It hasn’t been a vintage season by any means for Donemana, but they averted the unthinkable of dropping into the Championship by securing back-to-back wins at the weekend against Strabane and Newbuildings.

William McBrine’s five-wicket haul and a superb all-round display from elder brother Andy set up the win in the Tyrone derby, while Levi Dougherty’s mature half century was the catalyst for their triumph at the Foyleview Arena.

“Well we we’re obviously glad to get both victories.” Said club captain Dwayne McGerrigle. “Against Strabane after they got a good start I felt we pulled it back fantastically with some great wicket-to wicket-bowling. Doing the basics really.

“We finished it off then with sensible batting because I felt the two Strabane opening bowlers bowled excellently and were a real challenge.

“The Newbuildings game was a bit different because we had to set a target. It was a good enough score but I know we all can still do much better,apart from Levi who batted very well marshalling the tail as they say.

“They got off to a flyer but I felt once we took the pace off the ball and kept chipping away at their wickets that we were always in the game. It’s always nice no matter what the situation is to see JT going up the steps and that was certainly the case for us.

“As for Saturday we will be looking to finish the season with a win against the league leaders Ardmore, so let’s hope the weather plays ball.”

Ardmore need 24 points to clinch their first title, with that game at Donemana followed by another second attempt game against Fox Lodge. Brigade currently trail Ardmore by two points having played a match more – their season finale is against Killyclooney whose own title challenge was finally ended by Ardmore, who dismissed them for 83, going on to secure a seven wickets win.