CRICKET: Can Ricky Lee Dougherty lead Holm men to Premier League title?

Once again we take a look at the various in’s and out’s at the clubs and Sentinel Sport and Higland Radio Cricket’s correspondent Eamonn McLaughlin gives his prediction about where they might finish come September.

Coleraine

The reigning champions will again have Scott Campbell retaining the captaincy, they also have a new professional in Sri Lankan Roshen Silva.

They welcome back David Cooke after his spell with Bonds Glen, Richard Hepburn ex Brigade also joins, they have lost Graeme McCarter who has joined Civil Service North.

Prediction: Third.

Donemana

New skipper is Ricky Lee Dougherty, last seasons pro Jan Frylinck returns and Aggie Riddles rejoins the club from Ardmore.

They were delighted when Andy McBrine decided to stay at the Holm after turning down some lucrative offers from NCU clubs.

Last years North West Senior Cup winners they will be going all out to win the league this season.

Prediction: First.

Brigade

Andy Britton is the skipper and they also made a significant signing in Danza Hyatt former Killymallaght who is their new pro.

With Ian McGregor retiring they have brought in David Barr from Bready to open the innings.

The talented young bowler Ryan McBeth arrives from St Johnston, they have lost Nick Donnell and Richard Hepburn.

Prediction: Second.

Ardmore

Gary Neely takes over the captaincy from Ciaran Curley, they are another side who have recruited a new professional in Marlo Jardine.

Two other significant signings are left arm opening bowler Steven Dunn while Kevin Martin returns to the Bleachgreen and will take up wicket keeping duties, they of course still have Decker Curry.

Prediction: Fourth.

Eglinton

Irish international Stuart Thompson takes over the captaincy from Christopher Pierce, young West Indian Orion Williams who had a decent season last time round returns, the side will not show many changes from last season where they reached the Senior Cup Final.

Prediction: Fifth.

Strabane

The Red Caps will be led by Ryan Gallagher with Kevin Pretorius as their overseas player, he will be joined by Khushpal Singh ex-St Johnston, Brandon O’Neill also joins the club with Mark Snodgrass having left, they will be looking for a big season from Aaron Gillespie.

Prediction: Sixth.

Bready

David Scanlon continues for the fifth season in a row as captain, Gavin Wallace is their new professional and a lot will be expected from him.

The same applies to Craig Young and David Rankin with promising youngsters Andrew Austin and Reece Kelly expecting to also perform well.

Prediction: Seventh.

Drummond

Newly promoted they have Chris Moore in charge, they have decided not to employ a pro which will make life very difficult. They will depend on the likes of Richard McDaid, Simon Dunn Andy Christie and the skipper himself who have all played in the top flight to hopefully perform.

Prediction: Eighth.