Donemana flew the flag for the North West in the Irish Senior Cup last year with memorable wins away at Waringstown and Merrion, before succumbing to eventual winners Balbriggan.

The Tyrone side won the final for the first and only time in 2000, but a kind draw means they could well go far in this season's tournament, as they face a weakened Cliftonville Academy.

The NCU side lost a number of key personnel over the winter, and will be missing former Donemana all-rounder David O'Sullivan who sustained a knee injury in Australia and won't feature in the early weeks of the campaign.

Donemana though have strengthened over the winter with Mark Averill, Luke Marillier, and Melvin Deveraj coming to The Holm. They are also boosted by the arrival of their new professional Awaiz Zafar.

"We had our professional coming over for the season yesterday (Thursday), and Awais will be here all year," said skipper Gary McClintock.

"It's a big game for us as we would love to go a step further this year in this competition and there’s no reason why we shouldn't.

"Our bowling this year has improved massively with Mark and Melvin, Awais also can bowl off-spin. Hopefully the weather is good and we can get a big crowd at The Holm as the following we got last year was unreal."

Play gets underway at 12.30pm at Donemana.