CRICKET: North West sides aim for Irish Senior Cup success

In the games that did take place there were no shocks. Reigning champions Coleraine had a comfortable 67 run home win over Strabane.

Donemana were too strong for Eglinton winning by nine wickets as were Brigade who had few problems against newly promoted Drummond, winning by nine wickets.

This Saturday there are 10 local side involved in the first round of the Cricket Ireland Irish Senior Cup; we look at some of the ties involving North West clubs.

Brigade v CIYMS

The Beechgrove side didn’t have to get out of second gear in last week’s victory over Drummond. However their new recruits impressed as young Ryan McBeth bowled well taking three wickets while Danza Hyatt made an undefeated 27.

CI suffered a shock opening day defeat against newly promoted Derriaghy so they will be determined to put that blip behind them.

To make things more interesting two ex-Brigade players Johnny Thompson and Chris Dougherty are in the Belfast side and with Beechgrove looking in excellent condition their should be plenty of thrills.

Prediction: Brigade

Donemana v Derriaghy

Ricky Lee Dougherty’s men looked the part last week at Eglinton.

They have a very young side but they have been playing at the top level for the last couple of seasons. This season they are determined to go for all the trophies.

The visitors shocked CIYMS last Saturday with Craig Lewis hitting 50 off 38 balls and opener Adam Jamison scoring a patient 47. Any thoughts that the home side would underestimate them have disappeared.

Prediction: Donemana

Coleraine v Merrion

The Bannsiders looked to have signed a top class pro in Silva who was very impressive with the bat in their opening game. They have the majority of last season’s league winning side still together which makes them formidable opponents.

Merrion are one of the strongest side in the South with quality players throughout their side. They were beaten finalists last year and there should be plenty of thrills in this one.

Prediction: Coleraine

Drummond v Carrickfergus

The Roesiders saw what it was like playing in the top flight in their defeat at Beechgrove. Their batting was poor with only Adam McDaid showing any resistance They will have to show a big improvement in the weeks to come.

Carrick had an excellent opening day win over the fancied North Down where they chased down 247 in just 40 over with a century from Jamie Holmes and an undefeated 62 from Botha. They may be too strong for the home side.

Prediction: Carrickfergus

Muckamore v Eglinton

The County Antrim side are playing in Section One this season although they still have retained the services of Ryan Haire.

They won their opening day game against Woodvale by eight wickets.

Eglinton had a disappointing opening day reversal however they were missing three regulars which certainly weakened their bowling. They still have a useful side on paper and if they are at full strength they could go through.

Prediction: Eglinton

Strabane v Malahide

Ryan Gallagher’s side face strong opposition in this one. He will have been a little disappointed in the way things went at Coleraine last week where most of the side struggled, however they are sure to improve.

Malahide are a decent side who have a good record in this competition. They will travel confident that they can make into the next round.

Prediction: Malahide