McComb Park is the venue for the semi-finals and final of the Metal Technology Twenty20 Shield, in which Muckamore, who qualified when they hosted Holywood and Academy in Group 'D' earlier this month, has been paired with Laurelvale at the penultimate stage.

The competition was due to be concluded this Sunday, but it has been delayed until July 6 because it clashes with UIster Shield second round ties, in which Muckamore play Downpatrick at Moylena. Saintfield, who meet Dunmurry in the other Twenty20 semi-final, also have a Shield commitment on Sunday.

Kamketar, relishing the challenge he has been presented with following Leslie Allen's decision to stand down as captain a couple of weeks ago, accepts that Muckamore were rescued by the weather against Lurgan at Pollock Park on Saturday. The home team had piled up 163 for the loss of just two wickets, with the best part of 14 overs remaining, when play was washed out.

"Lurgan were on course for a total in the region of 250 and that would have been very hard to reach," said the Indian all-rounder, who refused to be drawn on issues concerning promotion and relegation.

"I believe we have talented players, but so far we haven't got our act together as a team. We must continue to work hard at practice and if we do that results will improve," said Kamtekar, who will have top batsman Brian Baguley available for the away match against Holywood on Saturday. Baguley's importance to the team is reflected in his performances to date; one score of 96, two of 80 and a runs aggregate of 348 at an average of 58.

Muckamore have won only twice, against Saintfield and Dundrum, in six league starts and a win at Seapark would certainly act as a confidence booster. However, it will not be easy against opponents who in the league campaign have beaten Downpatrick, Laurelvale and Armagh, and lost to Saintfield, Woodvale, Lurgan and Ballymena.

David Cardwell is also available for the Holywood game and we shouild be at full-strength," added Indrajeet, who is delighted by influx of schoolchildren to the club this summer. Muckamore are reaping the benefit of their overseas star's coaching sessions at numerous schools in the Antrim and Randalstown areas. "Ireland's performances in the last World Cup have had a huge influence on the kids and they are coming to our club in large numbers," he said.

Kamtekar believes that Ballymena, the only unbeaten side in Section Two, will secure promotion this season. "David and James Kennedy and Steve Lazars are scoring heavily in a strong batting line-up," added Kamtekar.