“BIG PEAT” CLAIMS PLAYER-OF-THE-ROUND ACCOLADE

There were some stunning performances in Saturday’s first round ties in the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup with no fewer than five players making the shortlist for the Player-of-the-Round award.

Coleraine’s Roshen Silva had seven wickets, worth 140 points while Andy McBrine had a total of 139 with his runs and wickets combined. David Rankin had 141 following his century and two wickets in Bready’s win at Fox Lodge while David Barr also went past three figures in Brigade’s win over Glendermott.

In the end though it was Peat Salmon with his 153 in Newbuildings’ victory over Ballyspallen who was given the nod and speaking to Radio Foyle’s Dessie McCallion after the draw, the big Jamaican was delighted with his accolade.

“It is very nice to be recognised in this way but I’m more pleased that the team won and we are through to the next round of the cup. The good weather has helped lift that tennis-ball bounce that was always there last year so batting was more enjoyable on Saturday.”

Salmon didn’t seem too annoyed at being paired with Donemana either- pumping his fist in the station’s reception as Newbuildings came out straight after the holders.

“It’s a fantastic draw for us because there will be a big crowd and a great atmosphere and we will go there with little expected of us. No-one will give us a chance against them because they are a fantastic side with great tradition but they wouldn’t want to treat us lightly either.”

“We’re a decent side ourselves and if they were to underestimate us that could leave them open to a shock.” I

n the other quarter-final ties, Bready host Strabane in a repeat of the 1996 final, last year’s beaten finalists Eglinton travel to Coleraine, and Brigade have home advantage over fellow Premiership side Drummond.

BANK OF IRELAND SENIOR CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

All ties to be played Saturday June 4

• Bready v Strabane
• Donemana v Newbuildings
• Brigade v Drummond
• Coleraine v Eglinton