North West Cricket: Top v bottom clashes set up thrilling finale

There are just two rounds of fixtures left in the Long's SuperValu Premiership this season and a few huge games on Saturday that will potentially shape the outcome at the top and bottom of Section 1 this weekend.

Brigade lead the way at the top going into the final furlong but the Beechgrove side's advantage is now just six points over second placed Donemana.

The Beechgrove side entertain Ardmore who currently sit seventh in the table and who are not yet mathematically safe from the automatic relegation spot.

It would take a monumental effort from Eglinton to overhaul Harry Zimmermann's team- they need two bonus points wins from their final two games, including this weekend when they take on title- chasing Donemana.

Ardmore's sights aren't just on avoiding bottom spot of course; even one win in their last two matches could still potentially see them finish above either Strabane or Bready (or both) in the race to steer clear of the end-of-season play-off as well.

Realistically, Brigade are likely to be too strong for Ardmore on this occasion, however bonus points will also be at a premium for both sides. With Donemana waiting to pounce again, Andy Britton's men will be keen to leave nothing behind this weekend, unlike last Saturday when Bready pushed them all the way.

The reigning champions know exactly what they have to do when they head to Eglinton, but again, it's a landmark day for Jamie Millar's side and they won't be going anywhere without a fight.

Newbuildings are now fourth, just a single point behind Coleraine in third and the Foyle View side will fancy their chances of strengthening their position when they host Strabane.

Gayan Maneeshan on the attack

The senior cup finalists haven't really found their best form since that two-day defeat to Donemana but they looked in good nick at Coleraine last time out before the rain denied Peat Salmon the chance to push for a win.

Strabane ground out a win at Eglinton- their fifth of the season- and they've shown the fight needed to stave off that relegation spot.

No doubt Kevin Gallagher will be equally keen to avoid the play-off as well and even a haul of bonus points would give them a chance from here.

Fox Lodge have now been confirmed as Section 2 champions and the Ballymagorry side will be looking to bounce back from defeat to St Johnston when they entertain Glendermott this weekend.

Jonny Robinson's side had been thoroughly consistent in the league this season and they will want to finish on a high against the play-off chasing Rectory outfit.

St Johnston currently sit second in the table and the Donegal side will finish their campaign with a crunch tie against the third side in the play-off hunt, Ballyspallen.

The Saints are 9 points ahead of their visitors and would seal the deal with a bonus points win here, although any kind of win for 'Spallen would leave them very much in pole position.

There isn't a lot at stake as Burndennett host a Bonds Glen side who, while they haven't managed to get involved in the promotion race this time, can lay claim to being a part of one of the most improved club set-ups in the country.

Barry- Kyle Magee run out by Billy Dougherty

It looks sure to be an exciting day of cricket across the region as another summer heads towards its final stages.

Fixtures

Friday/ Saturday - League 3 Cup final (30 overs; 12 noon at Bready CC); Bready III v Burndennett II

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