SECTION ONE

26 July
Ballymena v Bangor
Ballymena lost to Lurgan at home last week, and Bangor won at home, Uprichard Park this time too! Gowdy’s six wickets last week was very notable!  I’ll try for home advantage again here.   

Ballymena Win

Derriaghy v Lisburn
Morale boosting wins for both sides recently. Derriaghy beating Lurgan comfortably while Booth and Finlay saw Lisburn home against league leaders Waringstown. A big local derby that will be hard to call.   

Lisburn win

Instonians v Lurgan
Inst lost a real squeaker to Derriaghy with Noble’s 4 wickets being the highlight of the game. With that loss, their grip on 2:1 seems a little looser. Lurgan have been up and down so radically that it is impossible to predict. Their batting has been under serious pressure and low scores of 85 and 47 recently are worrying. A win at Ballymena was a must.   

Lurgan win.

North Down v Waringstown
The big two in NCU cricket meet in the form of their seconds. North Down are weighted under the unusual situation of a losing record and seriously looking at those clubs coming up at them. Waringstown, despite defeat to Lisburn, are on top of the league, but like all teams, have their weaknesses. If their batting doesn’t fire, their bowling may be put under too much pressure.

Waringstown win

27 July
Woodvale v CIYMS
Both teams are locked in a survival battle. Whoever wants it more will win.  

Woodvale win.

SECTION TWO

26 July
Armagh v Cooke Collegians
A seriously out of sorts Cooke Collegians travel to Armagh searching for a win. Armagh’s last game was a real thumping from Muckamore. I still think a long trip may be too much for Cooke Collegians.  

Armagh win

Cliftonville v Larne
Cliftonville still need to continue their resurgence. A loss to Carrick last week was a real downer, especially as it was essentially to one man! Larne had a double loss last week, in cup semi final and league to Muckamore. How they respond to this challenge will define their season.   

Cliftonville win

Downpatrick v Carrickfergus
Downpatrick had a smashing win against the leaders CSNI last week with Ferris getting a ton. Their bowlers nearly lost it though! Carrick had Joe Campbell to thank for the ton that set Cliftonville too big a target. If big runs are scored again by Downpatrick, they’ll have enough to make it stick.  

Downpatrick win

27 July
Muckamore v CSNI
I can see sparks here as in form Muckamore welcome leaders CSNI to Antrim. If Van der Merwe gets in the runs again and Keates keeps up his wicket taking form, then Muckamore will be gunning for the top. Any strengthening that CSNI can do (Heaney, Black etc) can only help.    

Muckamore win

SECTION THREE

26 July
Dundrum v Academy
I would guess that Academy will do well to travel and win at Dundrum. Quinn and Maxwell may prove the winners.   

Dundrum win

Millpark v Dungannon
I think that Millpark will have too much for a low confidence Dungannon side.

Millpark Win

Victoria v Dunmurry
Victoria scored 238 runs in 45 overs last week and lost! They ran into a very substantial Martin roadblock at Donacloney (Ambushed!) If they can score like that again, they may see off Dunmurry. They’ll have to get through D G Irvine though!

Dunmurry Win.

27 July
Templepatrick v Ards
Depending on how the cup match went, Templepatrick will be affected by the outcome. I still take them over the visitors.  

Templepatrick win.