Cricket: Brolly stuns Brigade with Broad-like performance

The first came at Beechgrove where the home side entertained Ardmore, batting first Andy Britton’s side were shot out for just 89 with Gerard Brolly brought out of retirement taking an incredible 7 for 12. In reply the visitors lost eight wickets before getting over the line.

The second shock was at Strabane Park where Danske Bank cup winners Donemana were the visitors, the Red Caps scored 166 with Tawanda Mupariwa top scoring with 34, then amazingly bowling their opponents for 60 with Mupariwa returning figures of 5 for 19.

Coleraine took full advantage of their rivals slip ups by defeating St Johnston by 6 wickets, the Donegal men could manage only 81 with the home skipper Scott Campbell taking 5 for 11, the Bannsiders lost 4 wickets in their chase with Campbell again the star with an unbeaten 28.

Bready had an important win at Eglinton the villagers scored 232 with Christopher Pierce scoring 63, however 118 not out from professional Michael Loubser and an important 45 from skipper David Scanlon saw the Magheramason side home.

Donemana made it a miserable weekend againstBrigade on Sunday and again batted abysmally in a total of just 78, Brigade were made to struggle losing 8 wickets. Strabane made it a good weekend when they defeated Bready to move out of the relegation zone. In the semi final of the Ulster Cup Eglinton suffered defeat at home to Instonians.

Saturday Premiership

Bready v Donemana

Things are looking a bit desperate for David Scanlon’s side as they are currently in the play off position.

After a good win last Saturday they had a disappointing day on Sunday, however they still have a chance of getting out of the bottom two.

Donemana blew their title hopes to pieces last weekend, they looked to be a side who had lost interest after their cup final win, what Donemana side will turn up for this one.

Prediction: Donemana

Brigade v Eglinton

The men from Beechgrove are now the only genuine challengers to Coleraine.

However their batting looked very brittle in both games last weekend that will have to improve immediately.

Eglinton look to be safe they had two poor results last Saturday and Sunday, although some of their batsmen are playing ok their bowlers are not producing, the home team have the greater incentive.

Prediction: Brigade

Ardmore v Coleraine

The Bleachgreem side are not out of the woods just yet and they probably need one more win to feel safe.

They surely must include the retired Gerard Brolly for the remainder of the campaign after last weeks performance.

The Bannsiders have one hand on the title however this is squeaky bum time, will nerves play a part,after this one they have Donemana and Brigade still to play not an easy run in.

Prediction: Coleraine

St Johnston v Strabane

The Saints know that they need at least one more win if they are to avoid the drop.

Their only two wins have been at the Boathole so that may give them a bit of confidence. The Red Caps must be wondering where they would be in the table if they had of shown their recent form earlier in the season.

Prediction: Strabane