DONEMANA CONTINUE TO DELIVER

It was something of a Carlsberg weekend for Donemana who not only completed a last gasp win against Ardmore thanks to Irish international Andy McBrine’s two sixes in the final over. That victory, coupled with losses for rival title challengers Brigade and Bready meant that the Holm side has opened up a clear gap at the top of the Premiership.

“Saturday was a massive day for us,” said skipper Gary McClintock. “We showed again the quality and depth in our team this year, and how much of an asset Scra (Andy McBrine) is to us.

“We know the last couple of years we have been way, way, off the mark in terms of commitment and our performances. When you play for Donemana that's just not good enough. We all know we have to put in the work because every other team does; we can't just rock up and expect to beat sides which was the case for a few years to be honest.

“I think our batting line up is one of the best in the region and also the addition of David O'Sullivan is massive to us. He bowls with good pace and will only get quicker as he gets fitter - that's something we haven't had in a few years.”

The mood in the camp is healthy, with the mix of youth and experience, plus fresh blood rejuvenating the league leaders. “The craic is always good in our changing room and with some young lads in there, it definitely makes for a bit of slagging and banter.”

McClintock has a full squad to select from going into a pivotal few weeks of the season. They travel to Coleraine on Saturday, followed by home clashes with Brigade and Eglinton in the semi-final of the cup.  

“Thankfully, we have no injuries so far but we have a few massive weekends coming up and if we keep putting in the work hopefully we will keep getting results. It’s heartening that we are all giving 100 percent this year which is all I can ask for. There’s still a long way to go but with such a good start to our season hopefully it's a sign of some silverware which our club and supporters crave.”