Long’s SuperValu 40-Over League Fixtures 2021

The first phase of fixtures in this season’s Long’s SuperValu 40-over tournament have been released with the opening games to be played on Saturday week, 12 June. After the initial group stage is completed, the top four in each of the two sections will break off into the Premier 1 competition while the other seven will go into the Premier 2 competition.

The initial group fixtures will run up to 24 July although the 1st round of the Senior Cup will be played on 17 July with the 2nd round provisionally scheduled for 31 July.

There are some quality games down for decision in the early stages of the 40-over tournament with the eye drawn to Bready v Brigade on Day 1. The Beechgrove side have run riot in their T20 Group this season although you would suspect there will be tougher challenges ahead over the course of the summer, including this one.

Donemana host Coleraine on opening day as well, two sides that have enjoyed plenty of battles over the past few years eager to secure one of those top four places.

In-form Newbuildings will fancy their chances of starting on a positive note as they entertain Killyclooney while Ardmore make the short trip out the road to face Bonds Glen.

Strabane will be hoping to keep hold of one or two of their loanees as they host Glendermott while St Johnston will have their fingers crossed that they get the go-ahead soon to return to the Boathole. The Saints start with a home game against Fox Lodge on Saturday week while Eglinton open their campaign away at Burndennett.

For many, the start of the longer-format competition will be met with much relief after 12 months of T20 cricket. Hopefully things stay on course now as the summer really starts to take shape again and players and spectators can look forward to a full competitive season.