Boyd Rankin isn't included in the NW Warriors squad for their games against Leinster Lightning this week.

The Irish international played in only one of their four T20I matches in Holland last week, nursing a few niggles.

His absence is a blow to NW hopes, as they face defending champions Lightning in a 50-over contest at Eglinton on Tuesday, followed by a three-day Championship encounter at Bready from Wednesday to Friday.

Fox Lodge spinner Aaron Heywood and Ballyspallen all-rounder Graham Kennedy are both included in the two changes from the opening championship game at Pembroke.

NW WARRIORS

Andrew McBrine (capt) (Donemana), Ross Allen (Eglinton), David Barr (Brigade), Aaron Gillespie (Strabane), Aaron Heywood (Fox Lodge), Graham Kennedy (Ballyspallen), Niall O’Brien (Ardmore), William Porterfield (Formby), David Rankin (Bready), David Scanlon (Bready), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Craig Young (Bready).