NW Cricket: Relegation showdown tops weekend bill

Last weekend's results means that there's a clearer picture emerging at both top and bottom of the Long's SuperValu Section 1 table with much to play for as the season enters its final few weeks.

Brigade's win at Donemana last week means that they now know that matching or bettering the Holm side's points return in the last three games will see them crowned champions for 2025.

One slip however could let the reigning champions back in, so even bonus points could prove vital between now and the end of the season.

This Saturday, Brigade entertain a Bready side that has blown hot and cold all summer and come into this game on the back of a defeat at struggling Strabane last time out.

Brigade have been relentless over the past month and after an indifferent start to their season have not just clawed themselves into the title race again, but are now favourites to claim the title outright.

If the home side are on their game, and there is no reason to suggest they won't, this looks like a home win.

Donemana host Ardmore, another side to have been unable to string many wins together this year and even though there'll be no Paul Stirling on Saturday, the home side should have more than enough about them.

Obviously Ardmore, as with Bready, will be in no mood to roll over for the title contenders, however there would need to be some improvement in form for either to spring an upset.

Jason Dunn on the attack for Newbuildings

Coleraine's league campaign is back on track after a couple of wins on the spin and they entertain Newbuildings in a game where both sides have remote title chances themselves.

It's a testament to both teams' seasons that they are on course for top four finishes and it's a very difficult game to call this weekend.

Scott Campbell's 150 not out against Eglinton on Saturday showed the quality they have at the top of the order, with Louren Steenkamp and David Cooke also among the runs in a wide-margin win.

At full strength, the north coast side are a handful for anyone, but the same rule applies to Ross Hunter's men.

The game of the day then is surely at Eglinton where the home side simply have to beat Strabane to retain their Section 1 status.

Eglinton have struggled to recover from the loss of Liam Doherty in the early part of the season and it is now backs to the wall for the final three games.

The equation is simple- Eglinton have to beat Strabane on Saturday and win at least one of their two remaining league games- at home to Donemana and away at Ardmore, and hope that Strabane lose their last two against Brigade and Newbuildings.

Bonus points could conceivably come into play here too but all that both sides will be concentrating on for now is this weekend's game.

Alan Johnson with another six for Glendermott

Whichever side ends up being relegated it looks fairly certain now that Fox Lodge will take their place in the top flight for 2026.

The Foxes need a maximum of just 9 points from the 75 still available to claim the title and this weekend they host second placed St Johnston who, ironically, aren't one of the sides who can catch them.

The Saints only have two matches left, however they will be keen to maintain their position in the table as they aim to stay second and force their way into a second successive play-off.

It is of course only a matter of time before the Ballymagorry men clinch promotion, whether it's this week or not, as a handful of bonus points would get the job done from here.

Glendermott and Ballyspallen do still pose a threat to all- 67 and 71 points respectively behind the leaders with those three games to go.

More realistically of course they are both breathing down the necks of the Donegal side for the play-off spot, so this weekend's games take on added significance.

Ballyspallen, fresh from scoring 373 at Burndennett last week take on a Killyclooney side who have also been in and out of form and who have lost their last two league games by 9 and 8 wickets respectively.

'Clooney can be very dangerous though, so 'Spallen will take nothing for granted, however the home side's batting order carries a sizeable threat.

Aaron Heywood bowling for Fox Lodge against Ballyspallen on Saturday

Glendermott kept their hat in the ring with that recent win over Killyclooney on Sunday and it would be no surprise to see Alan Johnson's side rally to claim the runners-up berth.

Truth to tell, Glendermott will probably feel they have under-performed in the league this season because if they were to go through to the end-of-season play-off, they would certainly be in with a very live chance.

There is no shortage of questions to be answered and we'll probably know a little bit more by Sunday.

Finally, a reminder as well that the Senior Women's Plate final between Coleraine and Eglinton will take place this Sunday at Bonds Glen with a 1 pm start.

This weekend's Fixtures:-

Saturday:- Long's SuperValu Section 1 (12 noon) - Brigade v Bready; Coleraine v Newbuildings; Donemana v Ardmore; Eglinton v Strabane. Section 2 (12 noon) - Ballyspallen v Killyclooney; Fox Lodge v Bonds Glen; Fox Lodge v St Johnston

Sunday:- Senior Women's Plate final (1pm) - Coleraine v Eglinton