DAVY’S ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Defending champions Donemana got their season up and running with a hard-fought win over a Brigade side that is expected to be one of their main rivals for the Premiership crown.

The game was in the balance despite 72 from Irish international Andrew McBrine, and it was David O’Sullivan who proved to be the batting hero for the Tyrone side, clearing the ropes five times in an unbeaten 58, sealing the win in a match-winning seventh wicket stand alongside skipper Gary McClintock.

“Saturday was a good win,” said O’Sullivan. “We bowled well enough to restrict them further but didn't take all the chances on offer - something to work on. We've kickstarted the year and hope to continue the winning ways and keep improving.”

Primarily known for his bowling, the 27-year-old showed he was certainly no mug with the bat.

“I've always considered myself a decent batsman in my own right and after a few tweaks here and there to my technique, I was ready to just start hitting plenty of balls as I'm someone who needs to hit a lot to feel confident. That was helped massively by the pre-season training with the Warriors, where I was facing top-class bowling on a regular basis.”

The Warriors start their season next week at Stormont against the Knights, and the affable Aussie is hoping to be part of Boyd Rankin’s plans.

“It's always down to selection but I am hopeful of playing as many Warriors games as possible so that I can showcase my ability further than just the North West – we have a very exciting summer ahead.”

O’Sullivan is due some luck, with his career to date being ravaged by a back injury that has severely hampered his cricketing ambitions.

“This winter I went back to the Gold Coast in Australia to continue my rehab and progression back to my full run-up. I got a few scans that showed a full healing of the bulging disc in my lumbar spine, so hopefully all systems go for the year ahead.”

Donemana are in action this weekend when they play Newbuildings twice – In the Premiership at home on Saturday, while on Sunday they are at The Rectory for the Derry Midweek Charity T20 final.