An unexpected bonus for Old Belvedere as they strive to improve their prospects in the Lewis Traub Leinster Senior League is that they will have the services of the talented John Prior for the next few months.
Remembered as a powerful, straight driver and destroyer of anything short or pitched up, and also a useful change bowler, Prior has spent a number of years in Australia and his return will certainly bolster Belvedere's prospects for the season.
They face Merrion at Anglesea Road today, and move on to Kimmage on Monday to play Carlisle. Two victories would leave them with high hopes of making the semi-finals.
At Castle Avenue, Clontarf will be without Deryck Vincent, while Leinster will have their usual side on duty. But they must be careful when they meet Phoenix in the Park today, as Phoenix got a real boost to their season when, with an under-strength side, they accounted for Carlisle last week. Missing then were Alf Masood and David Pigot, and they return.
The top four sides in division one of the North West League are in opposition this weekend. Brigade and Strabane, who are unbeaten, meet at Beechgrove, while Limavady, who have tied two matches, travel to play Donemana at the Holm.
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