The 1st round of the North West Ladies Cup took place on Monday night and holders Strabane Saints are safely through to the semi-finals after a 9-wicket victory against Killyclooney.

Killyclooney batted first and scored 123 thanks mainly to Ashley Lynch who managed to top score with 36. Angie Porter picked up three wickets with M Moorehead taking two in a fine bowling display.

Strabane Saints fought hard with a fantastic 87 run partnership between Hazel Magee (58*) and Anji Porter (31*) allowing the Saints ladies to progress onto the next round. Opener Julie Logue had earlier made 26.

Also through are Fox Lodge who beat their hosts, Eglinton in a hard-fought contest. Batting first, Eglinton got off to a confident start to reach a final total of 88 with Alterine Dunlop (25) top scoring, and also useful contributions from Gail Ritchie and E Ferguson – both of whom scored 11.

Best with the ball for the Foxy Ladies was Mollie Devine who had the excellent analysis of 4 for 10.

In reply the Foxies didn’t hold back with skipper Emma Allen (45) and Mollie Devine (16*) displaying an outstanding display of batmanship which took them to a six wicket win despite the best efforts of R Moore (3-16).

Elsewhere Bready progressed into the semi-final with a comprehensive 1 wicket win over Donemana. Batting first, Bready scored 150 due to an excellent batting performance from Jill Kennedy (88*), ably supported by Alana Dalzell (32) and Stephanie Wilkinson (17*).

Wilkinson then ripped through the Donemana batting to claim 5 for 8, with Vanessa Buchanan and Jill Kennedy also picking up two wickets. Rachel McBrine top scored with 15 for the visitors as Bready ran out 133 run winners.

Bready Skipper, Jemma Rankin was delighted with her team's performance saying- ‘’I am extremely proud of our girls - each one of them gave it their all. A big mention goes to Jill Kennedy who played brilliantly by scoring an unbeaten 88 runs. I hope to keep up the winning streak and progress onto the final.’’

The semi-finals of the cup will take place on Monday 4th July. It will see Bready take on Fox Lodge. The Newbuildings v Bonds Glen first-round tie has yet to be played - the winner of that game will face current cup holders, Strabane Saints.