Strabane looking to cause more grief for Bannsiders

The tie of the second round for locals sees Donegal side St Johnston take on Strabane in an all North West encounter. Saturday Eglinton v Bready The home side have struggled all season still searching for their first victory. Their top batsmen have not been producing the goods and they certainly miss Johnny Gardiner with the ball. Bready have yet to taste defeat in any competition and that’s without their top batsman David Rankin. David Barr and young Andrew Austin have been giving them solid starts and skipper David Scanlon is delighted. Prediction: Bready. Strabane v Coleraine These two look likely to be challenging for the title. The Red Caps have won their opening two league fixtures and although they had a blip in the Ulster Cup they will have put that behind them. The Bannsiders also lost in the Ulster Cup and they were then beaten by Brigade in the league. They could badly do with a win if they are going to retain the title. Prediction: Coleraine. Brigade v Ardmore Gareth McKeegan’s men have been knocked out of two cup competitions in the space of a week and that is just not good enough for such a talented side, their top order has been struggling in most games. Ardmore’s main aim is to remain in the top flight, and with a good mixture of experience and youth they look as if they can do just that. However, this one will be tough. Prediction: Brigade. Sunday St Johnston v Strabane Can the Donegal men pull off another shock? They surprised everyone with their win over Civil Service North in the previous round but that form has dipped in recent games. This will be another good experience for their talented youngsters. Tommy Barr will make sure that his players don’t go into this one thinking they just have to turn up. They have a lot of talented cricketers in their side and they should win. Prediction: Strabane. Fox Lodge v Clontarf Things don’t get any easier for the men from Ballymagorry as they take on the holders. They will be missing opening batsman Jason Milligan who is getting married and that certainly won’t help. The Dubliners were surprise winners of this competition last season and they will be determined to go all out to retain it. They may be too strong. Prediction: Clontarf. Coleraine v YMCA Dublin The Bannsiders are determined to give their all in this competition and with home advantage they will start favourites. They haven’t got off to the best of starts with their batting in recent games and that has to improve. The Dubliners are not one of the stronger Leinster sides but, that said, they can’t be taken lightly. The home side should be to strong. Prediction: Coleraine. The Hills v Bready The Southeners defeated Glendermott in the last round where they looked a decent side. Irish international Max Sorensen will open the bowling with a number of other decent players in their ranks. Bready are on the crest of a wave and they fear no-one. Their team spirit is there to see and they play for each other, but this may be their most difficult match so far. Prediction: The Hills. Ardmore v Merrion The Bleachgreen men shocked North County in the previous round but their form has been patchy this season. They will again look to Decker Curry and Andrew Riddles to star with the bat. Gary Neely has been a good signing for them and he has taken a number of wickets alread this season. The Dubliners have Dom Joyce, brother of Ireland’s talented batsman Ed Joyce, leading them. They were beaten finalists last year and will hope to go one better this campaign. Prediction: Merrion.