GLENDERMOTT V CREEVEDONNELL

At the other end of the table Glendermott entertained Creevedonnell at a bitterly cold Rectory with both teams looking for a crucial advantage in the relegation scrap following heavy defeats in Week 1.

Gary Neely was another man returning to an old haunt and the former Ireland International looked back to near his best on Saturday as the home side started slowly. Professional Roy Silva likes to play his shots and he took on the newly promoted side's attack, surviving one or two scary moments to make 75 that contained 10 fours and 3 sixes.

Simon Killen's 22 was the best of the support for the Sri Lankan however and it took cameos from Gordon Montgomery and Alan Johnston late on to allow the Bonds Street side to limp to a below par 169 for 9, having named a player on their team-sheet who subsequently turned out to be unavailable. Brothers Leighton and Ellis McGarrigle shared 5 wickets to provide solid support for the impressive Neely.

Defending a low total was always going to be difficult and if truth be told Glendermott rarely looked like they were in the mood to do it. They were hindered still further when Stuart Cochrane picked up a groin strain and was unable to bowl and despite the best efforts of Silva, Creevedonnell were bossing the game.

A few quick wickets gave the hosts a sniff for a while but the excellent Kyle Morrow was in the runs again and seemed set to take his side home before he was undone by a superb pick up and throw from Garth Watson.

That should have been the catalyst for some real pressing from the Rectory men but in truth they seemed to lack any belief even then. Nicky Cooke hit 6 fours and a six, the last of them bringing up his own half century and taking his side over the winning line as the new boys celebrated a massive win for them.

Stephen Scroggie's side can take heart from claiming points so early in the season but next up for Glendermott is the visit of Railway Union in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup. “Goofer” knows they need to get this one out of their system very quickly as the Leinster side won't need two invitations to put them to the sword.