Donemana stay alive after tense Brigade victory

Donemana kept their outside hopes of lifting the title alive with a hard-fought 12-run victory over Brigade, although their destiny remains firmly out of their own hands.

With leaders Newbuildings continuing to set the pace, Donemana know that even victory over the Foyleview side in next weekend’s crunch meeting will not be enough unless the leaders also slip up elsewhere.

Donemana posted 238 in 42.2 overs, recovering from a shaky start of seven for two thanks largely to excellent innings from Azim Kazi and Levi Dougherty.

Kazi struck 10 fours and four sixes in a superb 78 from 77 balls, while Dougherty was even more explosive, smashing seven sixes in his 70 from 53 deliveries.

JP Millar was the most successful Brigade bowler with three for 27, while Ryan Macbeth and David Barr claimed two wickets apiece.

Brigade’s pursuit was checked by regular wickets as they slipped to 61 for four before David Barr’s 41 provided some stability.

Iftikhar Hussain made 30 and Andy Britton launched four sixes in a rapid 37, before Trent McKeegan’s 38 from just 19 deliveries brought the target back within range.

However, Azim Kazi completed an outstanding all-round performance with three for 25 from 10 overs, while Raymond Curry and Mark Averill collected two wickets each.

Brigade’s last pair threatened to produce a dramatic finish, Jamie Millar making an unbeaten 17, but the innings ended just as the last pair edged the Beechgrove side into contention.

Donemana therefore remain mathematically in the championship hunt — but must now beat Newbuildings next Sunday and hope somebody else can do them a favour.