Gallagher Challenge Cup First Round Preview

The most prestigious cup competition in NCU cricket gets underway tomorrow (Saturday) with the first round of the Gallagher Challenge Cup.

With the current Premier League teams – including defending champions CIYMS - entering at the second-round stage, eight Section One clubs will be battling it out for a spot against the big guns.

After making an unbeaten start to their league campaign, Dundrum will be looking to record a second win over Lurgan in a matter of weeks.

Both teams were promoted from Section Two last season with the County Down side getting the better of their opponents by two wickets on April 23.

Opener Stuart Campbell could hold the key with his 86 helping James Martin's team to victory in the league fixture and he followed it up with 80 in a surprise win over Muckamore last Monday.

Muckamore will be hoping to put that defeat behind them when they host Saintfield at Moylena, with the winner setting up a clash with Cregagh.

Either Ballymena or Templepatrick will be rewarded with a trip to 2016 champions CSNI, while Donacloney Mill and Bangor meet for the right to take on Lisburn at Wallace Park on June 4.

Gallagher Challenge Cup first round fixtures:
Ballymena v Templepatrick
Donacloney Mill v Bangor
Dundrum v Lurgan
Muckamore v Saintfield

Gallagher Challenge Cup