills spoiled their party. John Brown's side made a modest enough 150 all out in a game that was dominated by one player.

Despite a very commendable bowling performance from Mark Roulston (5 for 37) and Philip Kelly (4 for 37) Burndennett couldn't shift Sion's Andy Lucas who hit 11 fours in an unbeaten 68. Ryan O'Neill (3 for 40) and Lee Finlay (2 for 32) then got among the hosts top order as only Stephen McCay got to 20, but it was Lucas again who was to have the final say.

Having starred with the bat he then ran through Burndennett's lower order to finish with figures of 5 for 16 as Sion blew the title race open.

Both Ardmore and Creevedonnell took full advantage, the former pulling victory from the jaws of defeat with a thrilling win over Drummond.

It had all looked straightforward for the Bleachgreen side as skipper Paul Brolly, back at the top of the order made 64, with Paul McDowell adding an unbeaten 61 as his good form continued. Gerard McAuley chipped in with 44 and Mark Chambers 39 in Ardmore's imposing 258 for 5.

Ciaran McDermott and Conor Brolly then blew away the visitors' top order to leave them reeling on 45 for 5 before a partnership between Stevie Moore and Gordon Cooke turned the match on its head.

Those two took the score to 192 as Drummond threatened to pull off a stunning win and despite both being out, cameos from Jason Scott and Curtis McElwee meant that Drummond went into the final over needing just 6 to win with the last pair in the middle.

It wasn't to be for them however as Warren McIlmoyle was run out off the second ball as the hosts breathed a sigh of relief.

Creevedonnell enjoyed an altogether more comfortable time of things at Ballyspallen; Stephen Scroggie's side racking up a daunting 276 all out at Bridge Park courtesy of 64 from Nicky Cooke and 45 apiece for Charlie Elder and skipper Scroggie. Graeme Anderson with 3 for 63 did best with the ball for 'Spallen whilst Johnny Martin, Ernie Cassidy and Kyle Martin all picked up 2 wickets.

The hosts' reply never threatened an upset at any stage after that and despite a defiant 44 from Matt Cassidy that contained 3 sixes and 5 fours they were all out for 117. Leighton McGarrigle claimed the bowling honours with 4 for 29, with Ellis McGarrigle (2 for 2) and Nicky Cooke (2 for 22) the other main wicket takers.

Four teams, Ardmore, Bonds Glen, Burndennett and Creevedonnell now baring their teeth as the title race heats up and a close contest looks assured. There is league action ongoing this week, the game between The Nedd and Killyclooney due to finish last night whilst there is a full programme down for decision on Saturday.

It is Creevedonnell's turn to sit the weekend out giving the others a chance to take advantage as the title race heats up. Ardmore host Killyclooney with the Bleachgreen side still not firing on all cylinders. Adrian Murphy hasn't been in anything like the same form that helped him to a double century at the start of the season and whilst on paper they have a side capable of wreaking havoc in this division, there has to be more to come.

Killyclooney have been improving of late but it remains to be seen if Graeme McCarter is available and what sort of side they can put out.

Game of the day could well be at Burndennett where Bonds Glen are the visitors and the winners of this will surely stamp their intentions on the title race. Burndennett may have lost their unbeaten league tag on Saturday but after a whirlwind start, Jimmy Boyle's side has now lost 4 of their last 5 in all competitions.

No such worries for the Bee Gees who go into this one bang in form however and if form counts for anything they will start favourites. The hosts though are far from out of it.

Elsewhere, Sion Mills bid to build on their huge win at Burndennett on Saturday when they travel to Drummond who will be kicking themselves that they didn't see off Ardmore whilst The Nedd can get back to winning ways as they entertain neighbours Ballyspallen in the final match.