Donemana produced a stirring fightback at The Holm to defeat Brigade by 46 runs and claim the League One Cup in a final which showcased all the drama of two-innings cricket.

Starting their second innings 71 runs in arrears, the Tyrone side were quickly in trouble as Gareth Connor removed captain Joe Robinson, Andy Neil and Ricky-Lee Dougherty cheaply.

The contest began to turn, however, through a superb fourth-wicket partnership of 105 between Ryan McClintock and DJay Dougherty.

McClintock contributed 21, but Dougherty launched a spectacular counter-attack, smashing 12 sixes and three fours in a brilliant 102 which completely transformed the complexion of the game.

Late cameos from Roy McGerrigle, with 26, and Gary Neely, who made 29, helped Donemana reach 229 and leave Brigade needing 158 for victory.

Connor finished with three for 25 and Ewan Wilson took three for 58, while Nick Gray collected two wickets.

Brigade suffered a few early wobbles in their chase, but at 83 for three appeared well placed to complete the job. Abdul Quayyum made 22 while Andrew Baggley looked settled on 24 as the visitors began to take control.

Then, roared on by a vociferous home support in the cauldron of The Holm, Donemana turned the final on its head.

Four wickets fell for the addition of just one run as Brigade’s chase disintegrated.

Gray struck a few defiant blows in making 18, but DJay Dougherty completed a remarkable personal performance by taking five for 26 to bowl Brigade out for 112, making the Man of the Match adjudication a formality.

Chris Neely claimed two for 18 and McClintock two for 21 as Donemana completed a memorable comeback.

It was yet another trophy for a club with cup success seemingly embedded in its DNA, and another example of the never-say-die spirit Donemana have displayed so often down the years.

Above all, it was a compelling advertisement for the beauty and changing fortunes of two-innings finals.

LEAGUE ONE CUP FINAL
At The Holm, Donemana beat Brigade by 46 runs
Donemana 102 and 227 (37 overs; DJ Dougherty 102, G Neely 29, J McGerrigle 26, R McClintock 21; G Connor 3-25, E Wilson 3-55, N Gray 2-55)
Brigade 173-7 and 112 (31 overs; A Baggley 24, A Quayyum 22; DJ Dougherty 5-26, C Neely 2-18, R McClintock 2-21)