Donemana and Waringstown are two of the most famous and successful clubs in Ireland, but they haven't clashed at the Co Tyrone venue for the best part of two decades.

The clubs developed an affinity for each other from afar as they almost totally dominated their respective unions during the 1970s and 80s, but meetings in cup competitions have been few and far between.

Donemana were soundly beaten by 91 runs at The Lawn in the Irish Cup in 2005 but as they met up for a pre-match discussion this week, Pakistan all-rounders Shafique and Ahmed agreed on one thing in particular – today's tie promises to be a totally different contest.

If Waringstown had home advantage they would be strong favourites to make a long overdue appearance in the last four. But as Shafique points out, the unique conditions at The Holm will be totally foreign to a team even with four Ireland internationals.

"We know how to play at Donemana on the small field, but it will be very difficult for Waringstown, because they are not used to it, it's a different ball game from what they know," said Shafique.

"We have seen NCU teams and clubs from the south come to play at Donemana, they think it's such a small field but it's not easy to bowl there.

"Patience is very important. When I first came to Donemana nine years ago I struggled to get used to it for a few matches but everyone made me feel very welcome and people are just so nice. I love to play there."

It's no wonder Shafique loves The Holm. He has already passed 800 runs for the season and looks on course for his most prolific campaign yet with the bat. But even he doesn't always know what a winning score is at Donemana's home ground.

Earlier this season he smashed a century as Donemana chased 284 to beat Limavady while on Sunday it was the Roesiders who turned the tables by rattling up 363 to administer a 153-run thrashing in the North West Senior Cup.

Despite losing a host of home-grown players in recent seasons to other clubs, Shafique insists Donemana still possess the quality to contend for trophies, a fact borne out by their eight consecutive league victories.

However, he says that if they want to progress to the Irish Cup semi-finals they will have to dismiss Ijaz cheaply.

"Ijaz is a fabulous player, back home he has a great record in the first class game and he was so unlucky that he didn't play for Pakistan for much longer," Shafique said.

"He could have played many years for his country, he always gets runs in the crucial games but I hope I can give Donemana some advice on how to get him out!"

Ijaz is equally wary of his great friend's abilities, and even more so because the Irish Cup has taken on huge importance for his and Waringstown's season.