STRABANE WOMEN UP FOR THE CUP

The Women’s Senior Cup has also reached the semi-finals stage with three Tyrone sides still in contention. Bready will be favourites to beat Eglinton in a repeat of their game earlier this week which the Magheramason side won by 9 wickets.

The other tie is a real David versus Goliath clash with cup kingpins Fox Lodge – going for their 6th win in 7 years – facing a very young Strabane side, who are in the early stages of their development cycle.

The Red Caps, while very much aware of their underdog status, are looking forward to the contest.

“I am so proud of our girls for getting into a semi-final. I am nervous but also excited and ready for an amazing match against Fox Lodge,” said Strabane captain Chloe Deans.

“This season so far has been a challenging season for our ladies. “We lost a number of players just before we were due to start, which left us in a bit of a predicament but it was definitely a case of whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and players leaving provided opportunities for other players that might otherwise have not got a chance to contribute. Despite the loss of these players, we have been able to get a team out each week, which has been amazing to see. 

“I am so proud of our ladies this year. We have a number of girls that are just beginning their cricket journey and are showing fantastic improvement each week.  I love being Strabane Ladies Captain. I am so proud of each and every one of the girls that show their dedication and hard work week in and week out. 

“Without doubt, this season’s highlight so far for me has to be the performances of the younger girls on the team. Players such as Abaigh Gillespie and Abbey-Gale McGarrigle have been stepping up each week and showing the benefit of the hard work they have been putting into cricket and to improving their game. We’ve benefited from having two of our best players back in Hazel Britton and Kylie McGarrigle and the players leaving have given me more opportunities with the bat as well.”

Strabane Head Coach Michael Gillespie is justifiably proud of his young charges, and isn’t ruling out an upset on Sunday.

“We have benefitted greatly from our deal with the NWCU to allow the core of our team to also play in the second division, and they have gelled as a group because of that. While the younger players have been thrown in at the deep end, they have worked hard and reaped the benefits.

“With a young side there have been ups and downs winning a few including in the cup against Coleraine, but have been beaten a couple of times in recent weeks. Despite that, the heads haven’t dropped. We know it will be tough against Fox Lodge, who are possibly the best team in the league, and will be strongly fancied to win.

“We have a fighter’s chance though and you never know what might happen in a one-off game. They will give it their best, but I can guarantee one thing, that whatever the result they will have a smile on their face. That’s just the nature of this team, who are just an absolute pleasure to coach. Whatever Sunday brings, it will be another step on the development journey for the team.”

Fox Lodge are at full strength for the game, and skipper Hannah McLaughlin is looking forward to the Tyrone derby.

“We are all looking forward to the semi-final of the cup,” said McLaughlin.  “We have a strong team available and will be delighted to welcome Tanisha Hussain back following injury.

“The ladies have all been in good form playing quality cricket which we will be aiming to continue for the cup run.”