Section One

5 July
Instonians v Ballymena
Inst lost at Osbourne against North Down last week and I think that unless Ballymena have a very bad day they may lose again. However, the Eaton Park sides last three defeats have been away, so not much to choose. 

BALLYMENA WIN

Lisburn v Bangor
Lisburn, shorn of their skipper, lost the Junior Cup semi final at Templepatrick last Saturday. Bangor, again at Ward Park due to International pitch preparations at Uprichard, won. Lisburn to bounce back though as Bangor away form patchy.

LISBURN WIN

North Down v Lurgan
North Down proved to be one of very few correct predictions last week! Lurgan went and lost spectacularly at home on what may have been a pitch the inspectors would have looked at 95 runs – 16 wickets! I take North Down at home. 

NORTH DOWN WIN

Waringstown v CIYMS
Waringstown won their mid week clash with Lurgan, but were ambushed at the graveyard that is Ward Park, beaten by Bangor at their stronghold.  Still, I take Waringstown at home to win comfortably.

WARINGSTOWN WIN.

6 July
Woodvale v Instonians
Woodvale won a nail biter against Lurgan in a very low scoring match, heaven for bowlers, hell for batsmen and skippers! Inst an important double header this weekend to avoid being cut off at the bottom. Woodvale will be strong at home though.

WOODVALE WIN

Section Two

5 July
Armagh v CSNI
Armagh, fresh from a convincing away win at Cooke Collegians will be buoyed by this and a CSNI team on the back of two defeats may be there for the taking. However in the reverse fixture CSNI came out convincing winners. CSNI do most of their damage at home so… 

ARMAGH WIN

Cooke Collegians v Cliftonville
Now a must win for Shaws Bridge men after awful run of form. Lack of runs has really cost them dear. Cliftonville have staged a mini revival and must be looking to continue this pattern. However, with 1st XI in action, they may be short.  

CLIFTONVILLE WIN

Larne v Holywood
Larne shared a win apiece last weekend with local rivals Carrick. Holywood suffered a comprehensive defeat at Muckamore, scoring their lowest total of the season. Larne, always competitive and especially at home will really be up for it.  

LARNE WIN

Laurelvale v Carrickfergus
Laurelvale, still rock bottom, despite cup success, will not relish ultra competitive Carrick’s visit. The Mid Ulster men must get their league campaign underway or face being four losses behind the pack. Carrick, still in touch at the top, are hard to predict, but should still have enough for home team.

CARRICK WIN

8 & 9 July
Armagh v Laurelvale
Local derby on Sunday with any unstarred players in the mix, teams become different propositions, but at home, Armagh will not want local rivals to leave with anything. I predict a tough match but… 

ARMAGH WIN

Section Three
5 July
Academy v Dungannon
Academy should have enough for the Gannon, who suffered another defeat away to the Dee last week. 

ACADEMY WIN

Ards v Donaghadee
Local derby should be a loud affair and one to watch. Ards, unbeaten so far, should have too much for a Dee side that struggle to make the full quota sometimes.

ARDS WIN

Dunmurry v Portadown
The home side will fancy their chances, but if Portadown can get the bowling right they’ll be in with a shout. 

PORTADOWN WIN

Saintfield v Dundrum
Another local (ish) affair. Saintfield should be favourites at home, but if Quinn and Maxwell do any damage they could come unstuck. 

SAINTFIELD WIN

6 July
Millpark v Templepatrick
No news is good news here, so a shot in the dark.  

MILLPARK WIN.