Donemana remain in the title mix after an emphatic win at Glendermott. They had another sub pro with Sri Lankan Promod Maduwanthan replacing Geeth Kumara, but it was the homegrown talent of Levi Dougherty who hit them out of trouble at The Rectory. Jordan McGonigle took the armband again with Dwayne McGerrigle’s bicep injury ruling him out, and the left-arm spinner was glad to get the win.

“It turned out to be an emphatic victory in the end but at 117-6 we were struggling,” McGonigle told the Chronicle. “The partnership between Levi and Dean Mehaffey was exceptional. As well as Levi’s power hitting the running between the wickets helped swing the game. Dean’s role was also vital and a special mention to Jamie Huey too at the start of the innings for his good knock.

“Levi’s innings was absolutely superb, he hit the ball so cleanly and timed almost everything to perfection, bar the one and only chance he gave.

“That total then gave us the belief going out to the field, although still being wary and respectful of their professional who could be a game changer and with the likes of Alan Johnson, Ben Mills and young Montgomery we still had a job to do.

“Gary Neely once again bowled superbly at the start of the innings picking up 3 wickets and then when Promod took the ball he immediately showed he was a top class spinner and bowled superbly for his four wickets.

“An important 25 points with a big game against Bready coming up this weekend, we know we’re capable of more with a few guys just out of form at the moment but when they do find it and we can all click together hopefully there’s a lot more to come from us.”

Donemana will have their permanent professional in their ranks for the crucial clash with Bready. He is Namibian all-rounder Karl Birkenstock and should add consistent quality to the side for the title race.