BRIGADE, last season's champions, got their season off to a winning start easily defeating Strabane.
Ardmore in their first game back in Section One put up a good performance before losing to Donemana.
Eglinton shocked Limavady and Bready had an easy win against Killymallaght as did Fox Lodge over Glendermott.
Limavady v BreadyThe Roesiders lost their opening game going down narrowly to Eglinton with only David Cooke and Mark McDaid showing any form with the bat however their undoubted talent will soon produce the goods, their new professional Sabir managed just 10 although he did take two wickets.
Bready's batsmen were in good form last week although most of them did not get in however their pro Frikkie Holthausen was in great form with both the bat and ball which augurs well for the season, they have threatened to win something in recent seasons could this be their year.
Prediction: Limavady.
Brigade v Fox LodgeThe Beechgrove side were missing their professional Wajutullah Wasti last week due to problems with his visa, however he may be available for this one. They didn't miss him last week where Stephen Smyth batted superbly and their debutants also did well.
The Foxies had an impressive win on the opening day and their professional Christian Jonker certainly looks a more than useful signing, they have most of last seasons side available so there is a good team spirit.
Prediction: Brigade.
Glendermott v KillymallaghtBoth these side suffered heavy defeats on the opening day, the Bonds Street side are still waiting for Hasan Raza to arrive and they certainly need him quickly, only Bob Robinson and new signing Neil Russell showed anything with the bat.
The visitors who had such a good season last year struggled with both bat and ball last Saturday. They like some of the sides are still without their professional and they may lose again.
Prediction: Glendermott.
Strabane v ArdmoreStrabane batted poorly last week where they made no effort to chase Brigades score that attitude must change if they are to be among the challengers for silverware this season, their fielding was also poor, putting down vital catches.
Ardmore in their first game in the big time put up a creditable show and at one stage looked like winning however their lower order let them down. That said they have some good young talent in their ranks.
Prediction: Strabane.
Eglinton v DonemanaThe villagers shocked Limavady last week which shows that they are going to be a side to be reckoned with, their new professional Pravan Mullick batted very well and this result will have given them confidence for this one.
Donemana were made to fight all the way before overcoming Ardmore. James McBrine was in excellent form with the bat they may prove to strong for the home side.
Prediction: Donemana.
The full article contains 484 words and appears in Londonderry Sentinel newspaper.