Strabane defeated neighbours Fox Lodge in a high scoring affair at Ballymagorry at the weekend to get new skipper Michael Gillespie's campaign off to a winning start.

Batting first the Red Caps racked up an imposing 280 for 4 in their 45 overs. Manu Sharma top scored with a boundary laden 72, and was given good support by John Gillespie who finished strongly with an unbeaten 59, sharing in an unbroken partnership of 82 with his son Aaron who made an undefeated 35.

Mark Roulston, who joined the club from Burndennett in the close season chipped in with 38, while young wicket-keeper batsman Kevin Donaghey impressed in a rapid 45.

Merle Millar with 2 for 44 was the best with the ball for Fox Lodge.

In reply, Fox Lodge never really threatened the Strabane total, despite several batsmen getting decent starts. Mark Heywood top scored with 46, while Clive Allen made a fine 40.

There were also noteworthy contributions from C Robinson (28) and Keith Gordon (23). Derek Lynch enjoyed a successful debut for Strabane taking 3 for 35, while Ryan Patton bowled well to finish with 2 for 27 as Strabane ran out winners by 69 runs.

At Ballymagorry, Fox Lodge II 211 (M Heywood 46, C Allen 40, C Robinson 28, K Gordon 23, D Lynch 3-35, R Patton 2-27) lost to Strabane II 280-4 (Manu Sharma 72, J Gillespie 59*, K Donaghey 45, M Roulston 38, A Gillespie 35*, M Millar 2-44) by 69 runs.