BITTERSWEET FOR FOXIES AS MARAIS OUSTS DONEMANA

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 his last game for the Foxies this season – 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.

The win was tinged with regret as Marais confirmed after the match that he would be returning to South Africa for treatment.

“If you were there on Saturday I'm sure you could see the win meant a lot to everyone. Not just because it's a Senior Cup game and because it's Donemana, but we have had a really poor run the last few weeks if we're brutally honest. We made it difficult for ourselves at the end though, but a good game nonetheless.

“Injury wise, I've been struggling for a long time. The past three weeks have not been easy, I'm not sure exactly what the problem is but my right hip does not feel good at all. I can't really run at the moment that's why I've just been kind of hobbling along the last few games. My treatment starts this week. “I'll just follow our physio and trainer’s advice and just work towards full fitness again.

“I just want to say thanks to Fox Lodge and all of its members, as well as everyone else I have had a chance to interact with this season, I really appreciate what they have done for me. It's a pity my season has had to end this way. I hope Fox Lodge can build some momentum now and take it towards the end of the season and into the Senior Cup.”

Fox Lodge are currently seeking a replacement professional who they hope to be in place for the semi-final clash away at Eglinton. But with the tie just over two weeks away, time is very much against them, with visa issues certain to rule out anyone requiring one. Their best bet would be a top-gap player with a British or European passport, and the club is examining all their options. With their opponents having just benefitted from the arrival of Mike Erlank, his presence along with home advantage will make the Foxies underdogs. A tag they won’t mind, as shown in the win over Donemana.