Ardmore move into box seat

That means that much could depend on the outcome of the big game of the day when leaders Ardmore host Burndennett in a contest that needs no introduction.

Both sides will need to be on their very best behaviour of course as the reverse fixture was abandoned by the umpires and the match is sure to come under intense scrutiny this time. There are sub-plots aplenty as well, not just the history between them and Gerard Brolly will be eligible to line up for the home side for the first time since that infamous match having been suspended since.

For the record the North West Executive decided that neither side would be awarded any points from the abandoned game and no replay would be available but you would reason that Ardmore have certainly recovered best after that. Up until that point Burndennett were unbeaten in the league whilst Ardmore had lost once; however since then it has been a different story.

Jimmy Boyle's team has now lost four of their subsequent seven league matches whilst Ardmore have recorded five straight wins in the same period to sit proudly at the top of the table. Both camps will be keen to play down past events and rightly so as the game itself has all the makings of a good contest.

The Bleachgreen side could well be loathe to change a winning team even if it is to accommodate someone as good as Gerard; however it is more than likely that they will find some way of including him. Gerard McAuley has been in very good form for Ardmore in their march to the top of the table and George Brolly has been enjoying a new lease of life with the new ball. Backed up by a side that will probably also include Paul Brolly, Adrian Murphy, Paul McDowell, Mark Chambers, Lee Brolly and Ciaran McDermott the hosts have a really compact look about them and their recent hammering of fellow challengers Creevedonnell was a stark reminder of their quality when in the mood.

Burndennett though have a few quality names in their own ranks and Mark Roulston has been much more the player we know he can be this season. He and Stephen McCay may be the most obvious candidates but the Tyrone side also has very useful performers in the shape of Philip Kelly, Mark Doherty, Mark Pollock and newcomer John McCormack who has done very well when drafted in.

With a four point lead and a match in hand over their visitors Ardmore will feel that the pressure is all on Burndennett whereas a home win would take them a step nearer promotion.

Elsewhere in the league, second placed Bonds Glen who will also be at the Bleachgreen in the coming week will expect to keep their challenge alive when they entertain Sion Mills.

It has been some season for the Bee Gees and with an Ulster Shield and Sammy Jeffrey final still to look forward to, Gary Hamilton's side is certainly being kept busy. Whether or not it will all catch up with them when the chips are down remains to be seen but for now they should be able to keep the winning run going over a Sion team that has done really well under John Brown. They've been missing Lee McGonigle for the past few weeks which has left the bowling options very lean but they will travel here with nothing to lose and can gauge just how far they've come this season.

Third placed Creevedonnell have a tricky looking game at Killyclooney particularly since Stephen Scroggie's side has really blown hot and cold in recent outings.

On paper the visitors have a squad capable of so much more but for whatever reason it hasn't been happening for them. Andrew Clarke has been a very useful addition to the ranks and when you add in skipper Scroggie, Charlie Elder, Nicky Cooke, Chris Cooper, Brian Dougherty, Gareth Faulkner, Richard Philson and the two McGarrigles it is a surprise that they haven't been more prolific. The race is far from over of course and Richard McMorris' side will provide stern opposition despite their own limitations.

Killyclooney have lost a full team of senior standard players in the past two years but have kept bringing on the youngsters and have managed to remain competitive. They will have to settle for mid-table this time however and although it's no gimme, it would be a surprise if they won this.

The final game of the day sees a much improved Drummond side host Ballyspallen as Gordon Cooke's team look to keep their title hopes alive.

The former Ireland International really has got a tune out of his side in recent weeks and with the help of the likes of Stevie Moore, Craig Hartin and Jason Scott they have hung right in the race. Cooke has been front and centre of everything Drummond do and his influence with both bat and ball has transformed their outlook.

The visitors will also be quite happy to have collected six points to date having re-taken their place in the senior ranks and they will be confident that they can go on from here.

Jamie Miller has started to make a name for himself at the Bridge Park and Calum McGregor could also be one for the future so they definitely have something to work with.

The hosts are in such good form however it is difficult to see them slipping up here as Drummond keep their challenge alive.