DONEMANA FALL SHORT IN CUP FINAL

Donemana’s quest for the double was denied by Newbuildings who claimed their maiden Senior Cup with a five-wicket win at Beechgrove.

In truth, Donemana’s batting line-up failed to fire over the two-innings affair, with Levi Dougherty’s first innings half century the only innings of true quality and power. To be fair they battled back bravely with their bowling unit looking as if they could even give them a narrow first-innings lead.

Those hopes were dashed by former player Johnny Thompson, whose 47 ensured Newbuildings has their noses in front – JT then took three second innings wickets as Donemana faltered second time around. Samarth Seth scored 104 runs across the two innings proving along with Thompson the difference in a tight contest.

The decider was played in front of the biggest crowd seen in the final in recent times, with official estimates putting the attendance at close to 4000. A real boost to the coffers of the Beechgrove club, who collected the gate receipts in return for taking over the entire match arrangements.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Donemana though. They are above Newbuildings in the league table on NRR, with the destiny of the title very much in their own hands. They will also have Andy McBrine back in the ranks for the run-in, starting on Saturday with a trip to relegation-threatened Ardmore.