Meanwhile in the senior cup, Bready are already in the hat for the last eight after they totally outgunned Bonds Glen in their re-arranged second round tie at Magheramason.

The visitors batted first and were soon in trouble as the spin of Trevor Hamilton left them clinging on at 51 for 4. David Robinson came to their rescue with a half century that included 5 fours and 2 sixes and a cameo from skipper Gary Hamilton helped them to 161 all out; Hamilton and David Lecky picking up three wickets each for the Magheramason men.

Bonds Glen are likely to find things tough against the top sides this season and they got a sense of the road ahead as Bready absolutely cruised past the total. David Rankin hit an unbeaten 76, Mark Olphert made 38 and Agha Sabir 32 not out in a 9-wicket romp that took just 22 overs.

In the first round preliminary games, Ardmore easily saw off Creevedonnell to book a trip to Eglinton, a century there for the Bleachgreen side’s Adrian Murphy whilst at Drummond, former Ireland International Gordon Cooke also posted a century as his side beat a fancied St Johnston.

Drummond now travel to Coleraine in Round 2 while The Nedd, who beat Burndennett by 7 wickets will make the short journey to the Hunter Grounds next Sunday to take on a Limavady side sure to be smarting from Saturday’s heavy defeat.