A few weeks ago I put together a few paragraphs extolling the virtue of our Senior Cup competition and I have no doubt some of our friends in the NCU will this week be pointing to the example set by the North West in that regard. I don't pretend to have an in-depth knowledge of the rules on the other side of the Glenshane mountain but it looks as though much consternation has arisen over the fact that at least one tie in the region's premier cup competition was decided by a bowl out.

That thought is no reflection on Lisburn who realised that their best hope of beating Waringstown at the weekend was to aim better because technically they did nothing wrong. They came out of the hat first and were well within their rights to defend their patch but if it's true (and I'm not suggesting that it is) that six of the eight clubs involved in the quarter finals accepted the NCU's offer to go to next week rather than a bowl out now, was that not evidence enough? Granted the rule has been in place for several years now and the clubs themselves must share some of the blame for not voting for change at their AGM but it's an issue that needs to be addressed one way or t'other because it seems to keep cropping up.

Contrast that however with events at Burndennett on Saturday when the Division 2 side immediately agreed to abandon their Senior Cup quarter final with holders Bready when they realised that the fight had gone out of David Scanlon's team following an horrendous leg injury to Ian Young. Burndennett were in a none-too-shabby position in the game either but despite the prestige of the Senior Cup, Mark Doherty and his side needed no prompting to do the right thing.

Some have questioned the decision to abandon the game completely but let me tell you now that the people who were at the match know exactly why it was abandoned and we'll leave it at that. You see, while the Senior Cup is probably the most sought after trophy in these parts, the spirit of the game matters even more to the Burndennetts of this world. As one leading cricket figure told me over the weekend "Burndennett might be bowled out for 50 in the replay but they have won the respect of the region and you can't put a price on that".

As for the two lads involved in the collision, Marc Fleming was very badly shaken but has no long term scars although unfortunately it was a very different picture for Ian. The Bready bowler underwent surgery during Saturday night and is expected to require another operation in the coming days in an attempt to repair the extensive damage. The "get well" wishes have been coming in thick and fast and we fervently hope that Ian makes a quick and full recovery from his injuries.

No doubt Robin Glenn must occasionally wish that he could instruct a bowl-out to decide the North West ties once in a while and this weekend the three outstanding cup quarter finals will try for a third time to reach a conclusion. Having walked for a week in Robin's shoes I know that the day-to-day running of the North West is becoming more like a full time job and if you saw the time and effort that goes into every aspect of the service to players, clubs and spectators at the minute you wouldn't believe it.

I remember well when we decided to try to enhance the scores, reports and preview service my colleague Barry Chambers telling me we were "creating a monster". Believe it or not most of the feedback we continue to get is about what isn't provided as opposed to what is, so I'm beginning to see the wisdom in those words. Robin's is the most thankless job I know of - so hopefully fixture secretaries and club captains will take note while the weather problems persist.

One team who don't have to worry about a re-arranged senior cup quarter final is Coleraine; the Bannsiders recording an emphatic win at home to Limavady on Sunday as they progressed to the last four. I'm more than a little confused by the either/or semi-final draw but I am reliably informed that Ian McGregor's men will be at home again next with the winners of the St Johnston v Brigade match standing between them and a cup final place. Coleraine may lack a little experience but the fact that they are heading into the second half of the season among the sides contesting leadership of the table and within touching distance of the blue riband final speaks volumes. McGregor has led them really well and Stevie Dunn has been very impressive with the new ball, as indeed has Gareth Burns but without a shadow of a doubt Scott Campbell has been their shining light.

As with Donemana when they lose Andy McBrine and Ryan Hunter, the acid test for Coleraine will be how they cope without the youngster when he departs for the under-19 World Cup next month. Campbell was included in the Ireland set-up initially as a bowler but it is quite clear at present that while he is of immense value to his club in both disciplines, they will miss him desperately at the top of the order. With around 550 runs at an astonishing average of almost 78 Campbell's worth is crystal clear but the fact that the middle order still looks a batsman light might determine whether or not Coleraine can manage in his absence. With plenty of young talent continuing to emerge at Sandel Lodge these days however it could well be an ideal opportunity for someone else to seize their chance and few would want to bet against seeing them at Bready for this year's decider.