STRABANE SOAR IN CORK

It was a fruitful trek to Cork Harlequins for Strabane as former Irish international John Mooney rolled back the years with a five-star bowling display to seal their place in the next round.

Mooney’s five wickets saw the Munster side bowled out for just 87, with Strabane winning by five wickets thanks to runs for professional Nasir Nawaz and Rhys Logue, who has been in the runs recently.

“We had a good win on Saturday away to Cork Harlequins in difficult conditions,” said Logue. “We bowled first and really played to our plans that we had set out and fielded really well, with John Mooney starring of course with a brilliant spell. We chased down the total well under the conditions and brought home the win.

“The past few years my batting has really taken a back seat compared to my bowling, but thankfully the hard work is starting to show.”

The arrival of John Mooney at the Park has really lifted Strabane and 23 year-old Logue was quick to praise the influence of the former Irish international. “John has had a big impact in the changing room already after only coming in, as everyone knows he brings a lot of experience and more! All the lads are really taking on board what he’s saying and we are all willing to learn which is the most important thing.”

Logue is hopeful of success for Strabane, whose main goal for the year will be promotion from the Championship.

“Of course for the season like every other year we want to aim big, we all want to win as much as possible. Hopefully we can make big strides to getting back into the top flight and have some silverware to celebrate along the way.”