Lisburn in search of first win

Having to play the game away from home due to the bedding in of the new wickets in the Park, Lisburn travelled to Claremont Road with a weakened side but after a severe hail storm and following rain, they failed to bowl a ball in the Irish Cup first round game and had to make the trip home after a totally fruitless afternoon.

This wash out followed on another futile trip last Wednesday when they made the journey to Ballymena to play their opening 20/20 match at Eaton Park. Again they failed to start the game due to heavy rain and the replay suffered the same fate last Monday evening. This time, however, Lisburn won the game on the toss of a coin and now play Waringstown next week with a chance of qualifying for the final stage.

This weekend could prove to be a vital one in their Premier League programme as Lisburn travel to Pollock Park to take on Lurgan. It is the County Down teams first season back in the top flight after some years but have already won one of their opening two league games. However, Lisburn, with a strengthened team from last week end will see this as a great chance to open their winning account against another side likely to struggle to survive in the highly competitive 8 team Premier League.

Lisburn have to insure that they set their opponents a challenging score; something they have been unable to do so far this season against Instonians, Ballymena and Strabane. Unfortunately, the weather does not look like improving and the slow wickets does not suit batsmen but they must resign themselves to occupying the crease and posting a significant score to put the opposition under some pressure and claim the crucial league points.

Skipper, Davey Simpson is more than eager to get back on the winning trail and a more all round performance from his team could do the trick at Pollock Park.