Ardmore secured Premiership cricket for 2025 after a hard-fought 19-run over St Johnston at Bready. Skipper Rachit Gaur top-scored with an unbeaten 62, adding 61 in six overs with Edrees, who thumped 4 sixes in a 21-ball 44 - three of them in successive balls from Graeme McCarter - in a late surge that took the Bleachgreen side to 201 for 7. Ardmore got three early wickets to be on top, but the Saints edged their way back in with a fourth wicket stand of 68 between opener David Lapsley (46) and Graeme McCarter. The required rate though had reached double figures as the Donegal side left their charge just too late as scoreboard pressure eventually told despite the best efforts of McCarter who made an unbeaten 81 (8 fours, 2 sixes). Edrees (3-51) and Rachit (2-18) bowled well to complete excellent all-round games, with Dave Bezzant also picking up a couple in the win. That completes the NW season with plenty to think about for both camps over the winter. Like all clubs, one or two additions will be on the agenda for sure.

The most one-sided of matches in a typical end of season encounter in the one Premiership game that had nothing riding on it. Five wickets apiece for Ryan Barr and Marcello Piedt saw the hosts skittled out for just 50 inside 16 overs - Ryan Clarke making 24 of those. The chase was over inside 10 overs as Ifty Hussain made a run-a-ball 36 (5 fours) adding 61 with David Barr (16*).

Ross Dougherty hit a brilliant unbeaten 129 as Newbuildings beat Ardmore by 69 runs at Foyleview. The home side went into the game missing quite a few of their regulars and fielding a trio of their Under 15 side. Jason Dunn (23) and Jason Bell - who hit four sixes in a rapid 39 - got them off to a quick start but at 123 for 4, Ardmore would have sensed an opening given the inexperienced late order. However, Dougherty and skipper Gareth McKeegan ensured it was never exposed in a 5th wicket stand of 157 in 19 overs. Ross hit 12 fours and 7 sixes in his 97-ball unbeaten 129, while Gareth's 69-ball 75 included 6 fours and 6 sixes. A final total of 302 for 6 was certainly a daunting one, but Ardmore were in with a sniff at 183 for 4 thanks to an 84-run stand between Harry Zimmermann (59) and Dave Bezzant (32). They however fell away as young spinner Lewis Campbell claimed a five-wicket haul after young Ella Wasson had claimed two scalps on her senior debut including skipper Rachit Gaur. What a difference a year makes for the 2023 champions who now will be involved in the relegation shoot-out with St Johnston in two weeks time.

Eglinton's bid for a first Senior One title since 1972 came up agonizingly short as they secured a full bonus points win over Coleraine, but missed out by 0.15 to champions Donemana. Liam Doherty was once again the Eglinton mainstay as the opener scored 115 from 114 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes) sharing a stand of exactly 100 for the 5th wicket with skipper Jamie Millar (46). Doherty's century took him past the 1000-run milestone for the season and the good news for Eglinton is that he will once again be in their team for the 2025 campaign. Chasing 219, the Bannsiders made a rapid start as Marcus Poskitt hit 7 fours in his 38, while Scott Campbell (31) and Craig Averill (27) took then to 84 for 1. The wheels came off as the spinners wrestled control with Robbie Millar, Lahiru Dilshan and Liam Doherty taking a combined seven wickets as nine wickets fell for 61 runs. The good news for Coleraine despite the loss was that Ardmore failed to get any points at Newbuildings, meaning they avoid the relegation play-off match.

Donemana clinched the NW Premiership title with a thumping 223-run win over Killyclooney that ensured full points plus a sizeable boost to their Nett-Run-Rate that almost doubled from 0.52 to 0.94 and above Eglinton. A solid batting effort saw runs for most of the the top order, although none went on to make a half century. Rumesh Buddhika top-scored with 47, while there were runs too for the McClintock twins - William (40) and Gary (31) - as well as a late surge from Dwayne McGerrigle who hit 4 of the 15 sixes made by his team in a rapid 34 - as well as 2 of the 27 fours in a daunting total of 284 for 9. Killyclooney's reply never got going as Andy McBrine took 6 for 10 and Rumesh Buddhika 3 for 25 as they were skittled for 61. The title then came to The Holm for the first time since 2017, and extends their lead as the NW's most successful team with 32 titles.

The dreadful weather in the North West continued on Sunday with the game at Beechgrove called off. The second attempt means no points for either ending Brigade's outside hopes of the title, and ensuring Coleraine will be looking over their shoulders as they and Ardmore try to avoid the relegation/promotion play-off game against the second-placed side in the Championship.

Newbuildings hopes of the title were all but ended by the weather as their second attempt game against Killyclooney was abandoned. It will now be almost certainly be between Eglinton and Donemana for the Premiership crown.

The only match in the top flight that managed to get underway lasted 16.1 overs before further heavy showers forced the teams to admit defeat after a valiant effort to get a game. Liam Doherty had just reached a half century with a six (51 balls; 5 fours, 3 sixes) before it was abandoned. Gareth Burns got the two wickets to fall - Andy Millar and Adam Lamberton. The match will now be replayed along the other three postponed games next weekend, with the North West having a preference for all to be played on the same day.

Killyclooney's relegation from the top flight was ensured as they slid to a 6-wicket loss at Ardmore. Conor Brolly returned to take four wickets as the visitors slid to 72 for 7 despite 20's from William Finlay and Andrew Neil. An 8th wicket stand of 59 in 7 overs between Jason Wallace who top-scored with 36 (6 fours, 1 six) and Jordan Connor (33) set Ardmore 136. The Bleachgreen side were soon into their stride as Dharm Singh's 44-ball 51 (9 fours, 1 six) saw him and skipper Rachit Gaur (44) put on 91 in 13 overs. They did however lose four wickets to drop two bonus points, meaning they will in all probability have to beat Newbuildings next week, and hope Coleraine lose to both Eglinton and Brigade to avoid the relegation play/off place.

It's advantage Newbuildings in the title race and it is they who will lift the Premiership title for the second time in three seasons if they beat Ardmore and Killyclooney in their final two games. It was a game low on runs but high on drama at Beechgrove with the home side dismissed for what looked like a paltry 82 - David Barr making 25 and Marcello Piedt 21. Trent McKeegan took a five wicket haul on his return to first team action, while Ross Dougherty (3-20) had made the early inroads. The chase got off to a flying starts with Mark Hanna hitting the first four balls to the boundary before being out to the fifth. Brigade kept chipping away with three wickets apiece for Scott Macbeth and David Barr having the nerves jangling, When McKeegan was joined by last man Gregory McFaul, seven were needed. McKeegan then cleared the tins to tie matters, before getting the single required to get the points much to Newbuildings delight - and relief.

Scott Macbeth's extraordinary season continues as the teenager scored another century to lead Brigade right back into title contention with a 77-run win over a Donemana side that had started the day on top of the Premiership. In a game that was reduced to 35 overs Brigade were 40 for 2 and wobbling slightly before David Barr (57) and Macbeth set about repairing the damage with a third wicket stand of 126 in 18 overs, Macbeth hit 7 fours and 7 sixes in his 85-ball unbeaten 111. A final total of 208 for 4 was a decent one, especially given Brigade's in-form bowling unit. Donemana's reply was stilted and couldn't really break the shackles with Macbeth getting the prize scalp of Andy McBrine into the bargain. He got two wickets, as did fellow tweakers David Barr and Ifty Hussain, while Josh Wilson was the most successful with his 3 for 23. Brigade now have a huge match on Sunday against Newbuildings with the winners arguably making themselves title favourites in the four-way battle for the crown.

Bready showed all their battling qualities to grind out a 41-run win over Coleraine at Sandel Lodge. The Tyrone side were indebted to a gritty half century from David Rankin, whose 51 got them up to 144. Spin to win was the Bannsiders motto with four wickets for Scott Campbell and two apiece for Cephas Zhuwao and Craig Averill. Ian Young took three early wickets as the hosts sputtered to 12 for 4. Rory Knox dug in to top score for the second week with 26, and the 10th wicket stand of 13 that secured a second bonus point could yet be decisive in the race to avoid the relegation play/off slot. Teenagers Gavin Roulston, Sam Stott and Nathan McCombe each collected two wickets in the 41-run win.

Heavy rain in the Donemana/Killyclooney area around mid-day put paid to the game and it will have to be replayed, most likely at Newbuildings next Sunday.

Liam Doherty was once again the main man as Eglinton moved top of the table with an emphatic 88-run win over Ardmore. Doherty cleared the ropes 8 times as well as hitting 5 fours in a 54-ball 85, sharing an opening stand of 130 with Andy Millar, whose 41 included 5 fours and a six. Both fell in quick succession, but there was little respite for the beleaguered home bowling as Lahiru Dilshan hit four sixes in a run-a-ball 44, adding 83 for the third wicket with Adam Lamberton (36). Harry Zimmermann did well to end with 4 for 26, but a total of 255 in a game reduced to 36 overs was still a formidable one. Zimmermann top-scored with 39 (8 fours) and Conor King hit two sixes in a breezy 20, but Ardmore never got in any sort of position to challenge. Robbie Millar took 4 for 26, while elder sibling Jamie claimed 2 for 36. The big swing in NRR saw the villagers leapfrog Donemana, and a thrilling end to the season is in sight over the coming weeks.

Newbuildings kept alive their league title hopes with a hard-fought three wickets win against near neighbours Bready. David Rankin scored another hundred - his 21st in senior cricket - hitting 14 fours and 2 sixes in his 100 from 90 balls. He added 90 for the third wicket with Parth Palawat (47) and a further 78 for the fourth with skipper Ian Young (38) in a total of 245 for 5. Newbuildings rejigged their order and it paid dividends as skipper Gareth McKeegan made 46, allied to Ross Dougherty's 61 (7 fours, 4 sixes) saw them make a bright start. Ryan Hunter also batted superbly and it was doen to him that they won with 8 balls to spare - his 79 also saw him hit 7 fours and clear the ropes four times. There was a little bit of a wobble but Newbuildings clinched what could be a vital win. They will be hoping for a Donemana slip up at Brigade next Saturday to open the door for them and the other challengers.

Donemana took a major step towards the league title with a hard-fought 5-wickets win against challengers Eglinton. Gary McClintock (3-35) helped reduce the villagers to 56 for 5 in the 18th over but they rallied strongly thanks primarily to overseas professional Lahiru Dilshan. The Sri Lankan hit 11 sixes and 8 fours in an 83-ball 115, sharing stands of 54 with Robbie Millar (20), 77 in 9 overs for the seventh with Andy Lucas (33) and 33 for the 8th with Ross McLaughlin to get them to 240 for 9. William McClintock though was in fine form - benefitting from two missed chances - to hit 11 fours and 4 sixes in a 73-ball 85, putting on 76 for the first wicket with Jamie Huey, and 90 for the second with Raymond Curry (52). There was a bit of a wobble, but no better man than Andy McBrine for the pressure situation, and his run-a-ball 31 (5 fours) got them over the line along with a few lusty blows from Gary McClintock and Levi Dougherty.

Andy Britton produced the best figures this season in the top flight as his 7 for 31 helped bundle out Killyclooney for just 52. Marcello Piedt took two wickets before the Beechgrove seamer took centre stage. Killyclooney managed to take two wickets to get a bonus point but Adam McDaid's quickfire unbeaten 33 ensured proceedings were wrapped up well before tea. Killyclooney now need to find at least two wins from their last three games or they will be playing Championship cricket in 2025.

Liam Doherty's superb season continued with a magnificent all-round display to help Eglinton make it eight consecutive Premiership wins to stay second in the table, breathing right down leaders Donemana neck. 20-year-old Doherty hit 7 fours and 5 sixes in a typically hard-hit 67-ball 70, sharing a third wicket stand of 67 with Lahiru Dilshan. The Sri Lankan hit 7 fours and 4 sixes in a top-score of 72, before being last man out with the total on 203. Jason Dunn's 59 (9 fours, 1 six) took the hosts to 92 for 2 in the reply, but Dilshan removed both him and Ryan Hunter in quick succession to open the door for the villagers. Doherty then turned his attention to the ball, removing the pivotal figure of JT first ball, going on to take 4 for 6 in a 40-run win. Eglinton travel to Donemana on Sunday, knowing that a win would leave the possibility of a first title win in 52 years a real possibility.

Donemana remain top, but only just after they won yet another thriller. They were struggling at 109 for 7 against Coleraine despite Jamie Huey’s half century, but David O’Sullivan opened his broad shoulders to hit nine sixes in a 53-ball 93 to get them to 224. When Andy McBrine and O’Sullivan reduced the Bannsiders to 62 for five, the outcome looked a formality. However, Rory Knox and Lee Ritchie (56) added 84 in ten overs to bring them right back into contention. Knox continued to clear the ropes hitting eight sixes in his 92 as Coleraine needed just eight runs with two wickets left, but attempting to get his ninth he picked out O’Sullivan on the long-off boundary. The Irish-Australian paceman then knocked out James Bell’s middle stump with a yorker to clinch the six -run win.

Gavin Roulston's first senior century helped Bready to a 50-run win against Ardmore at Magheramason. The 18-year-old hit 10 fours and 4 sixes in his 106-ball 116, sharing an opening stand of 177 with fellow teenager Ryan Clarke, who hit 8 fours in his 69. That set up the perfect platform, with 101 coming in the last ten overs thanks to entertaining cameos from Parth Palawat (31*) and Kyle Magee (22) in a total of 278 for 4. Harry Zimmermann (63) and Hayden Melly (60) both scored half centuries, but with the required rate steadily climbing, Ardmore were never really in serious contention at any point of the chase - three wickets at the end for Parth Palawat, and an excellent spell from Davy Scanlon (2-28).

Coleraine and Ardmore were left frustrated by the weather after their Premiership replay was called off after 25 overs. The Bannsiders had reached 101 for 4 with runs for Matthew Smyth (31*), Scott Campbell (24) and Craig Averill (20). This means neither side gets any points and with three games left, both are very much still involved in a dogfight to avoid relegation - either directly or via a play-off.

Newbuildings will have a second chance after the rain saved them in their match with Brigade. Three wickets for Marcello Piedt and two for Andy Britton had them in all sorts of trouble at 23 for 6 when the elements intervened. It could have been even worse as Johnny Thompson was dropped first ball.

Coleraine eased their relegation fears with a ten-wicket win against bottom side Killyclooney, with three wickets apiece for Lee Ritchie and Gareth Burns, plus two apiece for Rory Knox and Cephas Zhuwao. Kenzie Hall's 25 their best effort as the understrength Tyrone side scraped to 74. Matthew Hutchinson (36*) and Craig Averill (31*) knocking off the modest target with no fuss inside 15 overs.

Eglinton are up to second in the table after beating Bready by four wickets in a low scoring game. Chasing just 96, Eglinton wobbled slightly at 73 for 6 despite a hard-hit 32 from Liam Doherty as Gavin Roulston took five wickets. Robbie Millar and Andy Lucas guided them home to keep the villagers hopes of a first league title since 1972 alive.

Donemana stay top of the table thanks to a last-over win at Ardmore. Chasing 142 in 32 overs, two wickets in an over by Harry Zimmermann – including that of Andy McBrine – meant 24 were needed off the last 13 balls with eight down. Billy Dougherty was the Tyrone side hero, hitting two sixes in an unbeaten 20 to seal the points with three balls to spare. That got his side off the hook as they were guilty of taking their foot off the gas after four wickets for Rumesh Buddhika including top-scorer Rachit Gaur (44) saw Ardmore slide from 89 for 3 to 101 for 8. Dropped chances could have proved costly as Edrees - who hit 4 sixes in a 25-ball 36 - and Ciaran Roundtree (32) added 57 in 6 overs to get Ardmore up to 166. This was Donemana's second last over win of the season over Ardmore - small margins between success and failure and you expect there will be a few more twists and turns before the end of the campaign.

Ardmore's relegation fears remain intact after a bruising seven wickets loss at home to Brigade, who reignited their outside hopes of the title with the win. Hayden Melly made an unbeaten 49 and Rachit Gaur 41 in a total of 170 for 7 - two wickets apiece for Ifty Hussain and Scott Macbeth. It was Macbeth who produced the innings of the day as he hit 9 fours and 2 sixes in a rapid 30-ball 55, adding 71 in 39 balls for the third wicket with David Barr, who hit five boundaries in his 54 not out. Cameron Melly (33*) was also in the runs in a dominant display by the Beechgrove side.

Eglinton remain third in the table following a thoroughly professional 7-wickets win at home to bottom side Killyclooney. Andrew Neil top-scored with 45, while skipper Timmy Dougherty chipped in with 25 in a modest visitors total of 139 for 8. Liam Doherty (44) and Andy Millar shared an opening stand of 84 in 14 overs to all but settle the contest, although two wickets for Jamal Anwar got his side a bonus point. Andy Millar finished unbeaten with a run-a-ball 65 (6 fours, 2 sixes) as the villagers hopes of a title remain very much intact.

Gregory McFaul's four wickets and a half century for Gareth McKeegan helped Newbuildings to a comprehensive 8-wickets win at home to Coleraine. McFaul (4-35), Trent McKeegan (2-44), and Jason Dunn (3-16) had the Bannsiders reeling at 78 for 6. Stephen Hutchinson thumped 4 fours and 3 sixes in his 46, adding 58 for the 7th wicket alongside Lee Ritchie (24). A total of 148 rarely wins games at Foyleview, and this was once again the case, Skipper McKeegan hit 8 fours and 2 sixes in a 46-ball 56, sharing an opening stand of 83 with Jason Dunn (34). Ryan Hunter's recent form continued as he stroked 9 fours in an unbeaten 45 as they clinched victory with almost 14 overs to spare.

Donemana are back at the top of the Premiership table following an emphatic 94-run win at Bready. Half centuries for Andy McBrine (70) and Levi Dougherty (60*) helped Donemana to 249 for 5, with the pair each clearing the ropes four times in a fifth wicket stand of 108. There were runs too for the McClintock twins - William (47) and Gary (30) - in an excellent batting effort. Bready skipper Ian Young took 2 for 15, and he too was their top-scorer, hitting four boundaries in his 43. David O'Sullivan took three wickets, while there were two apiece for Rumesh Buddhika, Dean Mehaffey, and Gary McClintock in a victory that will lift the spirits after a mini-slump.

Ardmore will get a second chance after their game was abandoned at the midway point at Coleraine. Batting first the Bleachgreen side struggled to 124 all out, with Haydn Melly's 38 their best effort. Scott Campbell claimed 3-16, while there were two wickets apiece for Gareth Burns, Matthew Smyth and Lee Ritchie.

Bready skipper Ian Young (4-7) and David Scanlon (3-13) had combined figures of 7 for 20 as the Magheramason side got back to winning ways with a decisive 8-wicket win at bottom of the table Killyclooney. The hosts batting struggled with only Timmy Dougherty (32) and Kenzie Hall (21) getting runs as they made 106. That total was a winning one last week against Donemana, but lightning didn't strike twice as a solid reply with 20s for the top four of Ryan Clarke, David Rankin, Gavin Roulston, and Kyle Magee sealing the 8-wicket win just past the midway point.

Eglinton are right in the title mix after a superb six-wicket win at Brigade. A delayed start meant a 32-over game with Brigade and batting first openers David Barr and Ifty Hussain laid the platform with 20 apiece. Adam McDaid hit 7 fours and a six in a top score of 53, sharing a third wicket stand of 102 in 13 overs with Scott Macbeth - who passed 1000 runs for the season during his 48. The home side looked on course for a total well in excess of 200, but the villagers pulled it back well with three wickets for Mark Averill and two for Liam Doherty. Rain reduced the ask to 165 for 26, and in a wonderful chase they got there with an over to spare. It was yet again the talismanic Liam Doherty who got Eglinton off to a flying start and one from which they never looked back. 'Doc' hit 11 fours and 3 sixes in his 73-ball 88, sharing half century stands with Lahiru Dilshan and skipper Jamie Millar - both of whom made 27. Could Millar be lifting the Premiership trophy for the first time for Eglinton since 1972? On this showing, you wouldn't bet against it.

Newbuildings are the new Premiership leaders after overtaking Donemana in an entertaining contest that was a dress rehearsal for the Senior Cup in three weeks time. Batting first the Tyrone side made 220 for 9, with half centuries for Raymond Curry - who hit 9 fours in his 56 - and Levi Dougherty, who thumped 5 sixes and 3 fours in a 36-ball 52. There were 20s too for the McClintock twins and Dean Mehaffey. Ross Hunter picked up three wickets while there were two apiece for Ross Dougherty and Jason Dunn. Gareth McKeegan hit a rapid 35 (6 fours, 1 six) but the hosts went from 49 for 0 to 75 for 5 - two wickets each for Gary McClintock and Andy McBrine. JT though continues his special appearances and it was he and overseas professional Samarth Seth who turned the game around. The pair added an unbroken 136 in 17 overs chasing a rain-revised 211 in 37 overs. JT top-scored with a 60-ball unbeaten 68 (5 fours, 6 sixes) while Seth hit 10 fours and a six in his 65 not out, also from 60 balls. If the Cup final provides similar entertainment, the NW public is in for a real treat.

Ardmore were more like their old selves as they recorded a thumping 214-run win over Bready at the Bleachgreen. They were put in but made the visitors rue that decision quickly as skipper Rachit Gaur raced out of the traps with a hard-hit 47 from just 28 balls (8 fours, 1 six), adding 83 for the first wicket with Dharm Singh in the powerplay. Harry Zimmermann went cheaply, but the arrival of overseas professional Avi Mgijima to the middle was the catalyst for the match defining partnership. The South African added 154 for the 3rd wicket with Singh, who scored a fine 102 from 100 balls (11 fours, 6 sixes). Avi then launched a brutal assault on the weakened Bready attack, with 95 alone coming in the last five overs, as he hit 12 sixes and 10 fours in an unbeaten 85 ball 144. Faced with such a daunting total it wasn't surprising that Bready faltered, dismissed for just 135 with David Rankin (27) and Ian Young (24) their main scorers. Singh completed a great day by taking 3 wickets, while there were two apiece for Ciaran Roundtree, Conor King and Rachit Gaur.

Eglinton moved right into contention for the title with an excellent 5-wicket win at Coleraine. Half centuries from Scott Campbell and Craig Averill, plus Marcus Poskitt's 38 laid the platform at 142 for 1, the Bannsiders going on to post 231 for 8 - four wickets for Andy Millar. Millar then shared an opening stand of 154 with Liam Doherty that broke the back of the chase. Millar hit 6 sixes and 5 fours in his 79, with fellow opener Doherty going on to ensure victory with a quite brilliant 115. 'Doc' cleared the ropes 9 times as well as hitting 5 fours in his 103-ball knock. There was a late mini-wobble with the finishing line in sight, but the result was never in doubt, only the margin.

Defending champions Ardmore find themselves right in the midst of a relegation battle after another poor batting display. 20s from Rachit Gaur, Mark Chambers and Ciaran Roundtree took them to 99 for 4 before the wheels came off in spectacular fashion. The part-time spin of Ryan Hunter claimed 4 for 1, as the Bleachgreen side imploded to 101 all out - Trent McKeegan having taken three early wickets. Gaur's two wickets had Newbuildings at 44 for 3 in the chase, but an unbroken 4th wicket stand of 66 in 10 overs between Samarth Seth (37*) and Ross Dougherty (32*) sealed the seven wicket win - both hitting 5 fours and a six.

Bottom of the table Killyclooney inflicted a first league defeat of neighbours Donemana, a result that really opens up the title race, while also making the relegation battle even more intense. It didn't look possible at the midway point as four wickets for Raymond Curry, three from David O'Sullivan and two for Rumesh Buddhika saw the hosts bowled out for 104 - Jamal Anwar making 24 and William Finlay 21. However, Killyclooney battled as if their lives depended on it, with three wickets apiece for opening bowlers Timmy Dougherty and Matthew Campbell, plus two for Jordan Nelson seeing Donemana falter from 50 for 2 to 66 for 8! Dwayne McGerrigle and Billy Dougherty added 36 to take them to within one boundary of victory. However, Jason Wallace was the hometown hero as he captured the last two wickets in successive balls to seal a two-run win and spark wild scenes amongst the home players and supporters.

Cameron Melly's timely return to form reignited Brigade's title aspirations as they beat second placed Bready by 4 wickets in an entertaining game at Beechgrove. Batting first the visitors posted 220 for 8, with Gavin Roulston laying the foundations with a well-made 55. A flurry of wickets saw the momentum shift slightly, but a 5th wicket stand of 62 in 10 overs between skipper Ian Young (37) and Parth Palawat got the innings going again. Palawat benefitted from a few missed opportunities to play some outrageous shots in a quickfire 67 from 42 balls (4 fours, 5 sixes). A target of 220 looked challenging and even more so when Ian Young and Nathan McCombe took early wickets to have them spluttering at 14 for 3. Melly got them back on track with stands of 68 with Adam McDaid (21) and 42 with Marcello Piedt (20). The defining stand came though with skipper Andy Britton, with the duo's 6th wicket stand of 91 all but settling the contest. Melly top-scored with 92 (13 fours, 1 six) while Britton's run-a-ball unbeaten 53 included 7 fours and a six.

A 164-run stand between David Rankin and Kyle Magee helped Bready see off the challenge of Coleraine at Magheramason by 104 runs. Gavin Roulston's half century and 22 from Ryan Clarke got the hosts off to a solid start, before Rankin and Magee lit the touch paper in the second half of the innings. Magee hit an even-time 76 while Rankin remained unbeaten on 106; moving through the gears late on to reach his 'ton' heading into the final over. The former Warriors man smashed 7 fours and 7 sixes- 46 runs coming off the last 15 balls he received as Bready set a mammoth target of 284-3. To be fair, Coleraine went toe-to-toe early on with Marcus Poskitt making 69 and Craig Averill 35 in a century stand for the first wicket. After that however, Gareth Burns with 16* at Number 11 was best of the rest as the Bannsiders were bowled out for 180; Nathan McCombe (3-17), Rankin (3-25) and Jamie Mutch (2-11) the best of the nine bowlers used as Bready picket up full points.

Newbuildings moved into joint-second place in the table after they recorded an emphatic 9-wicket win at home to Killyclooney. A half century from Jamal Anwar and 21 from Kenzie Hall saw 'Clooney reach 88-2 before the wheels came off in sensational style and the last 8 wickets added just another 19 runs. Jason Dunn (4-12) and Ross Hunter (3-24) did the bulk of the damage after Trent McKeegan's early 2-30 and chasing just 108 to win, the hosts made no mistake from there. Skipper Gareth McKeegan warmed up for Sunday's senior cup semi-final duel against Brigade hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes in an unbeaten 76 and with Dunn chipping in with 23, Newbuildings posted a bloodless victory.

Leaders Donemana widened the gap between them and the chasing pack with an emphatic 8-wicket win over rivals Brigade in a game reduced to 33 overs by overnight rain at The Holm. The Beechgrove side were looking to Scott Macbeth to hit them out of early trouble, but his wicket at 48 for 2 saw a mini-collapse as they slumped to 48 for 5. Adam McDaid hit 4 sixes in a top-score of 38 as he and Andy Britton (35) doubled the score. Three wickets for Andy McBrine and two for William saw Brigade 137 all out. Such totals rarely win matches at the venue, and this was again the case as Donemana's opening pair of Gary McClintock and Rumesh Buddhika both made half centuries in an opening stand of 99 that all but settled the contest. Buddhika hit 5 sixes and 5 fours in his 48-ball 54, while McClintock's 58 included 6 fours and 3 sixes, falling just before the end - Cameron Nawn with the two consolation wickets. A real statement win for the Tyrone side that gives them breathing space approaching the midway point next week.

Eglinton ran out deserved and emphatic 8 wicket winners at home to an out of sorts Ardmore. The Bleachgreen side batted first, but were soon in trouble with a succession of their batters playing some very loose shots. Haydn Melly's patient 34 the best of their disappointing effort of 117. There were three wickets apiece for Andy Millar (3-15) and Liam Doherty (3-21), with two for Lahiru Dilshn (2-28). Liam Doherty went to the first ball of the reply, but that was a false dawn for the visitors, as the impressive Adam Lamberton hit 7 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten 56, sharing stands of 61 for the second wicket with Andy Millar (31), and an unbroken 58 for the second with Lahiru Dilshan (26*).

Overnight rain put paid to any chance of play at the Bleachgreen, despite the mopping up operation. The umpires pulled the plug after a second inspection at 1pm. The match will now be replayed in the coming weeks.

Scott Macbeth has really taken his game to a different level this year, and the highest compliment I can pay the 19 year-old is that his efforts are 'Decker Curryesque'. The match at Beechgrove was reduced to just 27 overs, but that still gave enough time for the teenager to bludgeon 12 sixes and 12 fours in a brutally destructive 156 not out from only 69 balls. His first 50 came from 26 balls, and then went to the century in just another 14 - 34 of them coming from one Jordan Connor over that included a no-ball (4 sixes, 2 fours and a 2). Connor despite that destructive over was still the best of the visitors attack, taking 3 for 55. The reply was a brave one without ever threatening to get any points. Kenzie Hall hit 5 sixes in a rapid 43, adding 76 in 8 overs with Jamal Anwar (55). Skipper Timmy Dougherty also had some fun, hitting 5 sixes - three in one Andy Britton over that cost 27 - on his way to a top-score of 62, but three wickets for Macbeth, and two apiece for Ifty Hussain and DD Barr sealed the 78-run win that keeps Brigade in the slipstream of leaders Donemana.

Eglinton showed their fighting qualities as they dug deep to clinch a vital home win over Newbuildings. They looked in real trouble as wickets for the Hunter brothers and Jack McIvor had them 103 for 7 chasing 198. But Sri Lankan professional Lahiru Dilshan was still there and he found the perfect ally in Mark Averill, who once again showed his value to the village side, but this time with the bat. 'Dilly' made a brilliant unbeaten 103 from 89 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes) as he and Averill (31*) delighted the home support in the early evening sunshine to clinch the three-wicket win with 13 balls to spare. Samarth Seth had made 68 (5 fours, 4 sixes) in the visitors total of 198 for 7, with runs too for Ryan Hunter (44), Jack McIvor (30*, and Jason Dunn (25). A brave effort by Newbuildings missing many of their regular line-up, but a win for Eglinton that will put them in good heart ahead of their quest to reach the cup final when they travel to Donemana next week.

Andy McBrine is another player at the top of his game, and the Irish international was to the fore as Donemana stayed top of the Premiership with a very good win away at Coleraine. The Bannsiders scored 186 for 9, with Zimbabwean Cephas Zhuwao clubbing four sixes in his 32-ball 47, before McBrine took a fine catch to end the fun. Scott Campbell made 33, while there were cameos too for Craig Averill (29) and Marcus Poskitt (20). Raymond Curry grabbed three wickets and David O'Sullivan two. Rumesh Buddhika made 32 at the start of the reply, and when Zhuwao (2-35) took another wicket the door was slightly open at 70 for 3. It was firmly shut though as McBrine hit 5 sixes and fours in his 83 not out from 64 balls, adding a match defining 105 in 17 overs for the fourth wicket with Raymond Curry who made 59 (7 fours, 1 six).

Mark Averill was again the kryptonite to Bready's batters as the Eglinton bowler's last-gasp heroics sealed another win for the villagers after last week's cup heroics. Needing 16 from the final two overs with four wickets left, Bready looked slight favourites, with Jamie Magee (46) well set after helping the hosts stabilise chasing 188. Averill though picked up three wickets, including Magee to finish with 4 for 33 in a 14-run win. Jamie Millar (3-32) had done much of the early damage for Eglinton. The skipper had also chipped in with 28 earlier in their total of 187 for 6 - Lahiru Dilshan making 47, Adam Lamberton 34, and Andy Lucas a vital 31 against his former club.

Donemana are now clear at the top of the Premiership after a dramatic last-over win at home to defending champions Ardmore. Neding 13 from the final over, Irish international Andy McBrine cleared the ropes from the first and fifth deliveries much to the delight of the home support. It was a nervy chase at the end, with Ardmore chipping away at the top order - the top six of whom all got past 20. The result was tough on Harry Zimmermann who had held the Ardmore innings together with his even time 85 (6 fours, 4 sixes) , adding 62 for the 5th wicket with Haydn Melly (22). McBrine (3-26) again took the bowling honours with 3 for 26 in a fine all-round display.

Newbuildings put a dent in Brigade's title ambitions as they inflicted a 42-run loss on the Beechgrove side in a dress rehearsal for their cup semi-final in two weeks time. Ross Dougherty top-scored with 87 from 90 balls (10 fours, 3 sixes) sharing stands of 93 for the second wicket with Jason Dunn (48), and 84 for the third with Samarth Seth, whose 42-ball 55 included 6 fours and 3 sixes. Mark Hanna then clubbed 2 fours and sixes in a 7-ball 23 not out to get the Foyleview side up to 232 for 5. Ifty Hussain hit 8 fours in a quickfire 37 at the top of the order, but Ross Dougherty's 8 overs went for just 16 and at 56 for 3 in the 17th over, the visitors were in trouble. Cameron Melly (38) and Scott Macbeth (29) added 54 for 5th over, but Macbeth played on for the first of four wickets for Ross Hunter, while Melly was one of three wickets for teenage spinner Lewis Campbell as Newbuildings large contingent of fans were left with plenty to cheer in a famous morale boosting win.

Coleraine prevailed in a tough battle at Kilyclooney, getting them out of two precarious situations to eventually seal a 41-run win. They were in trouble firstly batting at 68 for 5 with Timmy Dougherty (3-38) and Matthew Campbell (3-46) both in the wickets. Stephen Hutchinson's counter-attacking 72 from 50 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes) saw him add 84 in 12 overs with skipper Matty Smyth (38) to get the Bannsiders up to 225. Jamal Anwar (49) and Andrew Neil (48) put on 98 for the second wicket to get the hosts to 105 for 1 in 22 overs, and on course to get their first win of the campaign. But four wickets for Cephas Zhuawao and three scalps for Gareth Burns produced a collapse as the hosts were dismissed for 184.

Brigade won on the road at Coleraine despite a century for Marcus Poskitt. The Beechgrove side owed much of their total to a wonderful 3rd wicket stand of 112 in 12 overs between the in-form Scott Macbeth and David Barr. Macbeth top-scored with 78 from just 46 balls (6 fours, 6 sixes), while Barr's 68 included 3 fours and 2 sixes. Poskitt and Craig Averill (37) got the chase off to a flier with an opening stand of 105 in 14.3 overs, before Ifty Hussain dismissed Averill and Zimbabwean stand-in professional Cephas Zhuwao in successive balls. DD Barr then worked his way through the rest of the order - his 5th and final wicket that of Poskitt, whose even time 107 included 14 fours and 3 sixes as Brigade won by 26 runs.

A fine batting display by Bready set up a 26-run win over neighbours Newbuildings in a high-scoring game. David Rankin top-scored with 53, adding 70 for the second wicket with Ryan Clarke (46), while there was also a half century stand between Parth Palawat (48) and Ian Young (35*) as the Magheramason side posted 231 for 4. There were early wickets in the chase for Pierce Ryan and Parth Palawat, and it looked like an easy win at 68 for 5. However, Samarth Seth kept it interesting with 104 from 89 balls (10 fours, 5 sixes) but was just left with too much to do as the hosts prevailed.

Donemana won again despite an Eglinton batting fightback. Gary McClintock's (4-28) new ball burst had the home side in all sorts of trouble, with wickets too for Andy McBrine and Rumesh Budhika having them 82 for 7. Jamie Millar's run-a-ball unbeaten 62 helped them to 170. Rumesh Buddhika (44) and DJ Doherty (22) took Donemana to 83 for 1, before Lahiru Dilshan (3-26) accounted for Dougherty, Raymond Curry and Andy McBrine in quick succession. At 91 for 4, the door was open, but an unbroken 5th wicket stand of 81 in 13 overs between the McClintock twins quickly slammed it shut. William hit 4 sixes in a top-score of 44 not out, while Gary's fine all-round display saw him make an unbeaten 30 as Donemana march on.

Defending champions Ardmore got their first league win of the season with an ultimately comfortable 72-run win over Killyclooney. A fourth wicket stand of exactly 100 in 22 overs between Harry Zimmermann and Hayden Melly saw the pair both pass 50 in a total of 188 for 6. There were two wickets apiece for Timmy Dougherty and Jamal Anwar, while the champagne moment was a stunning leaping one-handed boundary catch for Anwar. Rachit Gaur (3-16) had Killyclooney in early trouble, but they recovered to 84 for 3 with skipper Dougherty and Anwar each making 36. The wheels however came off as they lost 7 wickets for 32 to be 116 all out - Dharm Singh's three wickets instrumental in the collapse.

Brigade's batsmen had gotten themselves in a great position before the deluge and will be bitterly disappointed that the game didn't go the distance. Ifty Hussain (45) raced out of the blocks hitting 6 fours and a six in his 31-ball stay, sharing a stand of 78 with DD Barr in the powerplay. Barr had reached a fluent 62 from 59 balls (8 fours, 1 six), adding an unbroken 55 in 9 overs with Adam McDaid (25*). The Bleachgreen side had flown in a sub pro from England for the game - former Pakistan Test played Abid Ali, but he didn't get an opportunity to either bat or bowl.

Eglinton were well on top of their clash with Killyclooney when the game was called off. Home skipper Jamie Millar had claimed four wickets for 33 as the visitors slumped to 58 for 5 with only his opposite number Timmy Dougherty holding firm on 21 not out.

The only senior game to beat the weather was at Sandel Lodge where Newbuildings just about weathered another storm to clinch a 15-run (DLS) win over Coleraine. batting first Newbuildings piled up an imposing 269 for 7 in their 40 overs with Ryan Hunter top-scoring with a fluent even time 93 (8 fours, 2 sixes). Hunter shared a second wicket stand of 103 in 19 overs with Gareth McKeegan - the skipper rejuvenated at the top of the order as he hit 4 fours and cleared the ropes three times in his 58. Samarth Seth added a further 73 in 9 overs with Hunter, as he hit 7 fours and 2 sixes in his 57 from just 38 balls as the runs came fast at the end. The home side chase looked a forlorn one as Ross Hunter claimed 3 for 18, with the Bannsiders reeling at 85 for 5 at the 20 overs mark. Garnett Tear - a South African brought in for the game as a sub pro - went on the attack and in the course of the next 45 minutes brought an entire new complexion to the contest. he found a willing ally in Lee Ritchie with the pair adding 65 for the 6th wicket as Tear thumped 7 sixes and 7 fours in a quite destructive 116 not out from just 74 balls. It was looking like it could go all the way, but with 83 needed from 61 balls the rains arrived and Tear's efforts were in vain - Newbuildings winning by 15. It wasn't all bad news for the Bannsiders though as with the washouts elsewhere the 4 bonus points ensured they went top of the table for a few weeks at least.

Donemana were well on top in their home clash with Bready when play was halted. A century for Sri Lankan professional Rumesh Buddhika had them on course for a total well in excess of 300 at 185 for 2 in the 27th over. Buddhika hit 14 fours and 8 sixes in his 119, sharing a second wicket stand of 153 in 21 overs with Raymond Curry (38*).

Just 12 overs were possible before the rains settled in, but Liam Doherty had shown his class in the brief passage of play possible. The Ireland U19 international raced to an unbeaten 56 off 40 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes) as Eglinton reached 94 for 2 in 12 overs. Jason Wallace dismissed Andy (19) and Jamie Millar (2), but in the end it was the weather that was the winner.

Coleraine had made 50 for 2 when once again the weather won the day. Scott Campbell (19) and Craig Averill (6) the wickets to fall - Ross Hunter and Trent McKeegan the successful bowlers. Marcus Poskitt (16*) and skipper Matty Smyth (9*) the unbeaten batters.

Another game that managed to get an hour's play was at Beechgrove where the top two from last year met. Ardmore had reached 65 for 4 with four of their players getting to double figures, but none really going on. Rachit Gaur (11) and Dharm Singh (16) added 32 before they fell in quick succession. Hayden Melly was the second on Andy Britton's (2-14) victims, and when Harry Zimmermann (15) fell to Scott Macbeth just before the close, they looked in trouble. Mark Chambers (17*) and Tim Harris (1*) were in the middle when play was halted and eventually abandoned just after 3pm.

Defending champions Ardmore lost their opener in a low scoring game at the Green. Skipper Rachit Gaur's 43 was the best of their 136 - debutant Hayden Melly chipping in with 24. Scott Campbell took 3-32, and the left-hander anchored the chase with an unbeaten 49. He and Marcus Poskitt (20) laid a solid platform, but when Bobby Brolly (2-11) took the second of his two wickets, the required rate had climbed to 5 an over. Skipper Matty Smyth played the most fluent innings of the day - a quickfire 33 from just 28 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), as he and Campbell added 54 in 7 overs to all but settle the contest.

Bready got their campaign up and running with a dominant 9-wicket win over Killyclooney. New Indian professional Parth Palawat took five wickets and skipper Ian Young three as the visitors were dismissed for 137, despite a surprise appearance by Blayde Cappell - out for 3. William Finlay 34, and Kenzie Hall 24 their main contributors. Ryan Clarke's unbeaten half century eased the Magheramason side to the win without having to get out of second gear.

Scott Macbeth starred as Brigade got their season up and running with a 7 wickets win at Eglinton. The Irish U19 international top-scored with a fluent 52 from 44 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) in their total of 183/7. Adam McDaid and Ifty Hussain both made 32, while Cameron Melly hit 24. Liam Doherty (3-43) was the best with the ball, and he too was the pick of the batters, making 33 out of the hosts disappointing 109. Macbeth took four wickets to complete a superb all-round effort, while there were two apiece for DD Barr, Ifty Hussain and new pro Marcello Piedt.

Donemana got their season up and running with an emphatic 7 wickets win at home to Newbuildings. The visitors struggled in the early season conditions with only new professional Samarth Seth adapting as he hit 10 fours and cleared the ropes four times in an unbeaten 80 from just 68 balls. Jason Dunn's 23 was the only other innings of note in a total of 141 - the wickets shared between Willie McBrine 3-26, Adam Britton 2-11, and Gary McClintock 2-15. DJ Dougherty (26) and professional Rumesh Buddhika (24) shared an opening stand of 47 before three wickets fell for seven runs - including debutant Raymond Curry for 0. An unbroken fourth wicket stand of 92 in ten overs between Irish internationals Andy McBrine and William McClintock saw the game to a hasty conclusion. McBrine top scored with an unbeaten 55 from just 42 balls that included 5 sixes and 4 fours, while McClintock's 37 not out took 26 balls (5 fours, 1 six).