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Banbridge coach Stephen Watt today predicted an Annadale v Instonians Kirk Cup final to transpire after Sunday's semi-final double-header.

Bangor meet the Old Boys in the curtain-raiser before the eagerly awaited second instalment between holders Annadale and Lisnagarvey.

Watt's team will be hoping to capitalise on three of their main title rivals inaction as in the League Banbridge prepare to face Civil Service on Saturday.

Bann are table-toppers at the moment but Watt insists it is much too early to be talking of trophy possibilities.

"I have been happy with the way things have been progressing this season after a period of rebuilding", he said.

"It's especially pleasing as we have been unable to field a first choice starting XI so far.

"Civil Service are one of the sides to have made progress as well this season and they have a lot of good players who could cause us trouble. We have never found it easy against them so I am expecting Saturday's game to be no different."

Meanwhile, Watt added that he expects Annadale to take most of the honours - not all of them - when they are divided next year.

"They have the strongest squad of players in the country so you would have to predict that they are capable of winning everything, north and south of the border," continued the Bann boss.

"They have strengthened their squad this season and you would have to say that they can do even better than last time around."

The Dale, of course, swept the boards at domestic level in 2003-4 but an all Ireland trophy yet again proved illusive.

First things first, though, and Watt expects them to overcome Lisnagarvey on Sunday to book their place in the Boxing Day showpiece.

"Garvey have done well after losing a couple of players but I think Annadale will get through after a close game," he reasoned.

Turning to the other semi-final most pundits would make Instonians favourites against the seasiders and Watt is no different.

"Like Garvey Inst have lost several players but they have coped extremely well. Bangor, on the other hand, I would think, would have been a little bit disappointed with their League campaign so far.

"I would expect Instonians to get through but, once, again, I think it will be a close call."

The idea of staging the Kirk Cup semi-finals as a Sunday double-header is now in its third year and it has proved to be an outstanding success.

A big crowd is expected at Havelock Park and by that stage, Watt and his Banbridge team could have well extended their lead at the top of the table.

There is just one other Premiership game down for decision on Saturday and that's the meeting of Raphoe in Cookstown in Donegal.

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