Ardmore’s loss means they now face a promotion/relegation play-off against St Johnston for the remaining Premiership place in 2026. That’s because Strabane leapfrogged them with a three-wicket victory over Newbuildings in a 20-overs game. Ross Dougherty 36-ball 67 helped Newbuildings make 159 for eight, with runs too for Charlie Downey (35not out) and Jason Dunn (23). Strabane took advantage of a new-look Newbuildings opening attack to have 50 on the board after just two overs – Subhan Shirzad clearing the ropes four times in a nine-ball 30. Aaron Gillespie continued the attack with a fine 52, but three wickets for Adam Allen and two for Jason Dunn swung the momentum back towards the hosts, With 22 needed from the last two overs, Vadivel Moorthy emerged the Strabane hero, hitting four sixes in an unbeaten 33 to ensure Strabane’s Premiership survival.

The game at Sandel Lodge was abandoned in the 17th over with Bready on 54 for 2 - Ryan Clarke and David Rankin dismissed by Gareth Burns and Stephen Hutchinson respectively.

No play was possible in the game at Eglinton which means that Donemana can't catch Brigade in the title race. Eglinton of course were already relegated after their one-wicket loss at Ardmore.

BRIGADE were crowned North-West Premiership champions after a four-wicket win over Ardmore at Beechgrove. The pressure was off Andy Britton’s side following the abandonment of challengers Donemana’s match at already relegated Eglinton, and they continued their winning streak with an efficient win. In a match reduced to 30 overs because of heavy rain, Ardmore posted 154 for nine thanks primarily to the efforts of skipper Harry Zimmermann, who hit seven fours and three sixes in a top score of 90 from 82 balls. Brigade were always in control of the chase, with Scott Macbeth hitting five fours and two maximums in a rapid 55, while there were 20’s too for Cameron Melly, James Smallwoods and Adam McDaid.

A wet pitch/ground at Donemana means a postponement until next Saturday.

There was another last-over game at Bready where the home side prevailed in another thriller. Jason Dunn bulldozed his way to a brilliant hundred, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes in 106 from 83 balls - dominating a new-look Newbuildings total of 210. They had been rocked by Travis Faulkner's early inroads, as he dismissed Peat Salmon and Ross Dougherty with his second and third balls. There was two wickets for Gavin Roulston, while Jordan McCorkell wiped out the lower order in taking four for 36. Charlie Downey struck two early blows, but Ryan Clarke top-scored with 76 (3 fours, 3 sixes), putting on 85 for the third wicket with Gavin Roulston (43). Adam Allen and Jason Dunn picked up two each as the contest ebbed and flowed, coming down to the last two overs with 13 needed and eight wickets down. Cameron McClay (16*) was the Bready hero, as the teenager got the win with two balls left.

Eglinton and Ardmore played out a thriller at the Bleachgreen with the home side winning by one wicket off the penultimate ball. The victory means Ardmore go above Strabane in the table, but confirmed relegation for Eglinton for the first time since 2011. Andy Lucas top-scored with 112 (7 fours, 2 sixes) adding 94 for the fifth wicket with Mark Averill (32). At that stage Eglinton looked set to post 250 plus, but fell away badly losing six wickets for 27 to be all out for 213- three wickets for Edrees. Theb chase started badly as Ardmore slipped to 38 for 3, but Junaid Ali hit 62 (7 fours, 1 six) as he added 77 for the fourth wicket with Aneesh Anilkumar. Mark Averill trapped Junaid lbw for his third wicket, but Aneesh made 53 to keep Ardmore in the game. Lucas then captured three wickets, and with the last Ardmore pair in the middle, 23 were still required. Vivek Dwivedi (30*) and Conor Brolly held their nerve to get the runs, a result that could well ensure another top flight season for Ardmore.

Brigade romped to an emphatic 117-run DLS win against Strabane in a game reduced to 39 overs per side. The win means they will be champions for the first time since 2019 if they beat Ardmore at Beechgrove on Sunday. Batting first, Brigade found the conditions tough with Ifty Hussain making a patient 46. Scott Macbeth upped the tempo as he cleared the ropes five times and also hit three fours in a 60-ball 71, taking his side to 174 for 9 - three wickets apiece for Andrew Mullen and Rhys Logue. What happened next saw one of the more amazing passages of play this season as Brigade skipper Andy Britton tore through the Strabane top-order, having figures of 6 for 1 at one stage as the hosts crashed to 11 for 7 - all seven batters failing to score. There was a recovery of sorts with Ranjitha making 25 and TJ Boyd 13, but they were eventually bowled out for 49 - three wickets too for Scott Macbeth.

Coleraine leapfrogged Newbuildings into third place in the table with a narrow 12-run (DLS) win. The Bannsiders batting fired again with the top four all making half centuries in a total of 286 for 4 - Patrick Carson top-scoring with 67 (10 fours, 1 six), adding 120 for the first wicket with Scott Campbell (56). Louren Steenkamp hit 5 sixes in a 44-ball 62, while David Cooke made an even time unbeaten 61 (6 fours, 2 sixes). Ross Hunter (3-38) was the pick of the Newbuildings attack. The chase was shaping up to be an exciting one as Peat Salmon hit 13 fours and 5 sixes in his 111 not out, with the game in the balance at 214 for 6 in 41 overs. The rain brought proceedings to a halt though - Coleraine ahead on DLS.

Strabane won the big game at the bottom with the loss leaving Eglinton almost certain to drop to the Championship. They need to win their last two games against Donemana and Ardmore, and hope the Bleachgreen side lose twice with little bonus points. A disappointing effort with the bat saw the hosts struggle to 133 with last man Lee Ritchie's 23 giving them a bit of a boost. Andrew Mullen and Vadivel Moorthy claimed three wickets each. Strabane started well and at 96 for 2 - Aaron Gillespie (38), Rhys Logue (34) and Kevin Gallagher (20) - it seemed a convincing win was on the cards. Robbie Millar though took a five-wicket haul with Strabane edging home nervously to win by three wickets. Eglinton will be left wondering if another 20 runs would have made all the difference against a Strabane side missing John Mooney due to a coaching stint with Afghanistan.

Donemana kept the pressure on Brigade as they closed the gap to six points after a seven-wicket win at home to Ardmore. Edrees thumped 6 fours and three sixes in a 41-ball 48 but four wickets for Andy McBrine soon had Ardmore deep in trouble. Mark Chambers (35) and Phil Patterson (20) added late runs to get the Bleachgreen side up to 190 - two wickets each for Dwayne McGerrigle and David O'Sullivan. DJ Dougherty fell cheaply but a second wicket stand of 139 between Gary McClintock and Raymond Curry ensured Donemana got 24 of the 25 points on offer. Skipper McClintock hit 7 fours and 3 sixes in a top-score of 64, while Curry's 58 came from only 44 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes). There were unbeaten 22's also from both Levi Dougherty and Andy McBrine in a professional win.

Brigade stay top of the table but they were made to fight all the way by a Bready side determined to fight all the way. Andy Britton bowled David Rankin first ball and that set the tone for a match in which the bowlers were always on top. Jamie Magee's 35 was beat of a modest total of 143. Britton and Scott Macbeth each took two wickets, while there were four for David Barr, who then followed it up with a match winning 50. DD shared a third wicket stand of 70 with Scott Macbeth (39) as Brigade won by three wickets in the 40th over - three wickets for Shaun Von Berg.

Peat Salmon bowled Newbuildings to a five-wicket win at Ardmore with the West Indian international wreaking havoc among the home batters. Ardmore had looked settled in reaching 100 for 2 with runs for Junaid Ali (42) and Bobby Brolly (35) but Samon's introduction changed all that. He made the home batsmen look like rabbits in headlights taking 7 for 8 as they slumped to 137 all out. Salmon (38), Gareth McKeegan (37) and Ross Dougherty (23*) then made sure that the chase was a successful one. Two wickets apiece for the Brolly brothers meant two points for Ardmore - everyone potentially vital as the relegation battle enters its final phase.

Cameron Melly upstaged Paul Stirling to give Brigade pole position in the NW Premiership title race as they chased 282 to win by four wickets at The Holm. Ireland captain Stirling had made 88 from 53 balls (8 fours, 7 sixes) on his Donemana debut as they reached 137 for 1 in the 18th over. His dismissal - well caught by Andy Britton at long-off from Scott Macbeth's bowling altered the complexion of the innings. The spinning triumvirate of Macbeth (3-39), DD Barr (3-44) and Ifty Hussain (2-21) took a combined 8-104 in 30 overs as too many poor across the line shots from the home side threw away their advantage. Andy McBrine (65) and Dwayne McGerrigle rallied the lower order from 188-7 to 282 all out. A decent score but Brigade soon ate into in it with runs for DD Barr (47) and ifty Hussain (95). Donemana were on the ropes and Cameron Melly delivered the knock-out blows as he hit 10 sixes and 5 fours in a 44-ball unbeaten 87. It's now Brigade's title to lose. Quite a turnaround from early season when they lost three of their first five matches to be languishing in mid-table.

John Mooney guided Strabane home as they beat Bready by two wickets in a tense chase. Needing 171, Strabane just about got there with Mooney's unbeaten 38 and 22 from Rhys Logue their main contributions. They were helped too by Bready's wastefulness in conceding 49 extras - 39 of them wides or no-balls - and when you do that you can't expect or indeed deserve to win. Replacement professional Shaun von Berg (3-22) and Gavin Roulston (2-24) were the pick of the Bready attack. Earlier, Kyle Magee top-scored with 47, skipper Ian Young made 33, and there was 29 apiece from Roulston and Von Berg. The Strabane bowlers shared the wickets with two each for Mark McNulty, Ranjitha, TJ Boyd, and John Mooney. Strabane have a crunch match next week at Eglinton where a win could go a long way to ensuring Premiership survival.

Scott Campbell hit an unbeaten 153 from 141 balls (11 fours, 10 sixes) in a superb knock that inspired Coleraine to a thumping 170-run win over Eglinton. 'Soupy' shared stands of 156 with Louren Steenkamp (82) and 116 with David Cooke (50*) in a whopping 317 for 2. Eglinton's chase never got going as they were bowled out for 170, with Andy Millar (40). Lakshan Gamage (35) and Ross Mclaughlin (29) their main scorers. Campbell (2-17) and Matthew Hutchinson (2-29) were best with the ball for the Bannsiders who stay fourth. Eglinton's destiny is now out of their own hands, but with matches still to play against fellow strugglers Strabane and Ardmore there is still a chance for them to avoid the automatic relegation slot.

Coleraine got the better of Ardmore at the Bleachgreen as they won by 46 runs on DLS. The Bannsiders top order did well in a solid batting effort to post 251 for nine. Scott Campbell top-scored with 59, while Louren Steenkamp hit 42 and David Cooke 37. Harry Zimmermann’s unbeaten 50 helped Ardmore to 107 for 5 when the rains came. The win all but ensures Coleraine’s top flight status, while Ardmore, Strabane and Eglinton are all in the relegation mix.

Donemana steamrollered a young Bready side to return to the top of the Premiership with an emphatic 10-wicket win. The Magheramason side made 151 with 25 apiece from Swarnim Jha and Kyle Magee, while Gavin Roulston made 23 and 21 apiece from Travis Faulkner and Jamie Magee. Andy McBrine took four wickets, while Levi Dougherty claimed three and brother DJ two. With the clouds hovering Donemana wasted chasing down their target inside 20 overs. Skipper Gary McClintock thumped 9 fours and 5 sixes in a 62-ball unbeaten 80, while Jamie Huey was no slouch either as he hit 5 fours and sixes in his 60 not out.

Brigade are the new Premiership leaders after a thumping 121-run at a Coleraine side that has lost most of it's early season zest. Cameron Melly has been in fine form recently and the Warriors batsman's rapid 54 from just 38 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) altered the complexion of their innings. There were runs too for Scott Macbeth 33 (6 fours) in a total of 177 - three wickets apiece for Stephen Hutchinson and Scott Campbell. Any hopes the hosts had of chasing down the target were soon in tatters as Ryan Barr (4-20) and Andy Britton wreaked havoc. They were eventually bowled out for just 56, with two wickets for Scott Macbeth in a one-sided contest. Donemana can regain top spot on Sunday again when they take on Bready at The Holm.

Newbuildings suffered a Cup final hangover as they slumped to a heavy defeat at a fired-up Eglinton side that started the day desperate for points in their relegation battle. An excellent bowling effort saw Newbuildings skittled for just 71 - Peat Salmon making 28 of those. The wickets were shared with skipper Jamie Millar taking three, and two apiece for Mark Averill, Lakshan Gamage and Robbie Millar. Salmon took three wickets in the chase and there would have been a few nerves at 44 for 4, but Jamie and Robbie Millar (21*) steered them to a six-wicket win and 23 precious points.

Ardmore won a tense relegation battle against fellow strugglers Strabane, edging it by three wickets. The Tyrone side posted 219 with half centuries for Aaron Gillespie (52) and Rhys Logue (51) adding 97 for the second wicket. There were runs too for Ranjitha (42) and Ryan Gallagher (23) but from 188 for 4 in the 40th over, they lost six wickets for just 31 and that was to prove crucial. Vivek Dwivedi (4-11) mopped up the tail, while Junaid Ali took three wickets. Ardmore's reply started poorly as nthey slumped to 17 for 3, but got back into the game thanks to a fourth wicket partnership of 111 between Edrees and Junaid. Edrees hit a 54-ball 72 that included 6 fours and 5 sixes. There was still plenty to do, but as long as Ali was there, Ardmore were on top, He shared another vital stand of 61 in 10 overs with Vivek Sheoran (24) and although he eventually fell for 85 (7 fours, 3 sixes), just 11 were needed. Dwivedi ensured the win with three boundaries in a much-needed victory. Ardmore play their game in hand against Coleraine on Sunday where the winners will almost certainly be guaranteed top flight survival.

CAMERON Melly blasted Brigade back into the NW Premiership title race with a brilliant century against a Newbuildings side that were at the summit at the start of the day. Melly top-scored with 121 from only 51 balls, a knock that saw him clear the ropes 12 times as well as hitting eight fours as Brigade racked up 317 for six. He shared a whirlwind stand of 110 in eight overs with Mark Hanna (31) in an all-out assault on the shell-shocked home attack. There were runs throughout the order with David Barr scoring 67 (12 fours) in a second wicket partnership of 111 with Adam McDaid, who made 61. Newbuildings had chased over 300 to beat Donemana on Saturday, but there was no repeat of those heroics as they were bowled out for 190. JP Millar and Scott Macbeth each took three wickets, with the latter getting the big fish – Peat Salmon. Johnny Thompson hit four sixes in a defiant 55, but the result was never in doubt.

Eglinton remain rooted to the bottom after a four-wicket loss at in-form Bready. Andy Millar hit seven fours in an excellent half century, while younger brother Jamie made 36, and there were twenties for Ryan Lamrock, Jack Martin and Lakshan Gamage in a total of 215 for six. Bready captain Ian Young led the way in the chase with an undefeated 62 (eight fours, one six), while there was also a half century for South African professional Josh van Heerden as the hosts won with two overs to spare.

Donemana regained the Premiership lead with an emphatic eight-wicket at Strabane in an all-Tyrone clash. Irish international Andy McBrine took four wickets as the Red Caps were skittled out for just 72 in a game reduced to 34 overs. There were wickets too for returning skipper Gary McClintock (three for 11) and Sri Lankan professional Anuj Jotin (two for 18). Raymond Curry’s unbeaten 20 eased Donemana to victory in the 16th over.

Strabane edged out Coleraine to gain a vital win in their battle to avoid relegation. Coleraine found the going tough as they made 172 for 7 with Louren Steenkamp making 52 and David Cooke an unbeaten 34 - two wickets each for Mark McNulty and Andrew Mullen. Kevin Gallagher made 48 at the top of the order (7 fours, 1 six) alongside Rhys Logue (24), There were runs too for Ranjitha (34*) and Aaron Gillespie (30) as the Red Caps won by four wickets despite the best efforts of James Bell (3-24).

Brigade still have an outside chance of the title and they kept themselves in the hunt with a seven wicket win against an Eglinton side devoid of confidence, Jamie Millar took four wickets as the villagers were bowled out for 146 - his namesake making 21 and Andy Millar 20 - extras (33) were actually their main source of runs. David Barr (55*) anchored the chase, sharing an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 62 with Cameron Melly, who hit 8 fours in a 28-ball unbeaten 39, while there were also 20's for Adam McDaid and Ifty Hussain.

Peat Salmon ensured Newbuildings leapfrogged Donemana at the top of the Premiership table as they chased 327 to win by seven wickets with 31 balls to spare, Salmon bludgeoned 18 sixes and 6 fours as he demonstrated incredible bat speed combined with wise shot selection as the hosts made light of what looked a tough chase. Jason Dunn (54) gave the reply a solid base, and from there Salmon shared two stands of 118 with Ross Dougherty (62) and Gregory McFaul (29*) much to the delight of the increasingly vocal home support. Earlier, William McClintock and David O'Sullivan each made 76 as they added 146 in 68 balls for the fifth wicket. There were runs too for Anuj Jotin (54), Ray Curry (49), DJ Dougherty (35) and Dwayne McGerrigle (20). If next week's Senior Cup decider is half as entertaining, the expected big crowd is in for a real bonanza of cricket.

Gavin Roulston hit a century as Bready's recent good form continued with a 74-run win over Ardmore. The left-hander top-scored with 116 (11 fours, 3 sixes) adding 142 for the second wicket with Jamie Magee 70 (8 fours) and a quickfire 81 for the third with Josh van Heerden (46*) in a total of 290 for 4 - Harry Zimmermann taking three wickets. The Ardmore skipper continued his decent year with the bat as he made 44, while there were runs too for Junaid Ali (41) , Sabin Babu (39) and Edrees 34 (4 sixes) in a total of 216. While Ardmore never threatened to chase down the target the two bonus points gained may well come in useful at the end of the season. The five Bready bowlers used all took two wickets - Travis Faulkner, Josh van Heerden, Ian Young, Gavin Rouslton and Nathan McCombe.

The game at Bready was the only Premiership one that managed to get underway. However, only 11 overs were possible with Eglinton having the home side in a bit of strife at 34 for 2.

Gary McClintock's unbeaten century ensured leaders Donemana got back to winning ways as they made light work of chasing down Eglinton's 222 to win by seven wickets. Eglinton skipper Jamie Millar top-scored with 57 (4 fours, 4 sixes), while Andy Millar hit 5 fours and 2 sixes in his 44. There were runs down the order too as Mark Averill made 32, and Jack Martin clubbed four sixes in his 25. Dave O'Sullivan took a hat-trick, while there were two wickets each for Andy McBrine and Levi Dougherty. Skipper McClintock hit 11 fours and 7 sixes in his 87-ball unbeaten 109, sharing stands of 76 for the third wicket with Anuj Jotin (38) and an unbroken 94 for the fourth with Andy McBrine - whose 53 not out from just 33 balls included 5 fours and 4 sixes. The Holm side go into the second half of the season in prime position now to defend their title having opened up a gap from the chasing pack. There are sure though to be a few more twists and turns before the end of the summer.

Brigade won the tightest game of the day, with skipper Andy Britton and Ryan Barr getting the six runs they needed off the final over to seal a three-wicket win at Ardmore. David Barr hit 7 fours and 2 sixes in a top score of 89, adding 99 for the second wicket with Adam McDaid, who hit 9 fours in a fluent 60. There was a mid-innings wobble as three wickets for Bobby Brolly and two for Vivek Dwivedi made things interesting. Simon Olphert (25) and James Smallwoods (20) along with Barr always had Brigade ahead of the game, but it was much tighter than they would have liked. Earlier, Ardmore's 226 for 8 owed much to Harry Zimmermann, who hit 10 fours and 3 sixes in his 107. He added 74 for the third wicket with Junaid Ali (33), and dominated a 7th wicket stand of 79 with Phil Patterson. Ifty Hussain took four wickets against his old club which keeps Brigade's outside title aspirations alive.

Bready continued their recent revival with an emphatic eight-wicket win at home to a Coleraice side whose title hopes are fading by the week. The Bannsiders were bowled out for just 108 with only Craig Averill (24) offering any resistance. The wickets were shared with three for Gavin Roulston, and two apiece for left-arm teenager Travis Faulkner, Conor Olphert and Josh van Heerden. Bready's reply saw two wickets fall in Stephen Hutchinson's opening over, but David Rankin and Van Heerden soon settled the nerves. Rankin made it back-to-back 50's hitting a 56-ball unbeaten 68 (12 fours, 1 six) as he and Van Heerden - who hit 8 fours in a 39-ball 43 not out - added 112 in 16 overs to clinch a win that takes them into mid-table.

Newbuildings are right in Donemana's slip stream after a convincing 81-run at Strabane. A solid batting effort saw them post 220 with Gareth McKeegan top-scoring with 48 (3 fours, 4 sixes), while Ryan Hunter hit five boundaries in his 36. Ross Dougherty made 20, while there were also late runs for Charlie Downey (22) and skipper Ross Hunter (23*). John Mooney (3-27) was best with the ball, while there were two wickets each for Andrew Mullen and Subhan Shirzad. Aaron Gillespie hit 6 fours and a maximum in a fluent 42, adding 56 for the second wicket with Rhys Logue (28). However, the game changed with Peat Salmon and Ross Hunter taking four wickets apiece. Some late blows from John Mooney (48) got Strabane a bonus point but the result was never in doubt.

There was a real shock as leaders Donemana lost by 42 runs to bottom side Bready in a rearranged game. David Rankin top-scored with 64 as Bready posted 194 for seven – four wickets for Jordan McGonigle who came out of retirement to compensate for Andy McBrine’s unavailability (workload being managed by Cricket Ireland - Jesus wept).Teenager Travis Faulkner took three wickets as the league leaders slumped to 62 for seven, and although they rallied with runs for brothers Billy (38) and DJ Dougherty (28), Faulkner returned to claim his fourth in a victory that lifted Bready off the bottom of the table.

Brigade returned to winning ways thanks to half centuries from Adam McDaid and Scott Macbeth. McDaid thumped a 49-ball 59 (6 fours, 3 sixes), while Macbeth top-scored with 65 (5 fours, 2 sixes) in a total of 228. Rhys Logue did well to pick up 4 for 19, while Aaron Mullen took two wickets. Aaron Gillespie made a fluent 55 from 53 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes) and at 76 for 2 the Red Caps were very much in the game. However, a spell of four wickets for just 12 runs ended the game as a contest, with Strabane dismissed for 140 - three wickets apiece for Scott Macbeth and JP Millar.

Junaid Ali and Conor Brolly starred as Ardmore gave their chances of Premiership survival a real boost, plunging Eglinton right into the relegation dogfight mix. It looked an unlikely scenario as four wickets for Mark Averill had Ardmore in real trouble at 53 for 6. Junaid though was able to marshall the tail, hitting an even time 71 (7 fours, 3 sixes). Robbie Millar took two for five and the consensus was a total of 129 looked respectable but not enough. The hosts had a tricky spell to negotiate before tea and lost three wickets as the realisation dawned this might be not be straightforward. In ideal bowling conditions Conor Brolly took 5 for 28 and skipper Harry Zimmermann 3-20 as the Bleachgreen side won by 69 runs, and with it claimed the Shaun Bradley Memorial Trophy.

Newbuildings maintained their recent good form with a 61-run win over neightbours Bready. Leeroy McKeegan (43) and Jason Dunn (42) laid the foundations with an opening stand of 67, and although they lost Peat Salmon first ball, 20s from Ryan Hunter, Ross Dougherty and Gregory McFaul allowed them up to 217. Gavin Roulston took four wickets, while there were three for Ian Young and two for Josh van Heerden. The South African top-scored with 43 in a chase that struggled to really get going. Ross Hunter took 3 for 25 as they warmed up for Sunday's Faughan Valley final at Ardmore with a win that keeps them in title contention.

The top of the table clash was the worst affected by the weather that hung around the North Coast for most of the day. An understrength Coleraine were well placed at 91 for 1 when an almost three hour delay happened. They had a further five overs to bat, but only added 18 for the loss of six wickets. Patrick Carson (49) and Louren Steenkamp (42) their main run getters, while Anuj Jotin and Andy McBrine each took three wickets. DLS gave Donemana a target of 152 in 29 overs, and they were made to fight to the last despite Gary McClintock making 42 and Anuj Jotin 27. It was getting interesting for the neutrals but David O'Sullivan's back-to-back sixes ultimately all but settled the contest. Donemana now sit top and can extend their lead when they play their rearranged match at Bready on Sunday.

Coleraine returned to the top of the Premiership with a superb chase to beat Brigade at Beechgrove, making up for the disappointment of their last wicket loss against Newbuildings. Brigade looked out of sight at the half-way point after they made 291 in 45 overs, with Scott Macbeth hitting 88 ( 4fours, 7 sixes). He shared a stand of 116 in 13 overs with Ifty Hussain who made 86. Scott Campbell and Rory Knox each took three wickets. Paddy Carson made a fluent 34 at the top of the order, but three wickets for Macbeth had the game seemingly taking its natural course at 83 for four, The Bannsiders obviously hadn't read the script and proceeded to turn things on their head. Marcus Poskitt hit an unbeaten 111 from just 97 balls (11 fours, 6 sixes) adding an unbroken 210 with ex-Brigade (and a few others) batsman David Cooke. The Irish international has been pivotal in Coleraine's success this season, and his tenth four took him to his century as the six wicket win was achieved with 15 balls to spare. As David Coleman used to say - quite remarkable..

Another close game was at Strabane Park where it took to almost 8.20pm before the home side clinched a two-wicket win over Eglinton. The match was a tale of two hundreds as Eglinton recovered from 76 for 5 to score 232. Captain Jamie Millar hit 10 fours and two maximums in an unbeaten 116 - half his side's score- sharing stands of 76 with Jack Martin (44) and an unbroken 9th partnership of 76 with Mark Averill. The chase was all about Strabane's Sri Lankan professional Ranjitha Liyanarachichi whose even time 113 included 15 fours and a six. Mark Averill's (4-40) late burst set up a tense finale, but no better man for a crisis than John Mooney, who got the REd Caps over the line with eight balls left.

Coleraine were knocked off the leaders slot with an agonising one-wicket loss at Newbuildings. David Cooke's 82 (11 fours, 2 sixes) took the Bannsiders to 225 for 9 - runs too for Louren Steenkamp (32). The hosts looked dead and buried as wickets for Gareth Burns (3-38) and Stephen Hutchinson (2-39) had them 116 for 7 and 139 for 8. However, Charlie Downey joined former skipper Gareth McKeegan with the latter hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes in a top score of 57. When he fell, 43 were still required, but Downey hit seven fours in an unbeaten 44 to win the game with number 11 Jack McIntyre (18*) in a real thriller of a game.

Brigade's middle-order was to the fore as they beat Bready by 120 runs. Anuk Fernando top-scored with 75 (6 fours, 1 six), adding 71 for the fourth wicket with Scott Macbeth (50) and 99 for the fifth with Cameron Melly - who hit a 48-ball 63 (9 fours, 1 six) as Brigade posted 270 for 9. Teenager Travis Faulkner impressed with four wickets. The chase never got going as Bready were bowled out for 150 - Ian Young made a defiant 50, while there were two wickets apiece for Andy Britton, David Barr and Scott Macbeth.

Donemana went to the top of the Premiership with a relatively comfortable seven-wicket win against Ardmore at the Bleachgreen. The hosts reached 98 for 2 with Junaid Ali making 50 (9 fours) but they were bowled out for 184 with three wickets for Andy McBrine and two apiece for captain Gary McClintock and Anuj Jotin. Jamie Huey (31) and McClintock (24) shared an opening stand of 57, while Raymond Curry made an unbeaten 47 sharing a third wicket stand of 73 with Anuj Jotin (30). Andy McBrine also made 21 not out as they eased to the win in the 34th over.

Newbuildings moved up to fourth in the table as they made it two wins in two days with an impressive seven-wicket win over Eglinton. batting first the visitors were bowled out for 126 with Lakshan Gamage (33) and Jack Martin (22) their top scorers. Peat Salmon (3-12) was once again in the wickets, while there were two apiece for JT, Gregory McFaul and Charlie Downey. A second wicket stand of 91 between Ryan Hunter, who hit 6 fours and 4 sixes in a 46-ball 60, and Leeroy McKeegan (28) all but ensured the win. The only consolation for Eglinton was a bonus point secured for taking three wickets.

Coleraine top the Premiership after a 75-run win over Ardmore in a game cut to 30 overs. The Bannsiders never looked back after an opening stand of 106 in 15 overs between Craig Averill - who hit seven fours in a 43-ball 52 - and Patrick Carson (48). David Cooke chipped in with an unbeaten 21 and 191 for six always looked a winning score. Muhammad Edrees made 25 and skipper Harry Zimmermann 22 in a chase that never got off the ground - two wickets each for Craig Averill, Ahmad Raza and Matthew Hutchinson.

Ross Dougherty proved the match winner for Newbuildings, proving the one batsman to master tricky batting conditions at Beechgrove. Wickets for Ryan Barr, Scott Macbeth and Ifty Hussain had Newbuildings wobbling at 83 for 6, but Dougherty showed his quality with 90 (7 fours, 2 sixes) to double his sides score to 166 in a 45-overs contest. Ifty Hussain (24) shared an opening stand of 30 with DD Barr, but thereafter it was all Newbuildings. Peat Salmon had a vice-like grip on the scoring taking 2-13 from 9 overs, while skipper Ross Hunter claimed the big scalp of Scott Macbeth in his three wickets. Ryan Barr struck a few lusty blows but it was too little, too late as Brigade lost by 41 runs.

Half centuries from Lakshan Gamage and Andy Lucas formed the basis for Eglinton's 57-run win over Bready. Lucas opened the innings and raced out of the traps with 11 fours in a 54-ball 60. Bready pulled it back a little but Sri Lankan Gamage farmed the strike in making 65 as they got to 180. Gamage then took two wickets, while Robbie Millar (3-41) and Richard Wylie (2-27) reduced the visitors to 72 for 7. Ian Young (27*) added 50 for the 8th wicket with David Scanlon, but just as there was a sense Bready could pull off an unlikely win, left-armer Andy Millar took three wickets in four balls to ensure the win.

Donemana made it three wins from three with a six wicket win at home to Strabane. Aaron Gillespie top-scored with 73 (9 fours, 4 sixes) sharing a fifth wicket stand of 88 with Ranjitha (30) to help them recover from 35 for 4. Ryan Gallagher hit 5 sixes and 4 fours in a 44-ball 57 as they posted 196 - three wickets apiece for Levi Dougherty and Anuj Jotin. The chase was straightforward as skipper Gary McClintock hit 5 fours and 4 sixes in a second wicket stand 0f 87 with Ray Curry (41). Andy McBrine made an unbeaten 25, watching from the other end as William McClintock hastened the game to a quick conclusion - his 16-ball 40 not out included a four and five sixes.

Strabane beat Ardmore and the weather in the only Premiership match that managed to get finished. Ardmore won the toss and bizarrely opted to bat with rain never too far away. They struggled to 106, with Sabin Babu top-scoring with 27 - thee wickets apiece for overseas professional Ranjitha Liyanarachichi, while TJ Boyd claimed two. More rain meant a DLS adjusted target of 61 in 20 overs and the Red Caps picked up valuable points as they strolled to the seven wickets win in the 12th over - skipper Kevin Gallagher making 27.

In a match reduced to 34 overs per side, Coleraine scored 159 batting first, with 30's for Louren Steenkamp and Paddy Carson. Scott Macbeth took five wickets, while DD Barr picked up two in another case of 'spin to win' for NW sides. Brigade had reached 24 for 0 when the rain arrived once again and forced the game to be abandoned.

Bready's home match against Donemana was another game that couldn't beat the elements, so a replay will be scheduled soon.

There was no play possible at Newbuildings and the teams will try again in the coming weeks.

Strabane's tough start to the season continued as they were brushed aside by Coleraine. Four wickets apiece for opening bowlers Stephen Hutchinson and Gareth Burns saw the Tyrone side skittled for just 65 despite the return of John Mooney. Scott Campbell picked up the other two and the left-hander also hit an unbeaten run-a-ball 34 (6 fours) as the Bannsiders raced to a seven wickets win inside 15 overs.

Brigade were at their best as they easily accounted for Eglinton by a convincing 149-run win. A solid batting effort saw runs throughout the top order, with Adam McDaud top-scoring against his old club with 65 from 64 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes). There were runs too for Scott Macbeth, who cleared the ropes five times in his 58. Ifty Hussain was run out one short of his fifty, while Mark Hanna (44*) piled on the agony in a final total of 296 for 8. Eglinton's chase began brightly as Andy Millar (38) and Liam Doherty (30) shared an opening stand of 71 in 11 overs, but Ryan Barr accounted for both. Scott Macbeth and JP Millar then ran through the fragile middle and lower order to seal the win.

Ardmore made it two wins from two as they produced a fine all-round display to totally outpower a below par and strength Bready. Ardmore never looked back after an opening century stand between teenager Bobby Brolly, who made his maiden senior half century, and debutant Vimal Dwivedi (46). That laid the foundations for Harry Zimmermann, who hit 7 fours in an better than even time 45, and more runs for overseas professional Junaid Ali (50). Conor Olphert (4-36) and Mark Pollock (2-37) dragged it back a bit in the final overs but the damage had been done - not helped by the concession of 39 extras. Bready's chase was soon in tatters as David Rankin went early - the first of three wickets for skipper Zimmermann, and with two wickets apiece also for Mujeeb and Dwivedi, Ardmore closed out a maximum points win despite 20's for Conor Olphert, Cameron McClay and Ryan Clarke.

Peat Salmon's century wasn't enough to derail the champions who won an entertaining match in which close to 600 runs were scored. Donemana's Anuj Jotin top-scored with 82, while there were 40's from Andy McBrine and Raymond Curry. The real fireworks though came in an 8th wicket stand of 77 in just 28 balls, with Levi Dougherty clubbing 6 sixes and 3 fours in his 19-ball unbeaten 59. That got Donemana up to an imposing 324 for 7. Peat Salmon had been on the end of some severe punishment and the West Indian international was out for revenge when he batted. Salmon hit 12 sixes and 6 fours in a blistering 66-ball 109, adding 97 for the 6th wickets with Ryan Hunter (37). It was only when he became the fourth wicket for former Irish international Dwayne McGerrigle that the home support could relax. Andy McBrine picked up three wickets as Donemana made it two wins from two in the Premiership.

Two Eglinton old boys, David Cooke (65*) and Craig Averill 57 were in the runs as Coleraine posted 219 for 6. The villagers looked well placed in the chase thanks to runs from Robbie Millar (52), Lahiru Gamage (44) and Jamie Millar (34) but from 177 for 4, they lost six wickets for 14 to be 191 all out - three wickets for Bannsiders Captain Rory Knox, and two apiece for Matty Smyth, Craig Averill and Gareth Burns.

New Ardmore pro Junaid Ali hit 127 from 97 balls (15 fours, 5 sixes) as he and skipper Harry Zimmermann 61 (10 fours) added 182 in 28 overs for the 3rd wicket as Ardmore made 288 for 9. Four wickets for Edrees Kharotai and three for Zimmermann led Ardmore to a 57-run win despite a hard-hit 57 in 32 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes) by Gregory McFaul.

Gavin Roulston scored a century from 104 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes) as he and Ryan Clarke (40) shared an opening stand of 144 in 29 overs. Davy Rankin also made 40 as Bready posted 279 for 6. Strabane without John Mooney never threatened - Skipper Kevin Gallagher hit 46, Sri Lankan pro Ranjitha 36, and debutant Subhan Shirzad 36 in their 175 all out - five wickets for young spinner Nathan McCombe.

English county player Xavier Clarke top scored 72 on debut adding 114 for the 4th wicket with Cameron Melly 67. However, from 195 for 3 they added just 24 from last 7 overs to be 219 all out. Andy Britton took 3 for 6 in 7 overs but Andy McBrine top scored with 74 and David O'Sullivan hit 5 sixes in a 38-ball 58 not out as he and skipper Gary McClintock 24no shared an unbroken 7th wicket stand of 72 in 62 balls to clinch the four-wickets win.