Donemana kept alive their hopes of lifting the North West Premiership title with a convincing 153-run victory over bottom side St Johnston.

The result sets up a huge clash at The Holm on Sunday, when Donemana host Fox Lodge in a game that could have a major bearing on the destination of the title.

Batting first, Donemana posted an imposing 276 for six from their 50 overs after several useful contributions throughout the order.

Jamie Huey gave the innings early momentum with 29 from 32 balls, including three sixes, while Luke Marillier added 20. Raymond Curry then anchored the innings with a patient 55 from 95 deliveries, striking nine boundaries.

Azim Kazi provided the main acceleration, hitting nine fours and two sixes in an excellent 67 from 71 balls. Although Donemana slipped from 186 for two to 230 for six, Joe Robinson ensured a strong finish with an unbeaten 52 from only 31 deliveries.

Robinson struck four fours and four sixes, with Billy Dougherty adding an unbeaten 10. David Anthony was St Johnston’s most successful bowler, taking three for 48.

St Johnston’s reply never recovered from losing four wickets with the score on 50.

Jack Macbeth top-scored with 29, while Subhan Shirzad made 16, but wickets fell regularly against Donemana’s varied attack.

Marillier claimed three for 33, while Devaraj also took three wickets. Ireland international Andy McBrine then swept through the lower order, finishing with three for eight as St Johnston were dismissed for 123.

The emphatic win keeps Donemana firmly in the title picture ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated meeting with Fox Lodge.