Big weekendat the Holm

The only games that beat the elements were the Strabane versus Bready league game which saw the red caps win convincingly on Saturday while on Sunday Brigade reached the semi final of the Northern Bank Senior cup with an easy win over St Johnston.

This weekend Donemana will try for the fifth time to play their quarter final of the Senior Cup at home to Glendermott on Saturday while on Sunday they entertain Railway Union in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup.

Brigade travel to Coleraine on Saturday to play their semi-final of the Northern Bank Senior Cup while also on Saturday there are two important league games with another three league games scheduled for Sunday.

Saturday

Northern Bank Senior Cup

Coleraine v Brigade

This has the makings of being a tight game, the home side haven’t been to a senior cup final for a long time and they will see this as being their best chance for many seasons. They have a lot of experienced players in their side which should help to settle their younger players nerves.

Brigade last years league champions look to be out of this seasons title race so they will be going all out to lift this prestigious trophy, after a poor performance against Donemana recently they have bounced back with Johnny Thompson especially starring with both bat and ball, this may come down to who bowls the best with the Beechgrove men looking the more accomplished.

Prediction: Brigade.

Senior One

Creevedonnell v Strabane

The Creevies knew at the start of the season that they were going to find things tough in the top division, however they have managed to win two games so far, however with two teams automatically going down they need another couple of victories.

Strabane are one of five teams in top spot, their bowling sometimes their Achilles heel performed well in last Saturdays win over Bready and with their professional expected to return for the rest of the season they fancy their chances of lifting the title.

Prediction: Strabane.

Bready v Fox Lodge

Last Saturday was a bad day for the Magheramason side losing for only the second time in the league, their normally reliable batting let them down badly but you can be sure that that won’t happen again, they also welcomed back the talented David Rankin.

The Foxies on paper look to have a reasonable side but the table doesn’t lie and with only one win all season things are becoming a bit desperate, they really have to improve their bowling and it will be a surprise if they can win this one.

Prediction: Bready.

Sunday

Irish Senior Cup

Donemana v Railway Union

The home side will be delighted to at last have a home game in this competition, they were due to travel to their opponents last Saturday but that was washed out and with home advantage they will fancy their chances.

The Dubliners are a useful side with their star man being Irish international Kevin O’Brien, if they can keep him quiet they may be good enough to win.

Prediction: Donemana.

Senior One

Limavady v Bonds Glen

The Roesiders after a poor start are right back in the mix, they at last seem to have got their batting order sorted out and they are now playing with the confidence that winning gives, they will be strong favourites in this one.

The Bee Gees have almost resigned themselves to second division cricket next season although they will continue to give their all.

Prediction: Limavady.

Strabane v Fox Lodge

Two wins over this weekend could see the red caps go top of the league, they will welcome back Mark Gillespie and that will leave them at full strength, they also defeated their opponents a couple of weeks ago.

Games are coming thick and fast for the visitors and they may not be at full strength, Johnny Robinson must rally his troops as games are running out.

Prediction: Strabane.

Bready v Creevedonnell

There is always a bit of rivalry between these two, David Scanlon is determined that his troops will collect silverware this season and they are still involved in all the major competitions.

There will be celebrations if the visitors can maintain their senior one status this season and this without a professional however they have a bit to go before that.

Prediction: Bready.