Newbuildings, Brigade double-header headlines busy North West cricket weekend

It's back to league action in the Long's SuperValu Premier Division this weekend with some crunch matches in both Sections on Saturday ahead of the rearranged Faughan Valley Cup final at Ardmore on Sunday.

Ironically, the two teams involved in that T20 Cup decider, Brigade and Newbuildings, are also set to meet in the league at Foyle View the previous day.

Ross Hunter's men can currently lay claim to being the league's most in-form team, as having lost their first two games of the season, they've now won five in a row to move into second place in the table.

Having earned a place in this month's senior cup final as well, Newbuildings have won eight in the bounce domestically and will be a real handful in both games against Andy Britton's men.

For their part it has been an up and down season for Brigade, however a couple of recent wins of their own has taken them to third in the table.

Obviously they're very much still alive in the title race but the Beechgrove side knows the prize at stake for winning the Faughan Valley and a crack at the All-Ireland T20, so it's a big weekend for them.

Donemana got back to winning ways last Saturday following a somewhat surprising defeat at Bready the previous Sunday and they will be hot favourites to retain their lead in the table as they visit Strabane this time.

That loss remains Gary McClintock's side's only domestic reverse this season and when you chuck in their Irish Senior Cup run, it's equally hard to argue that they have set the standard so far this year.

Strabane have struggled in the top flight, particularly with the bat, and it's very difficult to imagine that their position will improve any this weekend.

They do have players who could take advantage if the league leaders take their eye off the ball, but it looks unlikely.

Fox Lodge professional Gayan Maneeshan on his way to a century at Burndennett on Saturday.

Bready, bottom of the table a fortnight ago, posted victories over the top two in each of their last couple of games and they look to make it three-in-a-row at home to Eglinton.

The shoe is on the other foot now for Ian Young's men though as they go into the game as favourites against the villagers who are currently bottom of the pile.

It's an awful lot closer to call than it looks, and Eglinton will likely be eyeing this up as one they would have a real chance in, as they look to free themselves of a relegation scrap.

Ardmore entertain former table-toppers Coleraine with the Bannsiders looking for a first win in three games.

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The Bannsiders had threatened to make a real fist of the title race in the early stages of the season, and they still might, however there is now work to do to get back on an even keel.

Consistency is key for both teams at this point with Ardmore still needing wins to keep themselves far enough away from that dogfight at the bottom.

Coleraine skipper Rory Knox is bowled by Newbuildings' Ryan Hunter

On paper the visitors would have a slight edge here, but as always, it depends on how strong they line up on the day.

Fox Lodge have opened up a sizeable gap between themselves and the chasing pack, however it's the Ballymagorry side's turn to sit it out on Saturday.

That gives the three sides in behind them the chance to narrow the gap, with two of them- Glendermott and Ballyspallen facing off at the Rectory.

'Spallen remain in second place but come into the game on the back of defeats in their last two matches, including a 9-wicket loss at the hands of leaders Fox Lodge.

Glendermott's own league form has been very hit or miss and although they had a big win over bottom side Burndennett last time out, they have been well off the pace in the promotion race so far.

A win for either side on Saturday would certainly help their cause in terms of getting back into the reckoning.

St Johnston come into the mix as well and the Donegal side, third in the table as it stands, entertain Bonds Glen at the Boathole.

The Saints can certainly be a handful on their day, especially on their own patch, and will be aware that a win won't do their own hopes any harm either.

The Bee Gees are nobody's mugs of course and Divan Posthumus often holds the key to their chances, but they do have plenty of players who fancy this type of challenge, and this could be more interesting than it first appears.

Killyclooney host Burndennett in the final fixture with both sides a long way from being involved at the business end.

In truth it has been a miserable season so far for 'Dennett who could just be doing with a win of any kind.

Subhan Shirzad is bowled by Stevie Dunn.

'Clooney aren't that far ahead of the curve themselves and will be just as keen to add to their points tally and they go into this as favourites.

Weekend fixtures

SATURDAY:- Long's SuperValu Premier Division - Section 1 (12 noon) - Ardmore v Coleraine; Bready v Eglinton; Newbuildings v Brigade; Strabane v Donemana. Section 2 - Glendermott v Ballyspallen; Killyclooney v Burndennett; St Johnston v Bonds Glen

SUNDAY:- Faughan Valley Cup final (The Bleachgreen, 2 pm) - Brigade v Newbuildings. Long's SuperValu Premier Division - Section 2 (12 noon) - Killyclooney v Bonds Glen. Women's Senior Cup group phase (2 pm) - Bready v Coleraine.