SUPERMAC HOPING TO FIRE FOXIES TO CUP SUCCESS

It’s a big weekend for Fox Lodge who still harbour promotion hopes from the Championship as they currently sit in third place behind Strabane and St Johnston. Before then they face Strabane in the final of the Sperrin Springs Cup in the Park on Friday at 5.30pm.

Jamie McIntyre was in the runs at the weekend scoring his first senior half century in the win over Burndennett, relishing the opportunity to face the new ball.

“That 50 against Burndennett was only the second time I’ve got past 50 in my life, with the other occasion being a 97 for the Midweek’s last year. We have been trying a few different things this season and Aaron gave me an opportunity in the opener’s role. The first time it didn’t go so well as I got one ball against Ballyspallen. Thankfully I was able to repay his faith better with those runs on Saturday.”

The batting side of the game was something the 25-year-old electrician didn’t use to enjoy so much, but a combination of a serious injury in 2023, combined with the arrival of Sri Lankan professional Gayan Maneeshan changed his perspective.

“Gayan has spent a lot of time working with me and doing throw downs. He has helped me to improve. I like to be aggressive in my approach, hitting the ball hard to take advantage of the power plays and fielding restrictions.

“I haven’t been bowling as well as I would like. I suffered a side injury in the first game of last season at St Johnston that effectively ruled me out of the entire campaign, despite a few attempts at comebacks. Rest was the only cure as it had to heal itself.”

Sunday’s was-out against St Johnston has put a dent in their promotion hopes, but there’s still hope as well as a silverware up for grabs on Friday.

“The wash-out was definitely a blow, but we can’t control the weather. All we can do is win our remaining three games against Bonds Glen, Glendermott and The Nedd to see where it leaves us. We haven’t really clicked this year with the batting and bowling in the one game. If we can get that right in the run-in then who knows where we will end up.

“I’m really looking forward to the final on Friday. Strabane is a really good place to play, and they have been doing really well this year. The addition of someone as experienced as John Mooney has really galvanized them and it’s no surprise to see how they have responded to his presence. I’ve never faced him so I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can come out on top.”