Barry Chambers, 4 August 2001

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Donemana won the Northern Bank Senior Cup Final for the first time since 1992 after Limavady collapsed in dramatic fashion in their second innings. Resuming 27 ahead Azhar Shaffique showed their intent by smashing Richard McDaid for three fours off the first three balls of the innings. However McDaid gained his revenge by having Shaffique caught behind by Graeme Wells, the first of five victims for the wicket keeper. William Porterfield and Johnny Thompson took the score to 51 before disaster struck when Porterfield was narrowly run out by a direct hit from Andy Christie at mid off. Thompson followed soon after when he nicked one from Decker Curry and was well caught behind.

Andrew Riddles batted with composure and was holding the innings together as the wickets fell at regular intervals. Junior McBrine went caught by Decker Curry off Victor McDaid to one of the few balls that misbehaved on the magnificent Eglinton wicket. James McBrine looked in good form and was starting to accelerate when he mistimed a pull shot and was caught by Ivor Lapsley at square leg for 20 with the score on 126.

Brother Roy didn't stay long as he was stumped by Wells rather fortunately off a ricochet for 5. As was the case in the first innings the appearance at the wicket of Dwayne McGarrigle lifted the tempo and despite the dismissal of Riddles for 45 the scoring rate accelerated as McGarrigle crashed the ball to all parts of the ground making 38. Both he and Neely went towards the end but Jordan McGonigle struck two fours to leave the total on 211 for 9. Victor McDaid took 3-58 and Decker Curry 2-27.

Needing 239 for victory the Limavady reply was delayed because of rain and this rain in conjunction with the use of the heavy roller produced a totally different track than before. This is to take nothing away from the Donemana opening bowlers Azhar Shaffique and Gary Neely who ripped through the Limavady batting order to leave them tettering on the brink at 48-9.

The prize wicket was undoubtedly Decker Curry who was clean bowled by Neely (right)for a duck much to the delight of the large Donemana support, and from that moment the sense of belief and purpose in the Donemana team was evident. Richard Dougherty took four catches behind the stumps and James McBrine took a stunner at gully to remove Mark McDaid first ball.

The biggest partnership came for the last wicket with Ian Smith making 15 not out and Victor McDaid top scoring with 16 before being caught and bowled by Junior McBrine with the score on 72. Gary Neely took 4-29 and bowled with pace and accuracy attributes which were clearly lacking in the ICC trophy in Canada, a fact not lost on Man of the Match adjudicator Brendan Donaghy. His choice was Azhar Shaffique for his 83 and 5-29 in the second innings.

Joe Doherty, North West Chairman, thanked Eglinton for hosting the Final so admirably, the umpires, scorers, and everyone who contributed to making the final run so smoothly. His main gratitude went to Mr Herbie Parkhill and the Northern Bank who sponsor the competition. Indeed Jim Lindsay North west Secretary and Treasurer was delighted to be able to announce that Northern Bank will be once again increasing and extending their sponsorship next year.