Cricket: Villagers aim to stop Holm men’s Senior Cup dominance

The Holm men, who defeated Brigade three years in a row, know they aren’t going to get everything their own way at Eglinton.

Skipper Richard Kee does admit that if they bring the trophy back to the Holm then it would be very special.

“I think there is only one team in 140 year history who have won the Senior Cup four times in a row, so if we could get our name on the cup this weekend, it would be special,” he said.

“So if we could make a wee bit of history that would be great.

“We are just glad to be there again and I think this is our fifth final in a row, so it would be great if we could make it four wins in a row.”

In recent years legendary brothers James and Junior McBrine have stepped aside, but the famous name continues to play their part for Donemana.

“Obviously James packed it in a couple of years ago and Junior retired this year, but Junior’s other son Richie, who doesn’t get much of the headlines it’s normally Andy, but Richie has come in and bowled as well as anybody,” added the captain.

“Kyle Dougherty has come in over the last few weeks and he has done really well and then you obviously have your younger players who have been in the team for the last four or five years, the likes of William McBrine, the McClintock’s (Gary & William) they have all stepped up; they have all played really well this year.

“Our league form lately hasn’t been the best, but hopefully if we can win the Senior Cup then concentrate on the remainder of the season.”

As for his opposite number, Christopher Pierce he is really looking forward to what is their first Senior Cup appearance since 2006.

“We are looking forward to it and hopefully we have two great days weather wise and cricket wise as well,” he conceded.

“Ever since we beat Brigade in the semi-final the talk around the Village has just been about the final and a few players have started to play a bit more freely and are enjoying their cricket a bit more.

“If both sides play to their abilities then it definitely will be a hard one to call.

“Everyone will look at us and yes Oraine and Stuart are our two main guys, both batting and bowling, but as everyone knows within the club, we bat right through to 11 and everybody bar probably myself and one or two others don’t bowl in the team, so we have a lot of options both batting and bowling.

“As I said if everyone plays to their ability then I think we could snatch it.”