After a false start last Saturday, the GMcG Junior Cup final between Lisburn II and Laurelvale will take place at Wallace Park on Sunday (11am).

Despite the best efforts of the grounds team, officials and both sets of players, the inclement weather meant the game was abandoned after it had already been reduced to a 29-overs per side fixture.

We should have better luck this time around with a positive forecast hopefully allowing the two teams to battle it out for the historic trophy.

Both will have to focus on league action on Saturday with Lisburn II looking to maintain their unbeaten run in Junior One and take another step towards the title while Laurelvale host BISC.

After last weekend's postponement, here's a reminder of what the two captains had to say entering the final.

David Sinton, Laurelvale

On trying to win the Junior Cup for the first time since 1966: "It's our first appearance in a final since the club won the Junior Cup in 1965 and 1966, slightly before our time!"

"It's great for us to have to opportunity to play in the final and it's a competition we have been trying so hard to win over the last few years. We have had some excellent performances against good sides to get here and fought really well in the semi-final at Lurgan. It would be great to go one step further and bring the trophy home, but we will go on Saturday with no pressure and look to enjoy the occasion and hopefully play to our potential."

On his own form and Adnan Malik's superb season: "Adnan has been a superb all-round addition to the club. Not only on the field but also using his experience off the field at practice sessions, helping the players and passing on advice. On the field he has performed superbly with bat and ball. His batting has been immense and that's been our platform regardless of setting a target or chasing one. Personally, it's been a great help to me and I've really enjoyed some of the partnerships we have had. It's a lot easier to come in with a foundation set rather than coming in after a few early wickets, so hopefully that will continue on Saturday."

On Lisburn II as opponents: "Obviously we don't play each other very often so it's partially a step into the unknown for both teams. They are unbeaten in the longer format of the game this year and are in fantastic form beating Cooke in the semi-final who are one of the top sides in Section 2. Looking at their results they have a range of different players performing each week so they have a lot of depth and options. We are under no illusions that they are a very strong side and will be very keen to win the trophy at their own ground. Any final is a tough game but it's all about who performs best on the day."

Gavin McGill, Lisburn II

On the key to this season's success: "We've had a relatively settled side this year which has helped us maintain momentum as the season has gone on."

"Our bowling has been our main strength and we have a good balance of seam and spin in the attack. The bowlers have been aided by tight fielding leading to sustained pressure making it difficult for opposition batsmen to score and ultimately give their wickets up. It may sound basic, but we've held the vast majority of our catches too which makes a big difference."

On Lisburn's record in the Junior Cup: "There's always a buzz and a sense of excitement when the first Junior Cup fixtures are announced. It's a great competition and one Lisburn take very seriously. The support we've had all season has really spurred us on and it would be so pleasing to repay that support by bringing the Junior Cup back to Lisburn after winning it last in 2016."

On the form of Glenn Halliday and his squad in general: "Glenn has been very consistent all season. He's someone we can rely on and can bat around. He also brings a tactical mind which has been invaluable at times in the field. Hopefully he can carry his good form into the final. Everyone has chipped in with key performances at one point or another with bat and ball demonstrating the depth in our squad."

On playing a final at home: "It's very special to be able to play such an important match at Wallace Park. Knowing the final would be played at home gave us a goal to strive for which has only intensified as the competition has progressed. It's a real privilege to play in such a great setting on an excellent surface. We're extremely lucky to have such a committed groundsman and Dean and his team always have the place in tip top shape. I'm sure there will be great support on the day which will no doubt give our guys great confidence."

The GMcG Junior Cup final is one of three being played in the NCU this weekend with the Minor (Lindsay) Cup – which is sponsored by Cleaver Black – and Minor Qualifying Cup also drawing to a close.

In the former, Carrickfergus III will meet Saintfield II at Woodvale CC after both overcame tight semi-finals to book their spots in the final.
Carrick ran out winners by a margin of 18 runs against Lisburn III as they successfully defended 169-9 while Saintfield beat Drumaness Superkings II by 15 runs.

The Minor Qualifying Cup is being hosted at Dundrum CC and pits Donacloney Mill IV against Cooke Collegians III.
Both teams had to hold their nerve to reach the decider as Donacloney Mill beat Drumaness Superkings III in a bowl-out and Cooke Collegians progressed past Lisburn IV after losing fewer wickets.

The NCU wishes all teams the best of luck and once again would like to thank clubs for hosting the various finals.

Junior Cup 2021 Match Summaries

Minor (Lindsay) Cup Summaries

Minor Qualifying Cup Summaries