DERRY MIDWEEK T20 CHARITY FINALS

As well as the aforementioned men’s decider between Donemana and Brigade, there’s also the women’s final that will precede it at the Rectory, with Tyrone rivals Bready and Fox Lodge facing off at 12pm.

Both sides have new captains with Mollie Devine at the helm for the Foxies, while Lucy McGranaghan is in charge of Bready, and both are relishing the opportunity to pit their wits against each other on Sunday.

“We’re all buzzing for the season to get started and get back playing and the Charity Final is always a good warm up for the season,” said Devince. “It will be a good learning curve for our young girls playing against a strong side in Bready but they are all looking forward to it. We still have a good balance in the squad with a few senior players coming back to help out the team.

“In terms of the season ahead we are very much at a development stage which we are all excited by, having young girls back playing at the club. We’ve never had any youth girls teams from U-11s and this year we are hoping to field an U15 girls team for the first time which is only a good sign. Kara Bates has put in a lot of time and effort to get these girls to this stage and the future looks bright.”

While Fox Lodge have lost some high-profile players, Bready counterpart McGranaghan can avail of a largely settled squad.

“From last season, the squad has stayed largely the same, but we’re really pleased to welcome Ella Wasson into the group and feel she’ll be a really strong addition,” said McGranaghan.

“The group’s developed well over the last year, and there’s definitely more experience there.

“Personally, I’m really honoured to take on the captaincy. It’s a great bunch of girls, and I’m looking forward to leading them and building on what we’ve achieved over the last few seasons.

“For the season ahead, the focus is on continuing to develop, competing well in every game, and hopefully pushing on to challenge for some silverware. There’s a really positive feeling around the squad, and we’re excited to get started.”

NW FIXTURES
Premiership (Sat 12pm)
St Johnston v Bready
Strabane v Donemana
Fox Lodge v Coleraine
Brigade v Newbuildings

Championship
Bonds Glen v Ballyspallen
Glendermott v Killyclooney
Ardmore v Burndennett
Letterkenny v Eglinton

Derry Midweek T20 Charity Finals (Sun  at The Rectory)
Bready Women v Fox Lodge Women (12pm)
Brigade v Donemana (3pm)

Women's Premiership (Mon 6.30pm)
Eglinton v Fox Lodge
Coleraine v St Johnston
Bonds Glen v Bready