Donemana under pressure

Cricket Preview: There was a time, not so long ago, that a trip for any Leinster side in the Royal Liver Irish Senior Cup up to Donemana would have been a journey towards certain annihilation.

In those days, southern fielders would have spent most of the day fishing the ball out of the river that runs alongside the postage stamp-sized Holm ground near Strabane as the likes of Decker Curry and the brothers McBrine clubbed the leather off the ball.

Now, though, with Curry long since departed to Limavady and their young star-in-waiting, Andrew Riddles, playing this season with Eglinton, Donemana are a shadow of their once mighty selves. And to add to their problems, this afternoon they face reigning champions North County in what is a repeat of last year's semi-final, which County won by nine wickets.

Donemana will be forced to pick a very young side. Thomas Riddles (15), the younger brother of Andrew, will open the batting while Graham Boyd, also 15, will feature in the top order along with form player Richard Kee.

The other Leinster sides heading up to the once formidable Northwest today can also fare well. Railway Union should have the beating of Ardmore if they can get rid of Iftikhar Hussain cheaply.

Eglinton is the only side not to win a league game so far in the Northwest and one wouldn't bet on them to start today as they take on Phoenix. Their new import, Andrew Riddles, is doubtful having sustained a shoulder injury last week.

Phoenix will be without Ireland captain Jason Molins today but they should still have too much to be unduly worried by Eglinton.

FIXTURES: Saturday - Royal Liver Irish Senior Cup (first round, 1pm start unless stated) The Hills v Waringstown, Rush v Instonians, Pembroke v North Down, Malahide v Downpatrick, Bangor v Merrion, Carrickfergus v Leinster, Lisburn v Glendermott, Cliftonville v Drummond, Lurgan v Strabane, Donemana v North County, Eglinton v Phoenix, Bready v Clontarf (12.30), Ardmore v Railway Union, Sion Mills v Belfast Harlequins, Brigade v Cork County.

Sunday - Conqueror Leinster Senior Cup (first round, 11am start) Clontarf v Leinster Lewis Hohn Williams League (12.30 start) Section A - Rush v Old Belvedere, Section B - Phoenix v YMCA.