Campbell leads Coleraine back to Senior Cup final

Coleraine are back in the North West Senior Cup final for the first time since 2016 after dethroning holders Donemana with a 47-run semi-final victory at Sandel Lodge.

In a contest where runs had to be earned, Scott Campbell’s well-judged 61 proved the decisive innings as the home side posted a competitive 189 for 8 from their 50 overs. Campbell struck four fours and two sixes, giving Coleraine the backbone they needed against a Donemana attack led superbly by Andy McBrine.

McBrine did all he could to keep the holders in the hunt, claiming 4 for 20 in a typically probing spell, while Melvin Devaraj added 2 for 36. However, Coleraine found enough support around Campbell to build a total that always looked as if it would be tough in testing conditions.

David Cooke’s valuable 44 was another key contribution, while Jacob Logan-Wilson injected important momentum with an enterprising 28 that included two fours and two sixes. Varun Chopra also chipped in with 20 as Coleraine ensured Donemana would have no straightforward path back to another final.

The chase never really settled. Donemana, so often rescued by their experienced players in cup cricket, lost wickets in clusters and were unable to build the one substantial partnership required.

McBrine tried to drag his side into contention with 36, while Luke Marillier made 35, but Coleraine kept striking at crucial moments. Gareth Burns was the pick of the attack with 4 for 29, backed up by Stephen Hutchinson’s 2 for 25 and Garnett Tarr’s 2 for 32.

Donemana were eventually bowled out for 142, their grip on the trophy gone.

For Coleraine, it is a first final in a decade and a chance to add to their sole Senior Cup triumph — the famous 1986 victory over Strabane.