Cricket: Premiership title decider at Beechgrove on Saturday

Leaders Coleraine entertained Donemana in a low scoring game at Sandel Lodge where the home side made a modest 132 with Graeme McCarter top scoring with 40. The men from the Holm were shot out for just 55 to end their championship hopes, with pace bowlers McCarter, Jarred Barnes and Gordon Cooke sharing the wickets.

Brigade are the only challengers to Coleraine after a five-wicket win at Bready.

David Scanlon’s side made 153 with some big hitting late on from Craig Young who made 52, but thanks to an undefeated 62 from Iftikhar Hussain and an excellent 39 not out from Mattie Gillespie saw the visitors home.

Bottom of the table St Johnston came close to their third win of the season at Ardmore. The Donegal men, thanks to 38 from Alan McBeth and 33 from David Lapsley, scored 156. They had the home side in all sorts of trouble however professional Fozzie Mutizwa with an undefeated 86 saw the Bleachgreen men home by three wickets.

In the remaining game Eglinton had an easy six wicket home win over Strabane. The Red Caps scored 142 with the home side having a number of players scoring 20 plus to give them a comfortable victory.

This Saturday sees the final round of games with the big one at Beechgrove where Coleraine are the visitors and there are also important games at the bottom of the table

Brigade v Coleraine

The scenario here is quite simple a win for the Bannsiders would give them the title whereas a victory for Brigade would mean that both sides will have to meet again to decide the championship. Coleraine’s batting was unimpressive last Saturday and it remains a mystery why Niall McDonnell is batting at 6. However their strength is in their bowling.

Brigade have done well to reach this stage with the chance to pick up the title they may take this to a play-off.

Prediction: Brigade

Bready v Strabane

The best the home side can manage from what has been a disappointing season is a place in the play-off against Fox Lodge. But they still have St Johnston just two points behind so a win is of vital importance. They will be without their professional Michael Loubser.

The Red Caps have finished the season strongly and it is a credit to them that after losing so many players that they were able to pull things round. However the home side have the greater incentive and may come out on top.

Prediction: Bready

St Johnston v Eglinton

Will this be the last game ion the top flight for the Donegal men? They know that anything less than a win will see them doomed, however they have a great fighting spirit and they will be keeping an eye into what is happening at Bready.

Eglinton have had a decent season beaten in the cup final and looking like finishing fourth in the league. They have a lot of promising young players coming through so the future looks bright.

Prediction: Eglinton

Donemana v Ardmore

Up until last week’s defeat at Coleraine Richard Kee’s side looked to have a chance of doing the double but that ended disappointingly, that said with the talented youngsters in their side there will be more trophies heading to the Holm in years to come, they will still want to finish with a win.

Ardmore’s main aim at the beginning of the season was to survive in the top division after a few scares they have managed to do just that and the experience their local players have got will stand to them in the seasons to come.

Prediction: Donemana