Cricket: Big league and cup weekend for Villagers

Also on Sunday, Coleraine host Brigade in their rearranged league encounter.

Ardmore v Eglinton

These two sides sit on six points and a win for either here would probably leave them safe.

Ardmore were in pole position at Strabane last week, however after their opening bowlers were finished the rest of their bowlers were pretty poor.

Eglinton have a massive couple of weeks coming up with the semi-final of the Ulster Cup on Sunday and then the Danske Bank Senior Cup final next Friday and Saturday.

Their are some cup final places up for grabs so they have a lot to play for in this one.

Prediction: Eglinton

Bready v Coleraine

The men from Magheramason are in dire straits firmly rooted at the bottom. They have been missing a number of players in recent games and they will still not be at full strength in this one and they need to get their act together quickly.

The Bannsiders are in pole position in the title race unbeaten after nine games they are looking unstoppable. However they know that there are a couple of sides just waiting for them to lose, they should have few problems here.

Prediction: Coleraine

Brigade v Strabane

Andy Britton’s side after their exit from the Ulster Cup have to channel all their energy on winning the title. They still have not performed often enough with both bat and ball and that has been their Achilles’ heel.

Strabane had a massive win last week thanks again to former Ireland international Peter Gillespie. They can’t however depend on him all the time, they like a number of sides have not been at full strength but may have some players back for this one.

Prediction: Brigade

Donemana v St Johnston

Richard Kee’s men have not played a league game for a fortnight allowing Coleraine to pull clear at the top. They also have the Danske Bank Senior Cup final coming up so it is imperative that they get a result here.

The Saints most pundits fancy for the drop gave themselves a bit of a life line with last Saturday’s win. They may also have the extremely talented Michael Rankin back which is good news.

Prediction: Donemana

Ulster Cup

Eglinton v Instonians

The Villagers fly the flag for the union here. They may well have one eye on the following weeks cup final but this will be good preparation, Andy Millar with a couple of big performances looks to have secured his cup final place.

The Belfast men are formidable opponents they have a lot of quality in their ranks with players like Andrew White, Neil Russell and Eugene Moleon, they will be favourites to reach the final, however don’t write off the home side.

Prediction: Instonians