David MacBeth who has been in sparkling form with the bat in recent weeks was at it again, top scoring with 83 whilst Richard Cooke posted a half century and Sachin Dixit added 40 in their 228 for 7. Vinny O'Hara with 3 for 25 was the pick of the visitors' attack but only Mark Averill (27) and Kyle Morrow (24) offered much by way of resistance in their reply as Rammohan Goud led the line for the Saints with 5 for 30.

Andrew Fleming's side may have to wait to seal the deal however as they have a date at Eglinton next Saturday in the final of the Sammy Jeffrey shield when they take on Bonds Glen.

Ardmore kept the champions elect honest as they beat Burndennett in a low scoring contest at the Bleachgreen. Paul Brolly's side were all out for just 96 with Paul McDowell making 45 of them, whilst James Boyle and Mark Roulston claimed 3 wickets apiece.

Burndennett's batting fell apart in reply however and they mustered just 67 between them, Conor Brolly taking three wickets and Ger Brolly, Dessie McCourt and George Brolly two each. Ardmore travel to The Nedd next Saturday for a re-arranged fixture and need to win to prevent the Saints celebrating without having to play.

Creevedonnell ended any minor hopes Killyclooney had of challenging the leaders when Charlie Elder's 74 and 41 from Ellis McGarrigle helped set the hosts a target of 173. Mark Gordon bowled well to claim four wickets and Andy Barr 3 bur Killyclooney's batting, without the McCarter brothers came up short. Despite a half century from Alan Lynch, three wickets apiece from Brian Dougherty, Charlie Elder and Ellis McGarrigle left the home team 48 runs short at the end.

The final game of the day was at Bonds Glen where the home team were too strong for struggling Sion Mills. Richard Hepburn made 79, Don Nicholl 34 not out and Keith Hamilton 30 in the Bee Gees 208 although the visitors can be thankful for small mercies as the hosts declared after 30 overs. Sion's reply was in keeping with their campaign to date as they could manage just 64 all out, Colin Hall and Leslie Curry picking up 3 wickets each in a straightforward win.

Drummond's match with North Fermanagh was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch which leaves the Kesh side looking at another midweek jaunt in the coming days.

Although there are re-arranged games going on both midweek and this coming Saturday, St Johnston will be keen to hold on to their Sammy Jeffrey trophy at the weekend when they cross swords with the Bee Gees.

Andy Fleming knows that his team are to all intents and purposes already promoted, but with that point still needed to remove any mathematical doubt, that will remain his priority.

The weekend's game though gives the Donegal side a chance to divert their gaze for a moment and it's a great opportunity for them to pick up a trophy to endorse what has been a superb season for them.

It's been another solid year for Martin Mehaffey's side too mind you and although they go to Eglinton as underdogs, they won't mind that one iota.