North West teams on passage to Cup glory

BRIGADE and Coleraine are joint top of Section One in the Billy Henderson Properties Senior league after their victories over Fox Lodge and Strabane respectively.

Donemana had an easy win at Eglinton while Limavady picked up their first points after defeating Bready, Glendermott had a comfortable home win over newly promoted St Johnston at the Rectory.

This Saturday sees the second round games in the prestigious Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup. There are nine games on Saturday while Coleraine's game at home to Clontarf will take place on Sunday.

Phoenix v Glendermott

The Dubliners are one of the better sides in the Leinster league, they have a number of talented players in their line up and with home advantage they will go in as favourites.

Glendermott were impressive in their win last week with Stephen Smyth showing that his year out of the game hasn't effected his batting after a superb innings, young Craig Averill has settled in well but they must be concerned about their professionals bowling.

Prediction: Phoenix.

North County v Eglinton

The home side have won this competition on many occasions, they have quality throughout their ranks and may have Irish international John Mooney available after his sojourn in the West Indies.

Eglinton have got off to a terrible start to the season they could manage only 52 last week, they have a number of youngsters in their side who are not quite ready for senior cricket.

Prediction: North County.

Brigade v Instonians

One of the ties of the round, the Beechgrove men have got off to a good start to the season with two victories, as previous winners they would dearly love to go all the way again. Their wicket which has had some criticism in previous seasons is playing superbly a credit to their ground staff.

The Belfast men are an excellent side and may welcome back Irish international Andrew White for this one, they showed with their win at Limavady last season in the Club Turf what a good side they are.

Prediction: Brigade.

Bready v YMCA

The Magheramason men were impressive in their opening game but were the complete opposite last week, they look to be a bit light in the bowling department, however their new professional looked quite useful.

The Leinster league side are not one of the strongest sides in Dublin but they still have a number of good players, they may not be good enough.