...all the attention will shift from Irish Senior Cup finalists Donemana to their greatest rivals in recent years Limavady and Brigade. A big crowd will be expected for the two-day showpiece at Eglinton, as North-West neutrals support their final irrespective of the participants, in stark contrast to the NCU ‘partisans.’
Both clubs have rich histories in the senior cup with Limavady contesting the first final as far back as 1888. Brigade too, have had some great successes over the years, but history doesn’t win finals and when the two teams come face to face on Friday it’s who performs best over the two days that will lift the trophy. That’s if it goes the distance, because North-West finals are rarely close, and most matches have been won by large margins for many years.
Predicting a winner on this occasion isn’t difficult as Limavady are so far in front of their old rivals on current form, that only the Beechgrove faithful and a few skeptics could envisage anything other than a comprehensive win for the Roesiders. Certainly there’s no shortage of talent in both teams, but the one player who stands head and shoulders above them all, remains the enigmatic Desmond ‘Decker’ Curry, without doubt the most talked about cricketer of his era and an exceptional talent.
Decker’s career has been packed with outstanding personal performances and unfortunately, its fair share of controversy after some bizarre incidents within the Ireland camp. But he has always produced 100% for Donemana and Limavady, the two clubs that have benefited from his prodigious talent. His record performances will take some beating in years to come, even by the overseas professionals, because Decker’s individual contribution has been better than any other player for almost two decades.
They say a good wine matures with age and even in the twilight of his success-filled cricketing career, the brilliant all rounder continues to produce the goods. His 113 and 5 for 22 in the high-scoring semi-final against former club Donemana was classic Decker, having already hit 97 in the 1st. round defeat of Drummond. And amongst many outstanding performances, who could forget his centuries in each innings in the 2002 cup final win over Bready?
Decker apart, Limavady has plenty of talent and don’t need to rely on one player. How many times for example, has the consistent Ian McGregor stepped into the main role when Decker failed? Add the explosive Andrew Riddles, professional Agha Sabir, a few talented McDaid boys and experienced skipper David Cooke, and this is a formidable line-up. At the same time Brigade followers will fancy their chances, not least because they have been the most consistent team in the last seven years in North-West cricket with five league championships under their belt. Their team strength is built around former Ireland international players Stephen Smith and Gordon Cooke, talented overseas professional Waji Wasti, Ifi Hussain and pace bowler Mark Simpson. Unfortunately Mark will be on holiday for the final, and his absence, compounded with Brigade’s poor league form, is enough to tilt the balance heavily in favour of their rivals.
For those who follow the formbook please note that in the last eleven finals Limavady has contested seven of them and won six. They also won the all North-West Irish Senior cup final in 2004 beating Strabane. Every win has been decisive, so there’s no doubt who is the team for the big occasion. The last time the two teams met in the final was in 2000 when the current cup holders won by nine wickets.
There are no certs in sport, but the Roesiders are certainly the odds-on favourites and it will be no surprise if the ‘Decker factor‘ adds another chapter to this great competition. At least that should bring a smile to Limavady guru Ivan Lapsley presently in hospital, and we all wish him well and a speedy recovery.
But irrespective of who wins, let’s hope the sun shines, a big crowd attends, and the cricket is worthy of the occasion.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
