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May 17th - Down Democrat Challenge Cup, 2nd Round
This Saturday sees the big boys enter the Down Democrat Challenge Cup; all Premier League clubs start on their ‘Road to Strangford Road’.
Both Waringstown and Instonians have requested a postponement of their games versus Woodvale and Bangor respectively and will play the fixtures on Saturday May 31st. This leaves only 6 remaining fixtures, only one of which is an all Premier League game. At Wallace Park, Lisburn host newly promoted CIYMS in a repeat of the 2006 semi final. Lisburn are the home team this time and will hope to reverse the 33 run defeat they suffered 2 seasons ago. Lisburn won at Belmont at the start of the season, but their overseas player Gerry Strydom – who scored a century – will not be eligible and may make the tie much closer in what could be match of the day.
Another contender for match of the day could be Downpatrick visiting the Green to take on the holders North Down. Last year this would have been an all Premier League fixture and Downpatrick will be confident after beating Ballymena in the last round. However, Downpatrick have found it difficult at the start of their league campaign to gain promotion – worryingly losing both games to promotion rivals Ballymena and Woodvale.
Two teams that could be very evenly matched are Lurgan and Derriaghy. Pollock Park is the venue for this game and Lurgan will be hoping that Morne Van Nierkirk can continue his good form with the bat. CSNI have been a bit hot and cold early in the season, but must be firm favorites to win at Laurelvale. The home side has started section 2 with two defeats, but will hope that Charles McCrum, Wayne Pearson and Bruce Topping can make an impression and maybe cause an upset. Carrick will host a local derby with Muckamore. The visitors lost their opening league game at home to Armagh and must improve if they want to have any chance in this game and with their league promotion challenge.
Carrick when out of both the Irish and Ulster cups last weekend and will not want to complete the hat-trick – so this could be a close game. The final tie is the travel to Dundrum for Cliftonville. Dundrum claim that their ground helps them win games, and it did the trick against Holywood in the last round. Cliftonville will be missing Paul Stirling, so could the Meadow claim another Senior Cup victory?
May 17th - Goldblatt McGuigan Junior Cup
Victoria gets a bye into the 3rd round thanks to Indian Gymkhana withdrawing from all competitions. They wait to see who wins the game between CIYMS II and Millpark, who defeated last years winners Lurgan II. Academy will look to the likes of David Greenlees, David Menaul and Johnny Irons to help them over the line against Waringstown II. Instonians II will play host to section 4 side Portadown.
Bangor II, who will benefit from their 1st XI game being postponed, will take on section 3 challengers Larne. Lisburn II have switched their game to Gibson Park Avenue and Cregagh will host the fixture for a place in the 3rd round. Templepatrick, who convincingly beat North Down II in the last round, will hope that confidence and home advantage will be enough to pass Woodvale II. It will be more difficult with Woodvale 1st XI not playing their Senior Cup game, making un-starred players available. The final game is an all section 4 tie between Drumaness and PSNI.