Fox Lodge returned to the scene of their most famous triumph and once again emerged victorious as they beat Eglinton by 26 runs to keep alive their ambitions of a title challenge.

They recovered from a poor start to post 200 with half centuries from Johnny Robinson and Craig Doherty, and skipper Aaron Heywood was quick to praise their efforts.

“Craig has really come into form this past few weeks which is timely for us,” said Heywood. “I was delighted he got his first senior 50 on Saturday and I hope he can kick on and become an important player for us.

“He got a few runs last week against The Hills and followed it up when we were really under pressure at 40 for 4. That was such an important partnership between him and Johnny Robinson and ultimately a match winning one.

“We all know just how good a player ‘Bap’ is and we are lucky that he is showing the quality we all know he possesses. That’s two important innings this year already and he’s becoming the consistent player I’ve been looking for. He’s actually done very well as a keeper too, but I’d like to have him fully fit and bowling again.”

One player who has been something of a surprise package has been opening bowler Ramey Harpur, who has grabbed his opportunity in the senior ranks.

“Ramey has been excellent, showing a great attitude. We needed someone to come in and do a job with the new ball after Jamie McIntyre got injured. He has bowled really well up front and controlled it superbly. It’s made my job easier being able to set a field in those important first powerplay overs. I hope he continues to do well and provides us with a selection headache.”

An away trip to Donemana looms large on Saturday, and Heywood knows just how tough a proposition that will be. “It’s always a difficult challenge with both teams going hard at it. They have obviously signed Geeth (Kumara) too, but I’m more than happy with my squad. We will back ourselves and go there and play our style of cricket and hopefully go back down the road with a victory. We have a bit of confidence now and we can take more from our performance up there last year.”