DONEMANA CREATE STUNNING ALL-IRELAND RECORD

We're well used to the production line of cricket talent that has existed at the Holm for a generation or more but Sunday past saw the final chapter in a success story that must surely have surpassed even the Tyrone club's expectation.

The journey began in 2007 when Donemana under-11's claimed a first All-Ireland crown which they duly retained the following year. In 2009 the same team moved on to the under-13 category and duly claimed back-to-back tiles their too, before stepping up again in 2011 and winning that one as well.

The youngsters then put their 5-year unbeaten record on the line this summer and last weekend entertained a quality Pembroke side in the competition decider; the final time the team will be able to compete in the underage series.

The Leinster lads batted first and the highly regarded Lorcan Tucker was in good form hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes as he made 32. Adam "Bobby" Chandler and Jack Maybury both added useful knocks of 24 but the bowlers were pretty much on top throughout and Pembroke were eventually dismissed for 118.

Kyle Robinson (3-25) and William McClintock (2-23) bowled well at the top of the innings, as did William McBrine who conceded just 5 runs from his 5 overs however Reece Laird took the honours on that score returning figures of 4-19.

Donemana's reply was clinical as openers William McClintock and Joe Robinson raced towards the target with real intensity. McClintock was particulary savage, hitting 7 fours and 5 sixes in an unbeaten 81 that took just 45 balls to put together.

Robinson was the perfect foil at the other end with a composed 31 not out as Donemana sealed this remarkable feat in the most emphatic manner with a 10-wicket win. It was clear from their attitude that the North West side wanted to make their swansong one to remember and boy did they do that.

Credit both camps for a thoroughly entertaining and sporting contest but it will surely be some time before Donemana's feat will be repeated again.