CRICKET: O'Neill's Cup holders North Down travel to Eglinton

There are seven ties in the O’Neills Ulster Cup on Saturday, while on Sunday, Ardmore entertain Drummond in the Long’s Supervalu Premier League.

Eglinton v North Down

The home side have been struggling they bowed out of two cup competitions in the last two weeks. To many of their top order batsmen have not been performing with Orion Williams being the exception.

North Down are the holders although they haven’t had the best of seasons so far with last Saturday’s win against Derriaghy being their first of the season, they have a quality pro in Pieter Malan who scored 92 not out in that game.

Prediction: North Down.

Waringstown v Coleraine

Both these sides are undefeated, the men from the Lawn have quality throughout their side with players of the calibre of Colin Piennar, Lee Nelson and James Hall with ex Strabane player Phil Eaglestone opening the bowling.

The Bannsiders are also full of quality with their professional Roshen Silva a real find, the Cooke brothers are playing as well as ever and Scott Campbell and Tim Chopra are an excellent opening pair.

Prediction: Waringstown.

Donemana v CSNI

Ricky Lee Dougherty’s men are on fire their quality with the bat was shown in last Saturday’s win over Newbuildings when a number of their batsmen scored big runs with Jan Frylinck the star.

The Belfast men lost to Waringstown last week where their last six wickets making only 17 runs, however they have still got good players in their side like Jan Vander Merwe and ex-Coleraine player Graham McCarter.

Prediction: Donemana.

Bready v Lisburn

The Magheramason side got a welcome win in the Senior cup last Saturday where Andrew Austin made his first senior century, professional Gavin Wallace was also in fine form with both bat and ball.

Lisburn won a thriller by one wicket last week thanks to a 50 from Cody Chetty, however they have not had the best of seasons so far, Robert Rankin will be up against brother David for the bragging rights.

Prediction: Bready.

Instonians v Brigade

This should be a cracker, the home side have quality players in Andrew White, Neil Russell and James Shannon to name just three and they lost a thriller to CIYMS last Saturday with home advantage they will fancy their chances.

Brigade like their opponents have some excellent players in their ranks, however one or two have to show more consistency they had a few scares before booking their place in the Senior cup semi-final.

Prediction: Brigade.

Strabane v Carrickfergus

The Red Caps are having a poor season so far they have yet to win a league game and their displays in the last two defeats to Brigade and Bready have been woeful especially in the bowling and fielding.

Carrick are having a decent season and lost a thriller against Lisburn last week, Ryan Eaglestone is still a major player for them as is Alex Haggan with the ball they may add to the home sides woes.

Prediction: Carrickfergus.

Derriaghy v Ardmore

Derriaghy have already taken one North West scalp this season when they defeated Donemana in the Irish Senior Cup, although they lost last Saturday they are having a good season and are one of five sides at the top of the table.

Ardmore look as if they have signed an excellent professional in Marlo Jardine who scored a century in Sunday’s defeat to Eglinton. With Decker Curry and opening bowlers Steven Dunn and Gary Neely, they will prove formidable opponents.

Prediction: Derriaghy.