NW SENIOR CUP: BIG THREE FLEX THEIR MUSCLE AGAIN

Ardmore's Gary Neely bowling to Donemana batsman Tom Riddles on Saturday. INLS2016-104KM

The North West Cricket Union introduced a new sponsor for their flagship cup competition this week, however despite Bank of Ireland being the new name on the top of the blue riband trophy; it will take something special from the rest to prevent one of the more familiar ones appearing underneath.

The gap separating Brigade, Coleraine and Donemana from the rest this season is as big as it has ever been, although Strabane and Eglinton will both be dangerous in these one-off contests as well. Obviously the draw will be crucial to progress too and most of the league will have their fingers crossed that one or other of the ‘Big Three’ have been paired together at yesterday’s quarter-final stage.

On Saturday, Brigade thumped their Waterside neighbours Glendermott by 175 runs while Donemana went one better with 176 to spare over Ardmore. Roshen Silva claimed 7 wickets for Coleraine as they thrashed St Johnston by the maximum 10.