DONEMANA AND NEWBUILDINGS TO CLASH IN SENIOR CUP FINAL

Gary McClintock is determined to bring back the Senior Cup to Donemana, but acknowledges it will be tough against a Newbuildings side aiming to build on their success of recent years by winning the famous trophy for the first time.

Donemana’s 23 wins is bettered only by Sion Mills’ 29, and the 27 year-old McClintock, alongside twin brother William has featured in seven of those wins, with the first back in 2012, which he rates as the most memorable.

“That first one was just unreal as I was only 15 years old and probably the most special of the seven,” said skipper McClintock.

“They were all class and it was certainly a privilege to play and win alongside some of the great Donemana players and teams that took us on a record-equalling six wins in a row.”

The 2012 win saw McClintock in the middle alongside Junior McBrine as Donemana survived a Johnny Thompson inspired Brigade threatening to ruin his maiden appearance in the showpiece decider. Chasing 104, Donemana had collapsed from 47 for 0 to 57 for 5 as JT claimed four wickets. McClintock though showed maturity beyond his years to help the legendary McBrine claim another cup success.

William was captain when Donemana last won the trophy in 2020, the abbreviated one innings competition due to Covid. What would it mean for Gary to join the ranks of famous figures to hold the trophy aloft?

“This one would be really special given my captaincy. These past few years we haven’t really played to our potential as a side. To win would mean the world to me and the club. It would be great to prove a few doubters wrong.”

It’s been quite a straightforward path to the decider for the Tyrone side, who have beaten The Nedd, Glendermott, and Eglinton convincingly.

“It’s been a fairly easy route for us but that won’t be the case against Newbuildings,” said McClintock. “We know they are a brilliant side and they will be tough opponents. We played them in the league a few weeks ago and lost having had them on five down with plenty needed. They bat deep so we know it won’t be an easy challenge.”

The skipper has promoted himself to the top of the order in recent weeks and he will continue that role on Friday.

“I’ve enjoyed it and will open with DJ (Dougherty). The pro (Rumesh Buddhika) will drop to four to give us a bit more stability and balance in the middle order. Levi Dougherty has been brilliant for us this season too, and he scored that great century against Glendermott in the quarter-finals. Myself and William shared a match winning stand in the semi-final against Eglinton, although the bowlers really set up that win – Gary Neely was exceptional. He’s nearly 50 but gives everything on the field. He’s such a fierce competitor and great to have in the changing room.”

They also go into the final top of the league with genuine expectations of a double. The absence of the talismanic Andy McBrine though is an undoubted blow as he is on international Test duty in Belfast against Zimbabwe.

“There’s no doubt it’s a big miss for us, but he’s playing in a Test for his country. Hopefully we can manage his absence and someone can step in for him and make an impact. We have a great record in two-innings finals and it seems to bring out the best in everyone, so hopefully that continues.”

His opposite number Gareth McKeegan is hoping to create a bit of history himself as he aims to bring the trophy back to Foyleview after two consecutive final defeats. Is he hoping for a case of third time lucky?

“We have let ourselves down in the second innings especially in both of those games so hopefully we will learn from those experiences,” said McKeegan.

While Newbuildings may have never lifted the trophy, McKeegan and Johnny Thompson are no strangers to success, having tasted great success during their time at Brigade. Does the fact that the final is back at Beechgrove make it a good omen for him?

“In my opinion Beechgrove is the place for finals. I love playing here, and did so for 11 years. I’m just so glad that I’m getting the chance to play in another final before I hang the boots up.”

The presence of Johnny Thompson in the Newbuildings ranks definitely gives the final an extra edge, with the charismatic all-rounder playing a pivotal role in wins over Ardmore and his old club Donemana in recent weeks. McKeegan admits it took a lot of persuading the 40 year-old to take the nail out of the boots following his supposed retirement last season.

“I hounded Johnny all winter and it’s mainly down to my persistence that he’s back. The fact he’s in our team is massive. He’s still one of the best all-rounders in the region who can win a game single-handedly.

“It should be a great spectacle for the fans. We have unbelievable support and Donemana always has a big following too. It has the potential to be a massive crowd if the weather plays ball.”

While many would have expected it to have been a transitional season for Newbuildings, they have genuine aspirations of a treble having picked up the Eric Cooke trophy last week. One of the main reasons has been the inspirational form of new overseas professional Samarth Seth, whose 893 runs at 68.70 is second only in the averages to Brigade’s Scott Macbeth.

“Samarth is probably one of, if not the best professionals that I have played alongside. He can adapt to any wicket or conditions and I’m hoping he comes to the fore in the final for us. Our bowling unit is starting to click too, all knowing their roles and sticking to the plans.”

The final starts at 11am on both Friday and Saturday, with Sunday available as a reserve day if required.