It was cup action all the way in the North West this week, with 7 ties in the opening round of the Intermediate B Cup, while there were also two ties in the preliminary round of the Intermediate C Cup.

Intermediate B Cup

Ballyspallen were the highest scorers of the day, running up 245 for 2 in their tie at Creevedonnell after being surprisingly asked to bat. Kyle Martin was the highest scorer of the day making 143, while Dirk Marais continued his prolific form scoring 71.

In reply Creevedonnell could only manage 80, as Ryan O'Neill, Mervyn Martin, Ernie Cassidy and Clyde Rodgers all got among the wickets.

Killyclooney progressed after a 5 wicket win over St Johnston. Helped by 48 extras and an unbeaten 37 from Murali, the Saints scored 159-9, with David Barr (3-19) bowling well, and there were two wickets each for Lionel Barr and Graeme McCrea.

In reply, Killyclooney cantered home with 5 wickets to spare, with Stewart (33*), A Barr (27) and D Barr (26) all among the runs. Aril and Murali each claimed two wickets, but to no avail.

There was a cracking game at Strabane High School, where holders Burndennett crashed out to Fox Lodge, in a game where over 500 runs were scored. Colm Pollock (85) and C McLaughlin (67) top scored in what looked like a winning score of 256. N Patterson (4-43) and Matthew Clarke (2-41) being best with the ball.

Mark McCarter (73) and Keith Walker (57) got the Foxies close, and in a dramatic final over, 26 not out from M Walker saw them home, despite the best efforts of Rodney Neeson (3-34).

Alan Jeffrey continues to roll back the years, as the hard hitting all rounder made 49 as Bready IV's eased to a 7 wicket win over The Nedd. Andy Clarke chipped in with 25 as Bready scored 130-3 in response to The Nedd score of 128. Derek McKeever top scored with 35 for the home side, with Mark Fleming (3-17) and Jack Glenn (3-25) again among the wickets.

Bonds Glen had a good 55 run win at Coleraine. Derek Curry (37), Richard Cleminson (34*), Neville McCorkell (33), and Willie Moore (29) all contributed in their score of 203-9. N Morrison (5-32) and S Hunter (3-29) performed admirable for Coleraine.

In reply, useful scores from Brian Acheson (33), P Stirling (32) and N Morrison (31) got the Bannsiders off to a fine start, but 3 wickets each from Ian Moore and David Hall saw their challenge peter out at 148-8.

Bready Thirds won their 3rd close game of the season, this time by 3 wickets over Limavady. The Roesiders made 154-9, with Roger Christie scoring a well composed 53 (he's still suffering the after effects by all accounts!), and Johnny Young next highest scorer with 18. Simon Campbell (4-29) and Lindsay Allen (2-22) were the main bowlers for Bready.

Gareth Martin (3-31) and Young (2-35) gave Limavady hope, but solid batting from skipper Clive McCorkell (30), and fine knocks from Nigel Campbell (33), Ally Olphert (26) and Alan Doherty (25), saw them maintain their unbeaten start.

Donemana won by 39 runs at Eglinton, overcoming a shaky start. Gordon Miller (3-10) hads them wobbling, but Paul Britton (48), Jason Gardiner (31) and Dean Mehaffey (25) batted sensibly to help them post 180-6.

Eglinton could only make 141, despite the best efforts of Jonathan Allen (41), Stephen McCloskey (31) and D Ritchie (19). Noel Dunn (3-26), Ryan Hunter (2-27), and Dean Mehaffey (2-25) taking the bowling honours for Donemana.

Intermediate C Cup

Michael Dalton blasted Ardmore into the next round, hitting 4 sixes and 4 fours in his 75, helping Ardmore recover from a precarious 45 for 4, to total 173. Martin Gormley hit an entertaining 41 as he and Dalton added what was to prove a match winning stand of 63. For Sion, the wicket takers were R Harpur (4-32), J Stewart (4-34), and C Havern (2-36).

Sion then raced to 48 without loss, but the dismissal of Keith Gordon for 31 was to prove the turning point. A Long (23) and D Kennedy (19*) battled bravely, but in the end they were all out for 123. Chris Mc Donald (3-24), Sean Gormley (3-19), and Robbie Martin (2-14) the primary wicket takers.

Killymallaght were comfortable winners at home to Ballyspallen. They made light of their 140 target, racing to a 9 wicket win, thanks to Gregory McIvor (70*), and Ray Mitchell (45*).