HANDY ANDY GETS STRABANE WELCOME WIN

It hasn’t been the best of starts to the season for Strabane, but the Red Caps got back on track with a vengeance on Saturday as they overcame the challenge of Donegal side St Johnston to win comfortably by seven wickets.

Star with the ball in that game was inspirational left-arm spinner Andrew Mullen, who weaved his magic to claim four wickets as the Saints were skittled for 91.

“I was very happy with myself to get four wickets in a game so early in the season, especially in the Senior Cup, with it being my first ever game in that competition,” said Mullen.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend at Instonians, as it will be my first time to perform in the Irish Cup as well. Our team put in a lot of practice into everything throughout the winter and during the week now that the season is up and running.

“We probably are the underdogs at Shaw’s Bridge, but if we can come together as a unit then I will back us to come out with the win. I hope personally that I’m able to have a similar performance to St Johnston, and it would be nice to take another few wickets under that spotlight.”

Strabane have been given a home tie with holders Newbuildings in the quarter-finals at the end of the month, and Mullen acknowledges it will be a tough match.

“This definitely isn’t going to be an easy one knowing the fact Newbuildings have won this cup last season. Saying that, it just adds to the pressure for them now defending it as on our day we are more than capable of beating anyone, especially in our own back garden. Home advantage just gives us all a little bit more fire in the belly that we need. We are all just glad to be back playing cricket, especially having such good weather these first few matches which were a complete bonus thankfully, and that has brought the crowds out.”