Marco Marais scored a brilliant 129 as Fox Lodge stunned favourites Donemana to reach only their second ever Senior Cup semi-final.

The South African – playing what could be his last game for the Foxies – made light of an ongoing back injury to lead them to a two wickets win.

Chasing 260, Marais hit 10 sixes and 7 fours in his Man-of-the-Match display, adding 158 in 164 balls for the second wicket with Jason Milligan, who made 58.

It looked as if it would be straightforward as they reached 235 for 3, but a late wobble saw them needing 5 runs with the ninth pair at the crease.

However, skipper Aaron Heywood hit the winning boundary amidst the tension, sparking great scenes among the large crowd.

Earlier, Donemana captain William McClintock bludgeoned 11 sixes in his 97 from just 57 balls, as he and twin brother Gary (34) added 96 for the 5th wicket.

Dean Mehaffey made a patient 46 at the top of the order, as he and Gary laid a platform for the late onslaught which took them up to 259 for 7.

It wasn’t enough though as Donemana came out the wrong side of the thriller for the second week in a row.

South African professional Mike Erlank’s arrival may have been delayed until this week, but the all-rounder showed the home faithful just what they have been missing as he turned in a Man-of-the-Match display as they recorded a comfortable 9-wicket win at home to St Johnston.

Erlank (5-18) and Lee Ritchie (3-7) combined to leave St Johnston reeling at 82 for 8, and it took a determined rearguard from veteran Ian Macbeth (44) and Nathan Cole (35) as the last two wickets more than doubled the score as the Saints made 170.

Andy Millar fell cheaply in the reply, but Erlank and the ever-consistent Tommy Orr soon ended any home nerves with a match winning second innings partnership.

The pair added an unbroken 147 in 27 overs with both players making half centuries. Erlank hit 10 fours and a six in his unbeaten 79 from 83 balls, while Orr’s 68 not out included 5 fours and 2 sixes as they passed their modest target in the 33rd over.

Burndennett’s hopes of a giant-killing were given a severe reality check as league champions Bready mercilessly demolished them in the Tyrone derby.

There was early joy for the home support as Gavin Roulston went early, but thereafter it was all Bready as they put on four consecutive 50+ partnerships as they racked up 309 for 9.

Overseas player Irosh Samarasooriya hit 8 sixes and 5 fours as he made 89 from 58 balls, building on the platform laid by half centuries from David Rankin (63) and Jamie Magee (54).

There were also 30’s from teenagers James McKillop and Scott Macbeth in a very impressive display, despite three wickets apiece for Marcello Piedt and Mark Snodgrass.

Conor Olphert (3-14) celebrated his call-up to the Irish senior squad by removing the top order including overseas professional Piedt, and no batsman managed double figures as they were bundled out for just 49. Scott Macbeth completing a fine all-round day by taking four wickets for four runs.

On this form Bready will be favourites to lift the trophy for the first time since 2011.