The seven NCU clubs left in the Irish Cup were the big winners in the second round draw with five drawn at home and the other two facing provincial rivals.

Last season's finalists Galway and Kerry are safely through to the last 16 of the Irish National Cup.

There will be eight Leinster, seven NCU and just one North-West side in the second round of the Irish Senior Cup on Sunday May 24th after a day where the bat dominated the ball for the most part.

Seven NCU sides made it through the first round of the Irish Senior Cup on a day where the bat dominated the ball, with 15 centuries scored, and the competition’s highest total record was broken three times in quick succession!

Tim Tector did not know if he had just hit his highest senior score but after winning the Irish Cup match of the round for Pembroke, it was hardly top of his priorities.

DAVID ANTHONY is aware of the weight of history on his shoulders as he leads St Johnston into their Irish Senior Cup clash with Dublin kingpins Merrion.

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.

It’s been a tough week for Cliftonville Academy and it’s not going to get any easier on Saturday when they visit Donemana, the North West Senior Cup holders.

Holders Galway have been handed a home draw against the North-West's newest side Letterkenny in the opening round of the National Cup.