In the latest of our series, Chairman James Fleming selects his all-time St Johnston XI. It was no easy task for James, a fine cricketer himself, as the famous Donegal club has produced many excellent cricketers over the years.

They created history by becoming the first club from the North-West to win the Irish Senior Cup in 1987, shocking Brigade on their home turf, and have been involved in some memorable finals in their four NW Senior Cup triumphs in 1959, 1975, 1978 and 1982. 

They have also won the Faughan Valley Cup in 1975 and 1976, while their only Senior League One success came in 1984.

No shortage then of talent to select from, here is James' formidable side.

St Johnston Cricket Club All Stars

David Rankin. A talented and determined opener, a more than useful bowler and led the team in its most successful years.

Alan Macbeth. A part of the clan Macbeth, he was a straight bat opener who scored runs and a very reliable cricketer on and off the field.

Ian Anthony. A joy to watch batting, with wonderful timing, an excellent wicket keeper and fielder.

Victor Craig. An Irish International wicket keeper who played an integral part in the 1959 season culminating in winning the Senior Cup that year.

Paddy O’Donnell. A giant in terms of St Johnston CC. He and his brother Hughie were the backbone of the team. A prolific batsman and knacky bowler.

Ian Rankin. A maestro with the bat, left hand perfection. He seemed to have so much time when at the crease. A great fielder and deceptive spin bowler. His score of 167 in the cup final win over Strabane in 1982 is still a record to this day.

Ivan Lapsley. Prior to bowling restrictions, he was capable of and relied upon to bowl 25 overs. A stylish middle order batsman and would rank as a top fielder. He once took nine wickets in an innings for the NW - another record that stands to the present day.

Graeme McCarter. An Irish International who exudes class in both batting and bowling, which makes it difficult to judge his best category as he is superb in both.

Paul Wallace. Another International left-arm medium fast bowler led the opening attack with Ivan in the 1970sand 80s. Although he himself thought highly of his own batting, he would, in this team bat no. 11. 

J L Rankin. He played in the 1930s and was outstanding in cricket, badminton and any other sport he chose. Looking at his stats, he was a batsman and bowler and a match winner on any team.

Bobby Rao. An Indian Test player, an all-round good guy and has applied himself for the good of cricket here in the Northwest. When playing he could make any team and be a winner. 

This team was more difficult to compile than at first thought as we had so many fine players that could have made the cut such as Aiden Devine, William McKean, Ian and David Macbeth, David Dunn, Keith Lapsley, Malachy Porter, Alan McClure and Andrew Fleming. From the present squad we have Michael Rankin, David Lapsley, Jack Macbeth, Nathan Cole and David Anthony.

On another level if we talk about characters, I must include two gentlemen who played for this club carrying a disadvantage that would have had others disillusioned.

Scott Alexander was our scorer for many years and while he only had one leg, he had a good set of lungs. Once when an Irish opening bowler was going to his mark in St Johnston ground, the determined cry came from the club house ‘BOWLERS NAME’ Scott was not one to take reputations seriously! 

The other gentleman was none other than Geoff Huey. Wicket keeper and batsman extraordinaire. He earned his place in the firsts with merit and distinction. He was a stalwart in the 2nd 11, winning 2 intermediate cup medals in 1986 and 87. He was known to, usually in polite company, unstrap his leg and place it in the middle of the table, much to the shock of our unknowing guests.

Cricket has been played in St Johnston for 128 years during which time we have produced many characters, great cricketers and lasting friendships. 

The Saints have carried out extensive renovations on their ground and clubhouse in recent years, making an already picturesque ground at The Boatview one of the best in the country. They will be a welcome addition to the top echelons of local cricket as the new season approaches.