Donemana haven’t had the best of luck with their choice of professionals in recent seasons, with numerous false starts and late withdrawals.

Already this campaign two have fallen through, but they look to have landed something of a coup with their choice of sub-pro for Saturday’s clash with title rivals Brigade at Beechgrove.

They hope to have clinched a short-term deal for Sri Lankan all-rounder Geeth Kumara, who was instrumental in securing a historic first Senior Cup triumph for Fox Lodge last year, as they stunned favourites Newbuildings.

Kumara scored a century in the semi-final win at Eglinton, then took nine wickets and made an unbeaten 90 as the trophy headed to Ballymagorry. The Holm side have made a fine start to the season to sit proudly at the top of the table, as well as progressing in the Senior Cup.

Skipper Dwayne McGerrigle has been pivotal to that successful start, and he was in the runs once again on Saturday, thumping 95 before play was abandoned in their Irish Cup tie at home to Carrick. They now must travel to the NCU on Sunday for the replay. They and Ardmore are the only two sides remaining in the competition after another horror show by the region’s side in the country’s blue riband event.

There was better news in the National Cup with wins for Killyclooney and Burndennett, who join St Johnston and Ballyspallen in the second round draw. Blayde Capell was in the runs once again for Killyclooney, with the South African professional proving to be an astute acquisition for Timothy Dougherty’s team. On this form, who would bet against them reaching the final for a second time?