ARDMORE won their first Premiership title after 144 years of heartbreak in a thrilling, tense match at the Bleachgreen. Not only did they have to beat Fox Lodge, but they needed to do so by 30 runs or more to ensure the three bonus points required to leapfrog Brigade. Skipper Rachit Gaur opted to bat first and it looked a wise decision as he and fellow opener Ryan Brolly shared an opening stand of 67 to settle the nerves. He was joined by Dharm Singh and the pair combined superbly as they shared a third wicket partnership of 90, with Singh clearing the ropes three times in a hard-hit 48 from only 43 balls. Gaur went on to top-score with a brilliant 108 from 121 balls that included nine fours and two sixes, before being dismissed in the last over. A total of 229 for eight gave the large home support genuine hope and their decibel levels rose when Gaur and Harry Zimmermann removed both openers cheaply – the latter accounting for Sri Lankan professional Gayan Maneeshan. The visitors rallied with Jason Milligan going quietly through the gears as he and Craig Doherty shared a third wicket stand of 57. However, Caolan Young accounted for Doherty, and fellow spinner Dharm Singh removed the dangerous duo of Johnny Robinson and Brian Allen in successive balls as 83 for two became 84 for five. Milligan and Ali Doherty rebuilt with a stand of 38, but another cluster of wickets fell to leave the Foxies looking down and out at 134 for eight. The home crowd sensed history but Milligan found a willing ally in number ten Adam Walker, and in a ninth wicket partnership of 54, the tension built. The match had now become a game within a game, but the decisive moment came when Milligan was trapped lbw on 94 (eight fours, two sixes) by Muhammed Edrees 12 short of the 200 Brigade were hoping for. Three balls later, Adam Walker’s attempt to clear the boundary off Caolan Young saw him well held by Zimmermann at long-on to spark a pitch invasion. To be fair they had waited 144 years for this moment!

Coleraine ensured their Premiership berth with a nerveless nine-wicket victory at St Johnston chasing 146. Tim Chopra hit nine fours and a six in an unbeaten 58, sharing an unbroken second wicket stand of 95 with Scott Campbell who made 47. Earlier, there were three wickets apiece for Stephen and Mark Hutchinson, while Graeme McCarter top-scored for the Saints with 34. He added 67 for the fourth wicket with Nathan Cole (32) after they were in early trouble at 6 for 3. David Anthony hit a breezy 32 but a total of 145 proved little trouble despite the pressure of a Premiership berth being on the line.

Newbuildings finished their season in style with a seven wicket win over Eglinton, for whom Liam Doherty hit 12 fours and seven sixes on his way to 116, adding 126 for the fourth wicket with Robbie Millar (33). They collapsed though losing seven wickets for just 33 to be all out for 191. Jason Dunn hit eight sixes and fours in a whirlwind 98 from 56 balls, putting on 91 in seven overs for the first wicket with Mark Hanna (45) to make the chase a routine one. Johnny Thompson - playing in his last match was fittingly in the middle as the winning runs were scored. The point gained by Eglinton puts them 25 ahead of Fox Lodge with a considerable NRR advantage which should ensure Premiership cricket for the villagers next season.

Brigade went to the top of the table as Ryan Macbeth took five wickets and younger sibling Scott four to bundle out a weakened Killyclooney for 74. Jordan Nelson top-scored with 20 in an opening role, but his side started by losing two wickets in the opening over and never looked like troubling a rampant home side. David Barr went quickly, but Ifty Hussain’s unbeaten 32 ensured a routine eight-wicket win. However, the bonus point dropped could yet come back to haunt them if Ardmore can beat Fox Lodge by a wide enough margin to secure the three additional points require to pip Brigade to the title.

Ardmore’s hopes of securing a first Premiership title will have to wait until Sunday as they were on the receiving end of a 139-run mauling at Donemana.The Tyrone side produced a barrage of boundaries as they powered their way to a total of 258 for 7. They hit no fewer than 19 sixes, with Levi Dougherty and William McClintock each clearing the ropes eight times on their way to half centuries. Irish international Andy McBrine was the third to pass 50 in an impressive batting display. Ardmore’s chase began brightly with an opening stand of 41 in five overs, but once Jordan McGonigle broke the partnership, followed by the big wicket of Ardmore captain Rachit Gaur – trapped lbw by Andy McBrine for 40 - the wheels came off. All ten Ardmore batsmen fell to spin, with William McBrine getting his second successive five-wicket haul, and his father Junior – one week away from his 60th birthday – getting two.Ardmore have one final chance to pip Brigade to the title, needing a 23-pont win when they entertain Fox Lodge today (11am). To gain those three points Ardmore will have to win by 30 runs or more if they bat first, and by five wickets or more batting second.

Strabane finished the season on a winning note as they edged out Bonds Glen by 15 runs in the Park. Batting first, an opening stand of 88 between Nasir Nawaz (50) and Kevin Gallagher (44) should have provided the platform for a total of 200 plus, but they spluttered to 158 all out with three wickets apiece for David Cooke, Raymond Curry and Sam Kincaid. Bonds Glen though found the going equally tough as they managed only three boundaries in their 40 overs to end on 143 for 7. The game was most notable for the appearance of former Irish international Peter Gillespie who took the nail out of the boots to make a comeback - making 18 and taking the wicket of John Long (20). Raymond Curry top-scored with 25 before he heads off to sunnier climes in Australia where he will face tougher challenges than this game which had a distinct end of class feel with both sides having nothing of consequence at stake, having already been consigned to the Championship next season.

Donemana ensured their Premiership place for 2024 as a mature batting display saw them beat Newbuildings by 32 runs. Levi Dougherty top-scored with an unbeaten half century (2 fours, 3 sixes) sharing a crucial 8th wicket stand of 52 with William McBrine (20) that helped them to 237 fo 9. There were runs earlier for his siblings - DJ (37) and Ricky-Lee (30) - while Gary McClintock made 31. For the hosts there was two wickets apiece for Johnny Thompson, Trent McKeegan and Jason Dunn. Mark Hanna flew out of the traps with a 26-ball 44 (8 fours, 1 six) as he and Jason Dunn (40) shared an opening stand of 62. Johnny Thompson's troublesome shoulder has him threatening retirement, but he saved his legs in a 53 that included 10 fours and a six, as he and Ryan Hunter (32) looked to be steering their side to the win with a fourth wicket stand of 68. However, JT's dismissal saw the last seven wickets fall for 44, as they collapsed to 205 all out, and they will now need two points from their final game with Eglinton to ensure that they finish in the top 8.

Fox Lodge kept alive their Premiership hopes with a 9-run win over their main challengers for the 'golden ticket' to top flight cricket in 2024, Coleraine. Travis Nicholl got the home side to the proverbial flyer as he hit 4 fours and 6 sixes in a whirlwind 56 from just 27 balls, as he and Gayan Maneeshan (38) shared an opening stand of 87 in 8 overs. Brian Allen (42) and Craig Doherty (24) chipped in to get the Ballymagorry side up to 235 for 9. Coleraine started the chase well as Marcus Poskitt continued to show his recent good form that will/should see him playing representative cricket. The left-hander shared stands of 47, 49 and 46 with Matty Smyth (20), Scott Campbell (27), and Ravi Karunaratne (16) to get the Bannsiders to 142 for 2. Jason Milligan (3-33) though opened the door by dismissing the Sri Lankan, and two more quickly followed. Matthew Hutchinson drove a return catch to Milligan and Rory Knox picked out Dean McCarter at deep square off Johnny Robinson. A 6th wicket stand of 56 in 5 overs between Poskitt and Stephen Hutchinson - who hit 3 sixes in an entertaining 26 - looked to have won it for the visitors before the game took another twist. With 27 needed off six overs, Hutchinson took a charge and was stumped. Patrick Carson and Gareth Burns went cheaply and all the pressure was now on Poskitt. He got the equation down to 11 needed off 7 balls but Adam Walker ended a superb penultimate over by bowling the opener for a magnificent 125 off 108 balls (10 fours, 8 sixes). Gayan Maneeshan claimed the last wicket to seal a 9-run win. Fox Lodge now need to beat Ardmore next Sunday and hope that Coleraine fail to win at St Johnston. Eglinton and Newbuildings aren't mathematically safe yet, but play each other on Saturday. The consolation for Coleraine is that Poskitt's brilliance ensured that they stay 6 points above Fox Lodge thanks to the five bonus points secured. Just how crucial they turn out to be will be clearer next weekend.

St Johnston delivered what could be a fatal blow to Brigade's title hopes as they won a feisty showdown at The Boathole by two runs in another thriller. The Donegal side had come out the wrong side of a last wicket stand by Eglinton on Saturday and perhaps there were signs of a hangover from that reversal as they slumped to 42 for 5 batting first. However, they dug deep and rallied with David Lapsley and David Anthony adding 69 in 10 overs for the 6th wicket. Skipper Anthony's counter-attacking 45 from 32 balls included 5 sixes and 2 fours. Still, Brigade would have been happy at 123 for 7. Lapsley though marshalled the tail well as his unbeaten 79 (10 fours, 2 sixes) took the Saints to 188 for 8. Their cause was helped by the concession of 33 extras - far too many for a side with title ambitions. The chase got bogged down as St Johnston chipped away at the top-order. When Cameron Melly went, they were 91 for 5 and staring down the barrel with 98 needed off 11 overs. Former player Ryan Macbeth hit 3 sixes and 3 fours in his 41 as he and Andy Britton put on 67. The skipper's 48 from 30 balls (1 four, 5 sixes) reduced the equation to four needed from the last over. Britton took a single from the first ball bowled by Nathan Cole, who then dismissed Haydn Melly after the keeper hadn't pierced the infield with the second and third deliveries. Britton was then run out as he tried to get on strike, and Cole completed a famous win by bowling Nick Gray from the last ball of a pulsating match that will live long in the memory at St Johnston...and Ardmore if they can complete a first Premiership title next weekend.

Edrees Kharotai took five wickets as Ardmore ended Killyclooney's title hopes and keep alive their own hopes of a first Premiership title going into the final weekend of the season. Edrees took 5 for 15, while Conor Brolly picked up three wickets and Harry Zimmermann two as Killyclooney were bundled out for just 83. While the result was never really in doubt, Ardmore were aware of the need to secure valuable bonus points, and they managed to get 4 of the 5 available thanks to 25 from skipper Rachit Gaur and an unbeaten 18 from Zimmermann. The Bleachgreen side lead Brigade by 7 points with two matches left. Ardmore travel to Donemana on Saturday and host Fox Lodge on Sunday 10th. Brigade are at St Johnston tomorrow (SUN), and finish their season with a home game against Killyclooney next Saturday (9th).

A fine all-round performance by Ravi Karunaratne gave Coleraine's Premiership hopes a lift as they secured a maximum point win over Ballyspallen. The Sri Lankan top-scored with 79 (7 fours, 2 sixes) as the Bannsiders posted 161 - Matty Smyth chipping in with 27. Zeeshan Malik' 49 took the visitors to 68 for 2 before the wheels came off. Ravi took 4 for 19 as 'Spallen lost eight wickets for 22 to be 90 all out.

Newbuildings took an important step towards ensuring a Premiership berth as they beat Bonds Glen by 8 wickets. David Cooke top-scored with 51 * fours, 1 six), while Raymond Curry cleared the ropes three times in his 32 as the Bee Gees made a modest 132. Ross Hunter took 3 for 19, Charlie Downey 2-20, but it was Jason Dunn (4-20) who was the most successful. 'Bull' then top-scored for good measure as he made a run-a-ball 68 ( 5 fours, 4 sixes) adding an unbroken 115 in 18 overs for the third wicket with Ryan Hunter, who hit 9 fours in his 57 not out. Newbuildings are back in action on Sunday at home to Donemana.

Bready completed their campaign with an 8 wicket win over Glendermott in a game that had very much an end of season feel to it. The Rectory side made just 96 batting first, with Alan Johnson's 25 the best effort. Nathan McCombe took 4 for 5 including three wickets in four balls to end the innings, while there was two wickets for Gavin Roulston. The chase was pretty straightforward with Kyle Magee's unbeaten 54 (3 fours, 2 sixes) sealing the win in just the 15th over.

Mark Pollock put a severe dent in Fox Lodge's Premiership ambitions as Burndennett won the Tyrone derby by 5 wickets chasing 200. Craig Doherty hit 6 sixes in a top-score of 52 as he and Brian Allen (51) put on 72 in 15 overs for the 5th wicket. Gayan Maneeshan had earlier made 35, while there were two wickets apiece for Mark Pollock, Derek Curry and Andrew Barr. Pollock hit 7 fours and 2 sixes in his 74 from 76 balls, sharing stands of 66 for both the second and fourth wickets with Corey Roulston (35) and Coach Niall McDonnell (36*). Andrew Barr chipped in with 21 as Burndennett got that elusive first win of the season. All is not lost yet for Fox Lodge who face a crucial clash at home to Coleraine on Sunday.

Donemana gained another vital win in their Premiership quest as Strabane imploded to lose by 6 wickets. Batting first, Strabane recovered from the early loss of Nasir Nawa thanks to a second wicket stand of 96 between Aaron Gillespie and Kevin Gallagher (35), The dismissal of Gillespie for a top score of 81 from just 56 balls (8 fours, 5 sixes) sparked an incredible collapse from 122 for 2 to 129 all out. William (5-25) and Andy McBrine (3-11) the chief architects of their demise. Andy top-scored with an even time 47 (5 fours, 3 sixes) as he and Gary McClintock (30) added 71 for the second wicket. William McClintock then hit four sixes in an unbeaten 33 as they clinched the win in the 23rd over.

A last wicket stand of 46 in 12 overs has all but ensured a Premiership place for Eglinton and ended St Johnston's top flight ambitions. Batting first the Saints recovered from 58 for 6 thanks to a 7th wicket stand of 57 between skipper David Anthony - who hit four sixes in his 43 and Ian Macbeth (22). Jamie Millar took three wickets and it was he who proved the batting hero for the villagers. Graeme McCarter took 5 for 19 as the visitors slumped from 52 for 2 to 87 for 9. Millar hit 6 fours and 4 sixes in his 70 not out, and he found a willing ally in Dylan Young, who survived 27 balls for his one run. A remarkable win in a game that could have gone either way but for Millar's heroics.

Just half of a 10 overs per side match was possible with rain at the interval forcing the officials to abandon the game, much to the frustration of the home side. This second and final opportunity saw St Johnston make 90 for 7 with Graeme McCarter (26) top-scoring and skipper David Anthony hitting 23 - Jordan McGonigle (2-11) the best of the bowlers. Donemana stay 7th with three games left, while St Johnston remain in 10th slot.

This game was a second attempt so the wash-out means no points for either side effectively ending Bready's outside hopes of the title.

Burndennett just missed out on a first win of the Premiership season as they were beaten by 2 runs at Ballyspallen. Zeeshan Malik (45) and Kyle Morrow (41) were in the runs as the Limavady side made 156 for 7 in their 33 overs. The Tyrone side needed 170 in the DLS equation but were kept to 167 for 6 in spite of the best efforts of Marty Mehaffey (43), Mark Pollock (32) and some lusty late striking by Derek Curry (30*).

A fine all-round effort by Manav Chhabra was the inspiration for Glendermott's third win of the season as they damaged St Johnston's Premiership aspirations with a 106-run win at The Rectory. He hit 6 sixes and 4 fours in a 26-ball 58 as the home side posted 208 - runs too for Jake Montogmery (30) and Jason Lynch (27). Michael Rankin claimed four wickets, while there were three for Head Coach Graeme McCarter and two for skipper David Anthony. The chase never got any legs despite David Macbeth's 36. The Donegal side managed just 104 with three wickets for Chhabra, Charlie Elder and Jake Montgomery.

Andy McBrine played a pivotal role with both bat and ball as Donemana gained a crucial win in their Premiership top eight clash with Coleraine. He top-scored with an even time 45 (5 fours, 1 six) sharing an opening stand of 72 with DJ Dougherty (30). Again rain played a major part with the innings cut to 28 overs - the visitors making 136 for 7 - three wickets for James Bell and two for Rory Knox. The DLS target was 156 off 28 overs and McBrine took 3 for 12 including Ravi Karunaratne for 0 to leave the Bannsiders in all sorts of strife. Matty Smyt (29) and Gareth Burns (21*) tried manfully but Donemana were always in control - skipper Dwayne McGerrigle taking two wickets as they closed out a relatively comfortable 42-run win.

Eglinton gave themselves a real boost in the race for a Premiership slot with Liam Doherty to the fore as they put a severe and possibly fatal dent in Bready's title hopes. Doherty top-scored with an unbeaten 86 (8 fours, 2 sixes) as he and Andy Millar (53) shared an opening stand of 155 in 33 overs. A final total of 169 for 2 was adjusted upwards by DLS to a target of 190 in 35 overs, and Bready were never really in the hunt. Doherty took four wickets, with Mark Averill and Mattie Millss taking two apiece to bowl the visitors out for 116 - Ryan Clarke and Jamie Magee making 25 apiece.

Brigade's title destiny is out of their hands after they lost a thriller by one run against fierce rivals Newbuildings. Ross Dougherty top-scored with 44, sharing a second wicket stand of 64 with Jason Dunn (30), while there were runs too for Mark Hanna (25) and JT (24). Andy Britton (3-13) helped apply the brakes but a total of 171 in 29 overs still looked challenging. Brigade's chase got off to a steady enough start but the required rate kept climbing and in a title run-in that brought added pressure. David Barr (56) and Cameron Melly though looked to have won it for the hosts -the latter as he hit 71 from just 42 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes). Jason Dunn caught Barr in spectacular fashion but with Melly rampant, it looked a consolation. Gregory McFaul struck twice in an over to give his side hope and when he dismissed Melly in his next over, the pressure increased. Brigade though were still very much in the driving seat with just four needed from the final five balls. Ross Hunter though kept Brigade to just two leg byes amid scenes of great joy from the sizeable travelling support.

Ardmore moved up to second in the table with a hard-fought 20-run win over basement side Burndennett. It all looked to be going to plan for the home side as skipper Rachit Gaur made 68 in their 213 for 6 - a very decent total in tough conditions. However, Niall McDonnell hit 103 from just 79 balls (9 fours, 5 sixes) adding 104 in 14 overs with Mark Doherty (25) to give Ardmore a real scare. The Bleachgreen side held their nerve to seal the win with three wickets for the impressive Edrees, including McDonnell in the penultimate over.

Half centuries from Cameron Melly and Ryan Macbeth took title favourites Brigade to the top of the table as they secured a maximum points win at Ballyspallen. Melly top-scored with 65 from 62 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes) as he and skipper Andy Britton (31) added 60 for the fourth wicket. A mini-wobble was soon rectified by Ryan Macbeth - who is now turning into a genuine all-rounder. He made 53 (6 fours, 2 sixes) to get the Beechgrove side up to 217. Ballyspallen battled bravely without really ever threatening - Zeeshan Malik (41) and Jake Wenlock (35) getting them to 161 for 9.

Strabane ran out surprisingly easy 60-run winners over Eglinton who were without Mike Erlank, a loss that could be a fatal one in their hopes to be playing Premiership cricket next season. The villagers spilled three chances in the opening overs and that was to come back and haunt them as Nasir Nawaz top-scored with 61 (9 fours, 1 six) sharing an opening stand of 91 with Kevin Gallagher (30). Usman Azhar (24) and Conor Graham (22) added 46 for the 5th wicket after a wobble and a final total of 154 for 6 was to prove enough. Liam Doherty took three wickets and top-scored with 29, but there was little support in a feeble batting effort that saw them bowled out for 94 - three wickets for Azhar, and two apiece for Ryan Gallagher, Nasir Nawaz and Rhys Logue.

Killyclooney kept their title hopes alive and ensured Premiership cricket for 2024 after edging out Fox Lodge by two wickets (DLS) in a result that deals a serious blow to the Ballymagorry's sides hopes of the top flight next year. Three wickets apiece for Kenzie Hall and Jordan Nelson, plus two for skipper Timmy Dougherty saw the home side bowled out for 112 - professional Gayan Maneeshan top-scoring with 34 and captain Aaron Heywood making a battling 27. Blayde Capell (38) and Giles Moan (25) looked to be steering Killyclooney to an easy win in a second wicket stand of 58 before the wheels came off. Heywood (3-15) dismissed Capell and 68 for 1 became 87 for 8 - three wickets too for Johnny Robinson. Mark Gordon (18*) and Jordan Nelson (13*) kept their cool to get Killyclooney over the line with a 9th wicket stand of 24. Killyclooney's last two matches are against leaders Brigade and second placed Ardmore so there are sure to be a few twists and turns in the last weeks of the season.

Glendermott got their second win of the season after beating Ballyspallen by 44 runs in a low-key contest at The Rectory. Batting first they scored 211 for 9 in the 35-overs match, with Manav Chhabra hitting four sixes in his 40, while there were runs too for Ian Cooke (34), Gihan Cloete (33) and Ben Mills (26). Skipper James Thompson took 4 for 28, while there were two apiece for Dylan McElhinney and Clive Rodgers. Veteran Andy Christie top-scored with 46 in the Ballyspallen reply, but they never looked like chasing down their target. Young JJ O'Brien claimed four wickets, while there wre two for Alan Johnson, including the prize scalp of professional Zeeshan Malik.

St Johnston's bid for a Premiership slot next season was given a real boost as they beat Bonds Glen by 22 runs in a 29-overs match at The Boathole. David Lapsley top-scored with 59 from 54 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes), adding 72 for the fourth wicket with Graeme McCarter (46), but the real fireworks came from skipper David Anthony, who thumped 5 sixes in a 16-ball 38, putting on 60 in four overs with McCarter. That late surge saw the Donegal side finish on 193 for 7. David Cooke (52*) and Raymond Curry (51) both scored half centuries in the chase as they added 102 for the 5th wicket, but they never really pushed the accelerator to concern the Saints. Graeme McCarter (3-39) proving his all-round value once again. It promises to be an exciting climax to the campaign with still a lot to play for in the coming weeks.

Killyclooney dug deep to earn a vital win at Burndennett that probably ensures their Premiership place for 2024, and keeps alive their outside hopes of a title in the event of the top three faltering in the run-in. Blayde Capell was again their top scorr, but the prolific South African had to be content with 58 as they posted 144 in the 32 over game. Giles Moan made an important 23, while John McGettgan claimed 4 for 8, and there were two wickets apiece for Mark Pollock and Corey Roulston. The home side struggled in the conditions to be 98 all out, with Coach Niall McDonnell's 32 their best effort. Moan took 4 for 20, while there were three wickets for Kenzie Hall and two for Mark Gordon. Killyclooney stay fourth, while Burndennett are bottom, still seeking that first elusive league win.

Brigade are certainly a team in form and this feels like a statement win as they brushed aside leaders Bready by 73-runs at Beechgrove. The Magheramason side were hampered by the loss of skipper David Scanlon after just three balls, and while Dean McCloskey struck with the last ball of the completed over to remove Ifty Hussain, that was as good as it got for the visitors. DD Barr anchored the innings with 77 (5 fours, 1 six), adding 54 for the 4th wicket with the ever- consistent Cameron Melly (25), and 62 in 7 overs for the 6th with in-form Ryan Macbeth (39). Ian Young (2-37) made it 8 wickets over the weekend, but a final 37-over total of 194 for 7 always looked challenging. Even more so when Ryan Macbeth (3-13) made early inroads. Kyle Magee (38) and David Rankin (34) added 67 for the 4th wicket but two wickets apiece for Millar and Hussain ensured a win that sees Brigade looking well placed to complete a treble.

Coleraine all but ended Killyclooney's hopes of a dream title as they beat the Tyrone side by 7 wickets at Sandel Lodge. Gareth Burns took 4 for 28 including the prize scalp of Blayde Capell (10) and it took even time 40s from skipper Timmy Dougherty (45) and Kenzie Hall (42) to get them to 160. Special word for Matty Smyth who showed he can be classed as an all-rounder now after taking a wicket! An opening stand of 84 between the old firm of Scott Campbell and Marcus Poskitt (29) ensured the Bannsiders were always in control. 'Soupy' top-scored with 72 (7 fours, 3 sixes), and Ravi Karunaratne's unbeaten 20 ensured no late wobbles.

Donemana made short work of fellow Tyrone side Burndennett as they eased to a 9-wicket win at The Holm. Namibian paceman and Irish international Andy McBrine each took two wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 79. Only Niall McDonnell offered any challenge to the bowlers, hitting four boundaries in his unbeaten 41. It took the home side just 9.1 overs to chase down their modest target, with DJ Dougherty's hitting an unbeaten 53 from only 24 balls. He hit 7 sixes, the last four of which came off consecutive deliveries to reach his half century. The win takes Donemana up to 5th with a game in hand of their nearest challengers.

Eglinton secured their second emphatic win of the weekend as they beat a very under strength Glendermott by 8 wickets. The Rectory side were bundled out for just 63 in 16.1 overs, with only skipper Ben Mills displaying any resistance. He hit 5 fours and a six in an unbeaten 34, but only Jake Montgomery (16) offered any support in a poor batting effort. Mark Averill, Mike Erlank and Jamie Millar each picking up three wickets. Erlank and Liam Doherty each scored 20 in a routine chase, which saw consolation wickets for Alan Johnson and Preston McKeown - his first in senior cricket. A rare highlight on a day that little went right for them. Eglinton now very much in-form and looking to cement their Premiership status in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Ardmore are still in the title race, but only just, after they got out of jail with a 3 wickets win at home to Bonds Glen in a 30-overs game. Chasing 160 they got off to a decent start to reach 64 for 2 thanks to skipper Rachit Gaur's 46. However, just like the day before at Eglinton, the middle-order imploded as they slumped to 73 for 6 and 97 for 7. Edrees had hit a counter-attacking 22 that gave the Bleachgreen side hope, and thanks to an unbroken 8th wicket stand of 69 between Sabin Babu (40*) and Mark Chambers (21*), Ardmore fell over the line. Earlier, Heinrich Roberts hit 5 fours and 3 sixes in a quickfire 61, while there were runs too for David Cooke (40) and Mattie Barr (24). Ardmore are in third place with a game in hand on leaders Bready.

Fox Lodge beat Ballyspallen and the weather to gain a vital win in their quest for a Premiership slot. The visitors were restricted to 82 for 9 in their 24 overs, with new overseas man Zeeshan Malik making 30. Spin again held the key, with three wickets each for Johnny Robinson and Aaron Heywood. The chase proved a routine one as Jason Milligan made a undefeated 35 (3 fours, 1 six) to seal a 7-wicket win with four overs to spare.

Eglinton inflicted what could well be a fatal blow to Ardmore's hopes of the Premiership title with a commanding 6 wickets win. Batting first, Rachit Gaur's 30 took Ardmore to 72 for 2 before the wheels came off. Spinner Robbie Millar (4-23) and Mike Erlank (3-13) reduced the Bleachgreen side's innings to tatters as they lost 7 wickets for 27 runs to be 99 all out. Liam Doherty hit a quick 29 (5 fours) to get the chase off to a solid start, and despite a slight wobble as three wickets fell for 6 runs, Jamie (26*) and Robbie Millar soothed any nerves with a solid stand that ensured a vital win in their quest to secure a top-8 Premiership finish.

Bready fought back to beat Fox Lodge by 33 runs and keep their Premiership title hopes very much alive. Batting first in a 33-overs game the home side posted 153 for 9, with Gavin Roulston and Irosh both making 53 as they added 86 in 17 overs for the second wicket. The Foxies spinners took the bulk of the wickets with three apiece for Johnny Robinson and Gayan Maneeshan, while skipper Aaron Heywood took two. Travis Nicholl then teed off racing to a 35-ball half century (5 fours, 3 sixes) as the Ballymagorry side reached 81 for 1. Ian Young then took centre stage taking 6 for 19 as the Foxies imploded. Craig Doherty (21) tried to stem the bleeding but three wickets for Irosh completed a fine day for the Sri Lankan and Bready. Their clash with Brigade on Sunday is now shaping up to be a title decider.

Brigade moved into second place, recovering from a poor start to beat Coleraine by 77 runs at Sandel Lodge in a game reduced to 36 overs. The Beechgrove side were struggling at 35 for 4 before Cameron Melly shared stands of 69 with skipper Andy Britton (40) and 59 in 8 overs with Ryan Macbeth (29*). Melly top-scored with an unbeaten 62 (5 fours, 1 six) as Brigade ended on 163 for 5. That proved more than enough in tough conditions, with the Bannsiders rolled over for 86 - three wickets for DD Barr, and two apiece for Josh Wilson and the Macbeth brothers.

It was a tale of two centuries as St Johnston put a spoke in the wheels of Killyclooney's dreams of a Premiership title. Jack Macbeth was the hero for the Donegal side hitting 12 fours and 9 sixes in his 124 from just 70 balls, putting on 125 in 16 overs for the first wicket with his uncle David (45). Graeme McCarter (32), Ian Macbeth (31*), and David Anthony (22) kept the runs flowing on their way to 295 despite five wickets for Jason Wallace (5-43). The home side's chase was always going to centre around Blayde Capell, but the pressure increased as wickets tumbled all around him - three apiece for McCarter and Nathan Cole having them at 72 for 7. The South African run machine continued to blast away, hitting 13 sixes and 10 fours in a 56-ball 135. That was his 8th hundred of a season that sees him on 1682 runs at 112.13. David Lapsley ended the fun having him very well caught by David Macbeth on the boundary. Three wickets for skipper David Anthony rounding off a 108-run win that keeps the Saints very much alive in the Premiership top 8 battle.

Closest game of the day was at Burndennett where the home side lost a thriller by just one-run at home to Strabane. A wet pitch meant a T20 match and the Red Caps struggled to 84 for 8, with three wickets for Corey Roulston and two for Derek Curry. Burndennett though found the going equally tough, with Marty Mehaffey top-scoring with 20. Nasir Nawaz and Rhys Logue each took two wickets to put Strabane on top, but there was almost a late twist as with 12 needed from 3 balls, Corey Roulston hit a four and a six to leave the equation two from the final ball. Usman Azhar though held his nerve with Roulston run out trying to get the single that would have got a tie. Kevin Gallagher off to a winning start as stand-in skipper, while Mark McNulty did well bowling at a vital stage of the derby.

Heinrich Roberts unbeaten 114 helped Bonds Glen to a resounding 9-wicket win over Ballyspallen. The South African hit 15 fours and 5 sixes in his 79-ball knock, sharing a second wicket partnership of 178 in 28 overs with Steven Barr (46*) as the Bee Gees made light work of chasing down 179 in 30 overs. Kyle Morrow had earlier thumped 4 sixes in an unbeaten 45 to get the visitors to what looked a competitive 178 for 8 - Roberts again to the fore with three wickets as part of his all-round excellent performance.

To be played next Sunday, August 13th.

Newbuildings made it two wins from two over the weekend as they beat Burndennett and the weather, managing to squeeze in a 10 overs game in their second opportunity match. Niall McDonnell had made an unbeaten 35 (5 fours, 1 six) as Burndennett reached 60 for 2 in 13 overs before a lengthy rain delay. Newbuildings required 71 in 10 overs and just to show how great a leveller the game is, Jason Dunn was dismissed second ball for 0 - the day after scoring 192! Johnny Thompson hit a 27-ball undefeated 42 (2 fours, 3 sixes) to ensure the points - runs too for Mark Hanna (26). Newbuildings are in fifth place with four games remaining, and while they may have left their run too late to have a chance of the title, they will certainly have a major say in its destiny.

Bready moved clear at the top of the table, surviving a major scare against Strabane in the Tyrone derby before clinching the win in a match that severely affected by the weather. Kevin Gallagher top-scored with 37, while there were runs too for Aaron Gillespie (31) and Usman Azahar (21) as the Red Caps posted 130 for 7 in 26 overs - adjusted to 139 by DLS. The Magheramason side looked to be on course for an easy win as David Rankin (38) and Irosh (21) steered them to 83 for 1. However a dramatic collapse saw them lose 6 wickets for just 15 runs to be on 98 for 7, needing 41 from the last five overs. Strabane though were a bowler short with Ryan Gallagher missing, and Dean McCloskey and Jamie Magee took full advantage, each making unbeaten 20's to seal the three wicket win with three balls remaining. A crucial win that leaves Bready in pole position going into the final month of the season.

Newbuildings moved up to fifth in the table after a demolition job over Glendermott at The Rectory. Jason Dunn clubbed 20 (yes, TWENTY) sixes a well as 11 boundaries in a top-score of 192, sharing an opening stand of 264 with Gareth McKeegan. The skipper also reached three figures, hitting 7 fours and clearing the ropes 8 times in his 68-ball knock. Trent McKeegan kept the runs slowing hitting four consecutive sixes in a 19-ball 43 as the Foyleview side made 366 for 4 in a rain-reduced 31 overs. Ben Mills (2-62) would have been the only once glancing at his bowling figures, and indeed also the batting card as he made 40 (7 fours, 1 six) out of their 88 all out - McKeegan claiming a five wicket haul in the 278-run win.

The committee of Ardmore CC would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Norman Hamilton who passed away overnight Norman was a welcome visitor to Ardmore over many years as a player, official and friend. Our thoughts at this time are with his wife Irene, his children Gary, Keith and Helena, his grandchildren and all at Bonds Glen. With agreement from the NW today's game vs Bonds Glen has been postponed as a mark of respect.

Eglinton moved into 8th place in the Premiership as they beat the weather and Bonds Glen in one of the two Premiership games that survived. The visitors made154 in their full allocation of 40 overs, with Heinrich Roberts top-scoring with 40, sharing a fifth wicket stand of 55 with Sam Haslett (26). There was runs down the order too for Kyle Moore (21*). Jamie Millar and Josh Martin took three wickets apiece, while Robbie Millar took 2 for 31. Skipper Tommy Orr (13) and Adam Lamberton (11) both fell before a lengthy rain-break at 35 for 2, meant an adjusted target of 120 in 25 overs. Mike Erlank's unbeaten 49 from 44 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) ensured a routine win, as he added 39 for the 3rd wicket with Jamie Millar (14) and an unbroken 52 for the 4th with Robbie Millar (27*).

Ardmore went top of the Premiership table for the first time this season with a 63-run (DLS) win over Glendermott in a game eventually reduced to 22 overs. The home side lost Dharm Singh in the first over but a second-wicket stand of 115 in 17 overs between skipper Rachit Gaur and Harry Zimmermann laid the foundations for their total of 150 for 6. Zimmermann top-scored with 64 from 60 balls (8 fours, 1 six), while Gaur's 58 came from 50 deliveries (7 fours, 1 six). There was a flurry of wickets in the search for quick runs with Owen Adair (3-30) and JJ O'Brien (2-26) the main beneficiaries. A third wicket stand of 59 in 9 overs between Alan Johnson (35) and Gihahn Cloete took the Rectory side to 79 for 2, but the required rate was already in double figures. That scoreboard pressure told as the last 8 wickets tumbled for just 12 runs with Dharm Singh (4-23), Aviwe Mgijima (2-27) and Ciaran Roundtree - a teenage Irish passport-holding South African, the latest addition to Ardmore's cosmopolitan line-up - taking 3 for 5 to secure maximum points.

Ardmore kept their title challenge going with a five wickets win at Strabane. The Tyrone side's 143 was almost totally down to 94 from Nasir Nawaz, whose 89-ball innings included 12 fours and a six. The other 10 batters managed a combined total of 29, while there were 20 extras. A second wicket stand of 60 between skipper Rachit Gaur (36) and Harry Zimmermann (41) meant the Bleachgreen side eased to the win, despite losing a few wickets more than they would have liked, with bonus points possibly crucial come the end of the season.

Bready looked in early trouble as they slumped to 11 for 4 at Ballyspallen. The Magheramasn side rallied though thanks to two unsung heroes - Ryan Clarke and Mervyn Magee combining to add 111 in 16 overs for the 5th wicket. Clarke top-scored with 87 (8 fours, 3 sixes), while Magee's 71came from only 58 deliveries. Davy Scanlon chipped in with 24 and a final Bready total of 242 for 9 looked very challenging. 'Spallen's batting has been brittle and without Demit Perera, it proved way too many. James Thompson's 23 the best of their 86 - Nathan McCombe taking three wickets and two each from Irosh and Davy Scanlon and Gavin Roulston.

David Barr returned to form and in some style, making an unbeaten century as Brigade won by 116 runs at Bonds Glen. DD's 133 not out included 11 fours and 8 sixes, with the Beechgrove side never looking back after an opening onslaught by Ifty Hussain saw him clear the hedges 6 times in a powerful 65 from only 45 balls. Skipper Andy Britton (34) and Cameron Melly (29) also hit quick runs in their 310 for 5. Ifty then took four wickets, and Josh Wilson three as the Bee Gees made 194 in reply - Heinrich Roberts hitting 7 fours and 4 sixes in a hard-hit 68.

Mike Erlank spun Eglinton to a crucial win in their quest to claim a coveted top eight slot for the 2024 Premiership. The South African had the excellent figures of 6 for 25 as the Tyrone side were bundled out for 119. Andy Barr top-scored with 24, while there were 23 apiece from Mark Pollock and Derek Curry. The chase was wobbling on 28 for 3, but a fourth wicket stand of 52 between skipper Tommy Orr and Jamie Millar got the villagers back on course - both making 38 in the five-wickets win.

Ravi Karunaratne top-scored with 58 and took four wickets to help his Coleraine side to a maximum point 69-run win at home to Glendermott. The Sri Lankan hit 5 fours and 2 sixes in his better than event time knock, and well was supported by 41 from Scott Campbell and 20's from Stephen Hutchinson, Rory Knox, and Ben Johnston. The Glendermott chase was more or less over when they slumped to 60 for 7 - one of those victims being Ghahn Cloete (33). Former skipper Alan Johnson battled on making 56 (3 fours, 3 sixes), but they were eventually dismissed for 126. Karunaratne (4-29), Hutchinson (3-33) and Burns (2-20) doing the damage.

Killyclooney kept alive their title dreams with a four-wickets win that seems a real statement of intent, More so, when you realise that the result isn't even too much of a surprise. The fact that they won without a truly major contribution from Blayde Capell makes it even more of a significant result. Jason Wallace grabbed the headlines with a five-wickets haul as the Holm side were dismissed for 137 - three wickets for Jordan Nelson and two for Timmy Dougherty. There could have been alarm bells when Capell fell for 28 in the modest chase, but Mark Gordon's powerful 59 from 46 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) was more than enough to claim the four wickets win in the 23rd over - the result keeps them in pole position.

Newbuildings showed great depth and resolve to come back twice from seemingly troubled situations to ultimately record a 10-run win over St Johnston that keeps their Premiership top 8 hopes very much alive, while delivering a hammer blow to one of their rivals. Three wickets apiece for David Anthony and Graeme McCarter had the hosts in difficulty at 86 for 7, but runs down the order from JT (33) Trent McKeegan (29) and Charlie Downey (20*) allowed them to get up to 169 for 9 - runs earlier for Jason Dunn (36) and Ross Dougherty (21). The Donegal side looked destined to win as they reached 150 for 5, but the dismissal of Graeme McCarter for 39 opened the door, and Newbuildings held their nerve to clinch the win - three wickets for Trent McKeegan, and two each for Ross Dougherty, Jason Dunn and Johnny Thompson.

Bready have probably the best record of any North West side at Donemana and they won yet again at The Holm, successfully chasing 245. William McClintock top scored with 64 hitting 7 fours and 5 sixes, while Jamie Huey also found the river on five occasions in his 48. There was also runs for new overseas professional - Namibian Karl Birkenstock - who made 34 in their 245 - four wickets for Irosh. David Rankin ensured the pursuit would be a successful one as he hit 11 fours and 2 sixes in his 93, adding 122 for the third wicket with Kyle Magee (50). Ian Young made a crucial 31 not out, while with seven needed from the final over, skipper David Scanlon cleared the ropes twice from the first two balls to clinch a four-wickets win.

Newbuildings won the first part of their double-header weekend with Fox Lodge, with an impressive all-round display by the defending champions. Batting first, the home side were given a solid platform with a second wicket stand of 91 between Ryan Hunter - who hit 7 fours in his 51, and Jason Dunn (47). The real fireworks came though from a 5th wicket partnership of 116 in 13 overs between Hanu Viljoen and Johnny Thompson. 'JT' may be in his final year but his powers remain as strong as ever with the bat, clubbing 6 fours and 6 sixes in his unbeaten 71 from only 43 balls, while Viljoen's 50 took 42 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes). Travis Nicholl hit a rapid 41 in the chase of 242 (5 fours, 2 sixes), but only Ali Doherty (37) joined in as the Ballymagorry side fell 100 runs short. Trent McKeegan picked up four wickets, while there were three for Ross Hunter and two for teenager Charlie Downey.

Mike Erlank starred with the bat as Eglinton won a crucial encounter with Coleraine in their battle for a Premiership slot. The Bannsiders were out of sorts as the village side warmed up for Sunday's cup clash with a ruthless display. Stephen Hutchinson top-scored with 35, while there were runs too for Matty Smyth (31) and Ravi Karunaratne (29) in a total of 127 for 9. Josh Martin and Mike Erlank picked up two wickets and the South African professional ensured a routine chase, top-scoring with 62 not out (6 fours, 2 sixes), sharing stands of 48 with skipper Tommy Orr (22) and Jamie Millar (14*) in the seven wickets win.

Ardmore won a thriller against previous leaders Brigade at Beechgrove, with the last pair of Sabin Babu and Caolan Young getting them over the line - just though, as a Josh Wilson throw at the stumps with the scores tied missed by 'the barest of margins'. Brigade's 198 for 6 was based around a return to form with the bat for DD Barr, who top-scored with 78 (7 fours, 2 sixes). Cameron Melly made a subdued 33, wile there were runs too for Andy Britton (24*) and Adam McDaid (21). Edrees Kharatoi took three wickets and it was the Afghan who emerged the Bleachgreen hero with the bat. He thumped 42 from 21 balls, hitting 2 fours and four sixes - three of them consecutively off Andy Britton to get them within touching distance. It wouldn't be Ardmore if there wasn't a wobble, but the win keeps their hopes of a title challenge very much alive.

Another day, another Blayde Capell century, as the South African hit his 7th of this incredible campaign to move Killyclooney top of the Premiership table at the half-way point of the season. Blayde's 109 from 75 balls (11 fours, 7 sixes) took his season tally to 1479 runs at 123.25! He sgared an opening stand of 100 in 14 overs with William Finlay (34), while skipper Timmy Dougherty also made 34 in their 241 for 9 - three wickets for Sam Kincaid and Heinrich Roberts. Rain meant a DLS target of 219 in 32 overs, but early wickets for Jason Wallace (3-22), Jordan Connor (4-45) and Timmy Dugherty (2-24) always ensured they had control of the game. Raymond Curry hit 7 fours in an even time 42, while Mattie Barr cleared the hedgerows four times in a rapid 28, but their innings were too brief in a day that once again belonged to Capell and Killyclooney. They couldn't win the title, could they? You know, they just might...

Glendermott got their first points of the season with a welcome 5-wickets win over Burndennett at The Rectory. Mark Pollock hit 74 (8 fours, 1 six) to take his season aggregate to 592, sharing an opening stand of 93 with Marty Mehaffey (38) as the Tyrone side made 193 - three wickets for Alan Johnson (3-36). That wasn't going to be enough at the fast-scoring Rectory and so it proved, with Gihahn Cloete hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes in a top-score of 62 from 61 balls. He and Ben Mills added 70 for the fifth wicket with the skipper hitting seven boundaries in his unbeaten 38.

St Johnston were the biggest winners of the day as they demolished Strabane by 170-runs (DLS) at The Boathole. Michael Rankin was the star of the show with the bat, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 118 from 95 balls (8 fours, 6 sixes) as the Saints posted 255 for 6 - runs too for Graeme McCarter (45), David Lapsley (43) and Deepak Reddy (21). Strabane were blew away in the chase with three wickets apiece for Scott Devenney, Graeme McCarter and David Anthony clinching the massive win that could ignite a Premiership place challenge as the season moves into the second half.

Fox Lodge continued their excellent season with an emphatic 78-run win over Bonds Glen. Sri Lankan professional Gayan Maneeshan top-scored with 61 from 53 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes), sharing a fourth wicket stand of 77 with Brian Allen (45). There were runs too for Ali Doherty (26) and Travis Nicholl (24) in their total of 206 for 9 - three wickets for Mattie Barr, plus two apiece for Mark Snodgrass and Raymond Curry. Bonds Glen lost early wickets, and that seemed to take the wind out of them as they made little attempt to chase down the target. David Cooke top-scored with 27, while Raymond Curry hit 25. A last wicket stand of 44 between Mark Snodgrass (23*) and Kyle Moore (22) got them to 128, but by that stage the Foxies were all but assured of maximum points. The spinners did the bulk of the damage, with three wickets for Johnny Robinson, plus two apiece for Aaron Heywood, Jason Milligan and Adam Walker.

An unbeaten 72 from Kyle Magee ensured Bready stayed in the title race as they chased 183 to beat St Johnston by 7 wickets. Magee hit 6 boundaries in his controlled knock, sharing an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 96 in 17 overs with Dean McCloskey (37*), having earlier added 61 for the third wicket with Irosh Samarasooriya (43). St Johnston's total of 182 for 7 saw David Macbeth and Michael Rankin both make 35, while David Lapsley (25) and Deepak Reddy (21) also chipped in. There were two wickets apiece for Gavin Roulston, skipper David Scanlon, and Irosh.

Ardmore briefly went top of the Premiership table with a 9-wicket demolition of Ballyspallen at the Bleachgreen. Batting first, it was a case of 'spin to win' with South African professional Aviwe Mgijima taking 4 for 13 and Caolan Young 3 for 2 as the visitors were dismissed for just 91 - Stuart Kennedy top scoring with 24. In the reply, Dharm Singh fell in the first over of the chase, but skipper Rachit Gaur top-scored with an unbeaten 46 (8 fours), sharing an unbroken second wicket stand of 93 with Harry Zimmermann, who hit 6 fours and 1 maximum in his 45 not out as Ardmore romped home in the 18th over.

Donemana are right in the title mix after a whopping 167-run win over a Glendermott side still searching for their first point. Batting first, Donemana would have been slightly worried at 117 for 6 - one of those dimissed their latest sub-pro, Promod Maduwantha for 24, and also opener Jamie Huey for 54. However the complexion of the match was changed with a 7th wicket stand of 100 in just 10.2 overs between Levi Dougherty and Dean Mehaffey (21). Dougherty hit 6 fours and cleared the ropes 7 times in his brilliant 97 from just 59 balls - missing out narrowly on a century for the second time in 9 days, having made 99 in the T20 Cup last week. For Glendermott, there were two wickets apiece for Alex Boyd, Todd Killen, Jake Montgomery, and Gihahn Cloete. The reply never got going with only Cloete - who hit seven fours in his 30 - and Jake Montgomery (22*) reaching double figures as they were bowled out for 77. Maduwanthan took four wickets, while there were three apiece for former internationals Gary Neely and stand-in skipper Jordan McGonigle.

The Blayde Capell show rolls on as the South African hit 162 to take his season tally to 1221 runs in Killyclooney's 95-run win over defending champions Newbuildings. You can't help but admire his brutal simplicity, and who knows, if could inspire the Tyrone side to at the very least a Premiership slot for 2024, and whisper it, a shot at the title. Comparisons with Leicester City and their 5000-1 odds to win the Premiership in 2016? Capell hit 15 fours and 12 sixes in his 162 from 96 balls - giving just one tough chance on 70 - and only for Mark Hanna's direct hit run out would surely have made 200 plus. He shared an opening stand of 129 with William Finlay (41) and added a further 114 for the 3rd wicket with Kenzie Hall (53*). Alan Colhoun's 9-ball unbeaten 29 rubbed further salt into the wounds and a total of 313 for 5 was daunting. Ryan Hunter top-scored in the chase with 68 from 49 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes), and there were all too brief cameos from skipper Gareth McKeegan 931) and Jason Dunn 29 - 4 sixes. Three wickets for the new leading wicket taker in the region - Kenzie Hall - and Matty Campbell, plus two apiece from Jordan Connor and Jason Wallace sealed a 95-run win that keeps the dream alive for at least another week!

Coleraine won the closest game of the day as they edged to a two-wickets win at Strabane. The home side had skipper Aaron Gillespie back in the ranks, and he made 21 batting first. Professional Nasir Nawaz top-scored with 74 from just 55 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes), while Kevin Gallagher hit 37 as he and Nawaz added 99 in just 13 overs. However, the wicket of Nawaz saw the Red Caps lose 7 wickets for just 20 runs, going from 151 for 3 to 171 all out. Matthew Hutchinson picked up for 4 for 8, while there were two apiece for Gareth Burns and Dawood Khan. Matty Smyth hit 6 fours and a six in his 46 from 47 balls, while Ravi Karunaratne cleared the ropes 3 times and hit 4 fours in his 42 from just 36 deliveries. However, wickets kept falling as Rhys Logue (3-30) and Usman Azhar (2-44) managed to have the match in the balance. The cool head of Rory Knox (32*) got his side over the finishing line in a tense finale.

Brigade stay top of the Premiership after a ruthless 9-wicket demolition of Burndennett at Beechgrove. The Tyrone side were skittled out for just 63, with Ryan Macbeth (3-15) and Josh Wilson (2-30) doing the initial damage. Scott Macbeth then hastened the innings to a quick end with four wickets for just nine runs. Skipper Andy Britton rejigged the batting order, making an unbeaten 26 as they passed their modest target in just the 10th over, with Ryan Barr (10) the only wicket to fall, and Ryan Macbeth making 15 not out.

Matches between these sides have been close, nervy affairs in recent years, and this one was no different as Bready ended Ardmore's unbeaten Premiership record with a one-wicket last over win. The last pair of David Scanlon and Aaron Cooke needed 9 off 10 balls and managed to get them with the skipper finding the match winning boundary with the scores tied. It was a game that ebbed and flowed throughout with Ardmore skipper Rachit Gaur's injury meaning he could only manage 2.5 overs. With Harry Zimmermann also hors de combat the Bleachgreen side's bowling stocks were depleted. Bready of course were also without overseas professional Irosh who has been unwell this week, and to win without his influence is testament to the battling qualities of the Magheramason side. It's shaping up to be a thrilling Premiership battle and you get the feeling there will be further twists and turns before the season ends.

Coleraine put in a fine all-round performance to beat Bonds Glen by 87 runs at Sandel Lodge. Half centuries from Marcus Poskitt and Ravi Karunaratne saw the Bannsiders post 217. Poskitt hit 7 fours in a top score of 64 to take his season tally to 455, while Karunaratne cleared the ropes 5 times in his 55 from 46 balls. The Kincaid brothers - Kaelan and Sam - each picked up two wickets. The Bee Gees reply never recovered from early wickets, and only a steady half century from former player David Cooke got them to 130. There were three wickets each for Matthew Hutchinson and Gareth Burns, while Stephen Hutchinson and Ravi each took two apiece in the 87-run win.

Spinners Dharm Singh and Aviwe Mgijima took a combined 8 wickets to spin Ardmore to a routine 8-wickets win at St Johnston and maintain their unbeaten Premiership record. Rain delayed the start which meant a 33-overs match, and the home side struggled to get any momentum, rocked by the early departure of the talismanic Graeme McCarter cheaply. Michael Rankin and David Lapsley each made 21, but Singh (4-4) and Mgijima (4-22) tied the Saints in knots as they were spun out for just 90. A further shower at the interval meant the target became 86 in 30 overs. Singh went early but a breezy 24 (5 fours) from skipper Rachit Gaur settled the away side's dressing room. Harry Zimmermann then took up the mantle, hitting 7 fours in an unbeaten 40 as he and Mgijima (18*) added an unbroken 49 for the third wicket to clinch victory in the 15th over.

Jordan McGonigle's six wickets helped Donemana to an emphatic 8-wickets win at Ballyspallen. The stand-in skipper had the excellent analysis of 6 for 15 as the hosts went from 49 for 0 to 92 all out. Opener Luke Gilfillan made 50 of those (8 fours), with Kyle Morrow (13) and James Thompson (10) the only others to make double figures. Geeth Kumara's good form continued as he picked up 3 for 34 with his leg spin. Openers Jamie Huey (30) and DJ Dougherty (29) shared an opening stand of 62 in 10 overs to all but settle matters, with Gary McClintock's unbeaten 23 sealing the win in 16 overs.

Fox Lodge continued their fine campaign with another win over Glendermott. A 5th wicket stand of 75 between Johnny Robinson and Brian Allen was the backbone of their total of 199 for 5 in a game reduced to 31 overs due to a delayed start and a rain stoppage. 'Bap' was his usual ebullient self as he top-scored with 59 from just 36 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes), while Allen's unbeaten 55 (8 fours, 2 sixes) was also important - adding 59 for the 6th wicket too with Aiden Logue (24*), while earlier Jason Milligan had made 24. Glendermott's reply got off to a good start with Gihahn Cloete (32) and Leyland McElwee (25) adding 66 for the the first wicket. Levi Kerr (4-33) accounted for Cloete, and that opened the floodgates. They lost 10 wickets for 48 runs to be 114 all out. Skipper Aaron Heywood (5-18) also bowling superbly to keep the Foxies double dreams very much alive.

Blayde Cappell hit an unbeaten 114 to take his season tally to 999 (average 142.71) as Killyclooney's dream season continued with a hard-fought 3-wickets win at Eglinton. Chasing 196, Capell was the coolest man in the village, adding 75 for the third wicket with Mark Gordon (34), then steering the 'Clooney ship to victory as he made his fourth century of what looks like being a record-breaking campaign. Decker Curry's record of 1903 runs looks to be firmly in his sights.Earlier, Mike Erlank's 66 and 30s from Andy Millar and Robert McFarland were the highlights in Eglinton's 195 for 9 - four wickets for Matthew Campbell and two apiece for Kenzie Hall and skipper Timmy Dougherty. The Killyclooney juggernaut moves on now to Belfast where they play Cliftonville Academy on Sunday for a place in the National Cup.

Brigade stay top of the table after a comprehensive 8-wickets win away at Strabane. The home side were still without skipper Aaron Gillespie, and apart from opener Kevin Gallagher the Red Caps found the going tough. Gallagher top-scored with 65 (7 fours, 2 sixes) making half of Strabane's 130 all out. Only Usman Azhar's 26 offered any other serious resistance. There were three wickets apiece for Jamie Millar and Ifty Hussain, plus two for the ever-dependable Ryan Macbeth. DD Barr fell third ball of the reply, but a second wicket stand of 106 in 19 overs between Hussain (47) and Adam McDaid effectively settled the one-sided game. McDaid finished unbeaten on 68 from 76 balls (8 fours, 1 six) as they sealed the win in the 23rd over.

Gavin Roulston was the star of the show as the teenager hit an unbeaten 90 to steer Bready to a six-wickets win at Burndennett. The home side made 145 for 9 in their 40 overs with Head Coach Niall McDonnell top-scoring with 37 and 20s from Mark Doherty and skipper Conan Pollock. Another teenager, Aaron Cooke, took three wickets with his off-spin, while there were two apiece for Jordan McCorkell and Ian Young. The chase dominated by Roulston, with the talented left-hander hitting 13 fours and 2 sixes in his brilliant knock to ensure a comfortable win.

Half centuries from Aviwe Mgijima and Dharm Singh helped Ardmore to chase 220, beating Coleraine by five wickets at The Bleachgreen. The Bannsiders 220 for 8 was given a solid start by Scott Campbell (67) and Marcus Poskitt (43) who put on 84 for the first wicket. Matthew Smyth hit 34, but the Ardmore fielding helped them stop the total getting out of control - two wickets for Sabin Babu and Aviwe Mgijima. Singh hit 9 fours and 2 sixes in his 63 from just 55 balls, sharing an opening stand of 77 with Ryan Brolly. A flurry of wickets had the contest evenly poised at 124 for 4, but South African professional Mgijima made an unbeaten 85 from 76 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes) to guide them home. He added 72 with Rachit Gaur (26), who fell with 25 needed off 23 balls. Any jitters were soon settled by Mgijima and Mark Chambers as the win was secured with an over to go.

Newbuildings bounced back from last week's loss to produce a fine all-round display to beat Bready. They restricted the Magheramason side to 143 with four wickets for Ross Dougherty against his old club, while Ross Hunter took three and Johnny Thompson twp. Gavin Roulston top scored with just 27, while Kyle Magee made 26. The chase was a formality with Mark Hanna (36) and Ryan Hunter (32*) laying a solid base for Hanu Viljoen to hit 7 fours in a rapid half century as they eased to the 8-wicket win in just the 24th over.

Iftikhar Hussain rolled back the years as he made an unbeaten 167 to ease Brigade into joint pole-position at the top as the Beechgrove side chased 250 to easily account for Eglinton. Hussain, who turns 50 in September, showed no signs of his powers waning as he put the villagers attack to the sword. hitting 24 fours and 2 sixes in his 105-ball innings. Earlier Liam Doherty top-scored with 85 for Eglinton in their 249 for 8 - while Mike Erlank made a run-a-ball 55. There were three wickets for DD Barr and two for the recalled Jamie Millar.

Catches win matches. Donemana dropped Gayan Maneeshan before he got off the mark and the Sri Lankan made them pay as his 81 from 64 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes) helped the Ballymagorry side to chase down 238 at Donemana. Travis Nicholl hit 47 (7 sixes) as the Foxies raced out of the traps with 70 coming in the six overs before tea, Brian Allen (31) and Johnny Robinson (26) also in the runs of the successful chase. Earlier, fomrer Fox Lodge pro Geeth Kumara top-scored with 73, while the Dougherty brothers (Ricky-Lee and DJ) both made 40s. Aaron Heywood and Johnny Robinson each took three wickets as Fox Lodge moved up to third spot in the table.

Ballyspallen got their first win of the season with a comfortable 108-run win over St Johnston. Demith Perera hit 6 sixes in his 62 as 'Spallen made 227 for 9. Runs too for Stuart Kennedy (44), Luke Gilfillan (33) and Kyle Morrow (26*). The Saints chase never got going as they were dismissed for 119 - two wickets apiece for Perera, Clive Rodgers and skipper James Thompson.

A third wicket stand of 146 in 24 overs between David Cooke and Sam Haslett helped Bonds Glen to a maximum points 77-run win at home to basement side Glendermott. Cooke hit 13 fours and 3 sixes in his 85, while Haslett's 75 included 11 fours and a six. There were runs too for Raymond Curry (43) and Heinrich Roberts (32) as the Bee Gees made 264 for 4. Glendermott's reply was all but over as they slumped to 34 for 5 including the wicket of Cloete. Skipper Ben Mills (81) and Alan Johnson (35) ensured some respectability as they were eventually dismissed for 187.

KIllyclooney's excellent season continued as they beat Strabane by four wickets to go joint top of the table with Brigade. They restricted the Red Caps to 183, with only Nasir Nawaz taking advantage of the ideal batting conditions. He top-scored with 85 from 60 balls (6 fours, 8 sixes) but only Aaron Gillespie (24) offered any support. Kenzie Hall (4-22) and Tim Dougherty (2-18) doing the damage. Blayde Cappell thumped 8 fours and 3 sixes in his 56 from just 26 balls. The South African has now scored 604 runs at 151.00 this season. Strabane fought back and at 98 for 5 the game was still very much in the balance. Killyclooney though showed they aren't just a one-trick pony as Mark Gordon and Tim Dougherty both hit 42 in rapid time, sharing a 6th wicket stand of 66 in 7 overs, eventually sealing an important win.

Defending champions Newbuildings lost a thriller in controversial circumstances at home to Coleraine. Chasing 274, the Bannsiders required 18 off the last two overs with the last pair at the crease. However, the umpires penalised Newbuildings 12 runs for slow over-rate reducing the target to just six. Patrick Carson then struck two boundaries to win the game with eight balls to spare. Marcus Poskitt's brilliant 123 from just 83 balls (19 fours, 5 sixes) spearheaded the chase sharing stands of 88 and 80 with Matthew Smyth (43) and Matthew Hutchinson (34). Earlier, Newbuildings opener Mark Hanna hit 13 fours and 4 sixes in 90 from just 58 balls, dominating an opening stand of 90 with Jason Dunn. Ross Dougherty (45) and Hanu Viljoen (40) were also in the runs as the hosts looked to have posted a winning total of 273 for 6 - former Irish youth international Poskitt had other ideas though!

The clash between league leaders Donemana and Brigade lived up to its billing as game of the day. A second wicket stand of 128 in 26 overs between Adam McDaid (72) and Ifty Hussain (56) laid the platform for a strong finish. Scott Macbeth thumped 6 sixes and 2 fours in an unbeaten 65 from just 33 balls, sharing a 7th wicket stand of 72 in just 6 overs with elder brother Ryan as Brigade made 240 for 6. Donemana were in early trouble at 32 for 3, but a fourth wicket partnership of 100 between Sri Lankan professional Geeth Kumara and William McClintock left the contest in the balance. McClintock fell for 58, but with Kumara closing in on a century, the required target was 18 off 8 balls. The decisive moment came when Kumara was caught on the boundary for 96 - Brigade going on to win by 10 runs with skipper Andy Britton taking four wickets.

Fox Lodge returned to the scene of their most famous win, as they beat Eglinton by 26 runs. Half centuries for Craig Doherty (59) and Johnny Robinson (58) rescued the Ballymagorry side from a precarious 43 to 4. The pair shared a 5th wicket stand of 97 as Fox Lodge made 200 - three wickets for Lee Ritchie, Andy and Jamie Millar. Eglinton were always playing catch up in the chase despite 60 from Andy Millar (5 fours, 3 sixes). Two wickets apiece for Ramey Harpur, Aaron Heywood and Gayan Maneeshan seeing the villagers 174 all out - Jonny Robinson taking off the pads to claim the last wicket.

St Johnston Head Coach Graeme McCarter helped the Donegal side to an amazing last-gasp win over Burndennett. Chasing 206 the Saints looked down and out as three wickets for Mark Pollock and Ross McCay saw them slump to 67 for 7. However McCarter and Nathan Cole (32) added 74 for the 8th wicket to give them an outside chance. However, when the 9th wicket fell, 65 were still required from 7 overs. McCarter though was the hero as the former Irish international hit 11 fours and 10 sixes - four of them in the penultimate over to seal a famous win.

Strabane bounced back from last week's National Cup mauling in Dublin to inflict similar punishment on Ballyspallen. A second wicket stand of 167 in 21 overs between prolific Pakistan professional Nasir Nawaz and Aaron Gillespie laid the basis for a huge total. Nawaz top-scored with 121 from 78 balls, hitting 16 fours and 5 sixes. Gillespie hit 7 fours and 4 sixes in his 83 from 74 deliveries, while Ryan Gallagher dominated a fourth wicket stand of 80 in 10 overs with Rhys Logue. Gallagher made an unbeaten 71 from 61 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes) as the Tyrone side posted 323 for 3. The Ballyspallen chase never got going as they were dismissed for 127 - Stephen Kennedy making 44. There were four wickets apiece for Rhys Logue and Vadivel Moorthy, while Ryan Gallagher took two in the 196-run win.

It was a tale of two centuries at The Rectory as Killyclooney made light work of a 219-run target to win by 9 wickets. A second wicket stand of 116 between Leyland McElwee (51) and Gihan Cloete put Glendermott in a strong position as they reached 122 for 1. Cloete went on to make his third century of the season as he hit 20 fours and 6 sixes in his 139 not out - the home side making 218. William Finlay went early in the reply, but that was to be the end of success for the home side, South African professional Blayde Capell hit 12 fours and 10 sixes in an unbeaten 135 from only 83 balls. He found a willing partner in teenager Kenzie Hall, who hit 10 fours and 2 sixes in his 78 not out - the duo sharing an unbroken second wicket stand of 212 in 27 overs sealing a 9-wickets win.

Bready made it two wins out of two in a hard-fought 28-run win at Coleraine. They posted 159 for 6 batting first, with Jordan McCorkell top scoring with 35, plus contributions from Irosh Samarasooriya (34) and Davy Scanlon (31*).Coleraine started strongly, with an opening stand of 50 between Marcus Poskitt (27) and Scott Campbell. However, once Bready got their radar sorted, Coleriane's innings faltered to 131 all out. Three wickets for Conor Olphert (3-16), plus two apiece for Jordan McCorkell (2-11) and Gavin Roulston (2-21) in the 28-run win.

A new look Ardmore showed they will be a handful for many as they opened their campaign with a six wickets win over defending champions Newbuildings. The visitors raced to 40 for 0 in four overs, but once Ardmore struck, the innings stalled. Hanu Viljoen top-scored with 35, while there were runs too for Jason Dunn (28), Ryan Hunter (27) and Gareth McKeegan (21) in their 163. South African professional Aviwe Mgijima picked up 2-18, while there were wickets too for Harry Zimmerman (2-19) and Dharm Singh (2-40). The latter pair then shared a 67-run stand for the second wicket to put the hosts on course. Singh hit 9 fours and 3 sixes in an aggressive 77 with Zimmerman making an unbeaten 39 to steer the Bleachgreen side to victory.

Dwayne McGerrigle was the hero of the day as Donemana recovered from a horror start to beat Eglinton. Dean Mehaffey was dismissed by Mattie Mills from the first ball of the day, and it went from bad to worse as three wickets for Scott Adair saw the home side innings in tatters at 39-6. The counter attack came with McGerrigle thumping 11 sixes and 10 fours on his way to 123 from just 80 balls. He shared a second wicket partnership of 167 with William McBrine making 58. A total of 234 was untold riches but certainly within the range of the visitors. Liam Doherty (34) and Tommy Orr took them to 90 for 1, and it looked as if it could be a real nail biter. McGerrigle though had the remarkable figures of 6 for 45 to lead his side to the top of the table as they closed out a 42-run win.

What a difference a week makes as home comforts proved invaluable for Fox Lodge who beat Brigade by 5 wickets. Cameron Melly scored another half century, top scoring with 62 (6 fours, 2 sixes), but the Ireland Academy player aside, there was little else from the much vaunted Beechgrove line-up. Ryan Barr (24) and Scott Macbeth (20) the best of the rest in their 171. Adam Walker (3-25) was best with the ball for the home side although there were two wickets apiece as well for Levi Kerr, Jason Milligan and Gayan Maneeshan., The Sri Lankan then hit 7 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten 78, sharing an unbroken 68-run partnership with Jonny Robinson after the match was evenly poised at 104 for 5. Robinson's hard-hit 44 (3 fours, 3 sixes) sealed the five wicket win despite the best efforts of Ifty Hussain and Ryan Macbeth who each took a brace of wickets.

The batsmen were on top at Bonds Glen where the home side completed a 7-wickets win over Burndennett. The visitors captain Mark Pollock hit 12 fours and four sixes as he carried his bat with an undefeated 109 in their total of 224 for 6 - runs too for Corey Roulston (59) and Ross McCay (25). Stephen Dunn (3-23) and Kyle Moore (2-47) were the pick of the Bee Gees attack. The chase was a routine one, especially after an opening partnership of 138 between Matty Barr (80) and Simon Killen (66*). Former Irish international David Cooke (31*) also contributed to the seven wickets win.

Strabane got their season up and running with an emphatic 113-run win over Glendermott. Skipper Aaron Gillespie (42), Usman Azhar (34), new professional Nasir Nawaz (33), and Vadivel Moorthy (26) all got runs as they reached 197.Ben Mills was the pick of the attack taking 3-19 while Jason Lynch also took 2-34. The Rectory side never got going in the chase as they were dismissed for just 84. New signing Usman Azhar taking 5-16 on his home debut, while Ryan Gallagher (3-30) and Nawaz (2-19)were the other wicket takers in the victory.

Killyclooney ran out comprehensive 105-run winners at home to Ballyspallen. Professional Blayde Capell top scored with 46 while Alan Colhoun hit a quickfire 41 (5 sixes and 2 fours), while Kenzie Hall chipped in wth 38 as the home side made 233. Stephen Kennedy took five wickets (5-53) for the visitors. The reply was soon in trouble with early wickets for Jason Wallace - including overseas player Demith Perera - and Jordan Nelson. Matthw Campbell took two in two balls to all but end the game as a contest. James Thompson made a definat 58 (10 fours, 2 sixes), but there was little else in their total of 128.

A second wicket stand of 138 in 16 overs between Strabane captain Aaron Gillespie and Kevin Gallagher looked to be propelling the Tyrone side to a daunting total against defending champions Newbuildings. However once Gallagher went for 36, he was quickly followed by Gillespie, who smashed 16 fours and 3 sixes in a rapid 93 from 70 balls. Four wickets to Charlie Downey, plus two apiece from Ross Dougherty and Ryan Hunter saw the Red Caps falter from 167 for 2 to 224 all out. Newbuildings required an adjusted target of 174 in 30 overs, and that proved little trouble after an opening stand of 106 in 10 overs between Mark Hanna and Ross Dougherty. Hanna crunched 6 fours and 6 sixes in a top score of 69 from only 35 balls, while Dougherty made 51 from 42 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes). Ryan Hunter closed out the easy win with five boundaries in his unbeaten 38 - Shane Diver gaining two consolation wickets for Strabane.

Bready skipper David Scanlon's hat-trick helped the 2021 champions start with a resounding 9-wickets win at home to Killyclooney. The visitors would have been happy enough with an opening stand of 35 between Blayde Cappell and William Finlay before Scanlon's burst changed the complexion entirely. Irosh also claimed three wickets as Bready used nine bowlers as Killyclooney were dismissed for 106. Openers Jamie Magee (42*) and Gavin Roulston (26) shared an opening stand of 68, while Kyle Magee scored 15 not out on his debut as the total was reached in just the 16th over.

Brigade's top order fired as they were convincing winners over Glendermott in the Waterside derby. Openers Ifty Hussain (91) and DD Barr (51) shared an opening stand of 120 in 22 overs to lay the platform for a total of 282 for 4. Hussain hit 10 fours and cleared the ropes three times in an innings that deserved a century. Adam McDaid (51) kept the momentum going and 107 came in the last 10 overs. Skipper Andy Britton hit 3 sixes in an unbeaten 22, while debutant Cameron Melly became the fourth of the top five to pass 50, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes - the last of those from the final ball of the innings. Glendermott never threatened the big total, with Jason Lynch (38*) and Alan Johnson (30*) the best of their 120 for 6 before the rains brought proceedings to a premature end in the 28th over with the hosts 82 behind on DLS.

Eglinton are up and running after a five-wicket win at home to neighbours Ballyspallen. Three wickets apiece for Mattie Mills and Robbie Millar kept the visitors to 175 - two wickets also for debutant Liam Doherty. Sri Lankan Demith Perera top-scored with an even time 56 (4 fours, 3 sixes), while there were 20s for Kyle Morrow against his former club and Stephen Kennedy. Mike Erlank ensured the win with a well made 73 from 77 balls (9 fours, 1 six) sharing a fifth wicket stand of 67 in 9 overs with Andy Millar. The Eglinton skipper thumped 3 fours and 2 sixes in a rapid unbetaen 35 from 23 balls to hurry his side to victory with the heavy rainclouds sweeping in.

St Johnston produced the one surprise of the day as new skipper David Anthony took four wickets to help bowl Fox Lodge out for 102. The Foxiess new Sri Lankan professional Gayan Maneesshan lasting just three balls - one of three victims for Dawid Barnard. Craig Doherty top scored for the Ballymagory side with 27. The Donegal side were always in control chasing a modest target, with Michael Rankin top scoring with 26. Aaron Heywood took 2 for 11 in an eight over spell, but there wasn't enough runs on the board for any hope of a comeback win.

Donemana made a winning start after a typically powerful middle-order batting display by William McClintock lifted them from early trouble at 53 for 4 to 238. McClintock top-scored with 82 from just 44 balls, hitting 11 fours and 5 sixes as he and Levi Dougherty (19) added 82 in 9 overs for the fifth wicket. New captain Dwayne McGerrigle cleared the ropes five times in his 38, while Willie McBrine chipped in with 27. Bee Gees captain Raymond Curry and teenage spinner Sam Kincaid each took three wickets. Gary Neely (3-34) struck early blows and only Heinrich Roberts run-a-ball 40 offered any serious resistance in the chase. Jordan McGonigle (4-31) and William McBrine (2-21) ensured the maximum points win as Bonds Glen were bowled out for 132.

Coleraine got their campaign up and running with an easy seven-wickets win at Burndennett. The hosts were dismissed for 158 with Mark Pollock top-scoring with 33, and 20s from Indian student Gopi Siva and Mark Doherty. Brian Acheson claimed three wickets, while there was two apiece from the joint skippers Ravi Karunaratne and Matthew Hutchinson, plus former skipper Stephen Hutchinson. Rain saw the target reduced to 139 in 34 overs, and the Bannsiders never looked like losing after an opening stand of 72 between Scott Campbell and Marcus Poskitt (24). Mark Pollock (2-25) claimed two wickets, but Campbell's unbeaten 63 (9 fours, 1 six) saw the win achieved with six overs to spare.