North West Senior Cup Preview

It’s the conclusion of the Longs SuperValu T20 Championship and the senior cup final that most neutrals were hoping for this Saturday as Brigade and Donemana clash at Beechgrove, albeit in a much shorter version of the North West’s Blue Riband showpiece.

 

Only 200 tickets were made available to supporters under the strict covid regulations and such is the interest in this showdown that they were snapped up within 45 minutes of going on sale this week.

 

It’s a thrilling match-up; the current league and cup holders against the team that has so often had their number in this competition.

 

Brigade captain Andy Britton was reluctant to accept that his side went into the match as slight favourites although he did admit that home advantage was a factor.

 

“It helps that we’re playing on our own ground, especially because it’s me preparing the pitch” he laughed.

 

“We’ve been playing well recently- our batting is holding up and the bowlers doing well too, so we’ll go into the match with the same team we’ve used all summer. I don’t like the ‘favourites’ tag though- it’s not that kind of game.”

 

Britton said that while he would liked to have been playing the contest over a longer format, the fact that it was themselves and Donemana in the decider had definitely added to the occasion.

 

“It might not have the usual feel of a senior cup final but we’re playing for that trophy and I’m actually pleased we’re playing Donemana. They’re a good side and T20 is their game so it’s a big challenge. All the available tickets sold early, so hopefully the weather is good and it should be a decent game.”

 

His opposite number, William McClintock echoed the sentiments and agreed that things change now that the senior cup is up for grabs.

 

“Once we knew what prizes were available this season, this is the one we targeted” he began.

 

“We’ve managed to get a more settled side as the season went on and we’ll probably go with the same team that beat a very strong Coleraine side in the semi-final. We don’t mind that the final is at Beechgrove- it’s a good spot for a final and we have a good record in there. It mightn’t be the normal senior final but we will definitely be doing everything in our power to win it and bring that trophy back to Donemana on Saturday night.”

 

All the action gets under way at 2pm and umpires for the game are Vinny O’Hara and Clarke Killen.

 

Spectators notice

• Free car parking is available in Foyle College with no parking in Wilton Park or the laneway.
• Alcohol carry-outs will not be permitted inside the ground with full bar service will be available.
• There will be no pay at the gate facility as the match is strictly admission by ticket only.