SURPRISE PACKAGE STRABANE SHOW THEY BELONG IN TOP FLIGHT

Strabane proved one of the surprise packages of the North West Premiership season, the Red Caps hitting the ground running and using those early victories to remove any real fear of being dragged into a relegation battle.

That strong start gave them breathing space and allowed the side to play with greater freedom, ensuring they stayed comfortably clear of the danger zone throughout the campaign finishing in an excellent third position.

The batting was led by Aaron Gillespie, who topped the aggregates with 462 runs at 25.67, including two half-centuries and an unbeaten 120. He was closely followed by Ryan Gallagher, who made 461 runs at 28.81, while Rhys Logue produced arguably the most consistent returns, scoring 445 runs at 34.23 from 14 innings.

Overseas professional Muhammad Mohsin also made a major impact, contributing 425 runs at 32.69 and doing so at a brisk strike rate of 114.9. His season included a century, two fifties and 22 sixes, giving Strabane real firepower through the middle order. Conor Graham added 259 runs, including a half-century, to give the batting greater depth.

Mohsin was just as influential with the ball, topping the wicket charts with 27 at 19.89. Gallagher completed a strong all-round campaign with 25 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, while Andrew Mullen claimed 23 wickets at 26.57. Vadivel Moorthy added another important dimension to the attack, taking 20 wickets at 23.30, with a best of five for 32.

For a side who may have begun the season with survival as the first objective, Strabane quickly exceeded expectations. Their early momentum meant the pressure was off and they were able to establish themselves as a competitive Premiership outfit rather than one merely looking over its shoulder.

Like Donemana, there was success in their women's and youth ranks, hinting at a club built on solid foundations that certainly augurs well for the future.

Top 10 Strabane batters

1. Aaron Gillespie – 462 runs, average 25.67, strike rate 87.5, highest score 120*, 2 fifties, 1 hundred, 50 fours, 17 sixes.
2. Ryan Gallagher – 461 runs, average 28.81, strike rate 66.0, highest score 65, 3 fifties, 44 fours, 8 sixes.
3. Rhys Logue – 445 runs, average 34.23, strike rate 60.8, highest score 74, 3 fifties, 48 fours, 6 sixes.
4. Muhammad Mohsin – 425 runs, average 32.69, strike rate 114.9, highest score 100, 2 fifties, 1 hundred, 42 fours, 22 sixes.
5. Conor Graham – 259 runs, average 18.50, strike rate 67.6, highest score 55, 1 fifty, 39 fours, 3 sixes.
6. Kevin Gallagher – 192 runs, average 11.29, strike rate 53.5, highest score 36, 15 fours, 5 sixes.
7. Allen Patterson – 144 runs, average 13.09, strike rate 54.3, highest score 35, 13 fours, 3 sixes.
8. Andrew Mullen – 100 runs, average 9.09, strike rate 94.3, highest score 15, 5 fours, 4 sixes.
9. Vadivel Moorthy – 85 runs, average 10.63, strike rate 51.8, highest score 22*, 7 fours.
10. Manav Aggarwal – 38 runs, average 6.33, strike rate 42.2, highest score 8*, 1 four, 2 sixes.

Top 10 Strabane bowlers

1. Muhammad Mohsin – 27 wickets, average 19.89, economy 4.46, strike rate 26.8, best 4-14, 15 maidens.
2. Ryan Gallagher – 25 wickets, average 30.44, economy 5.33, strike rate 34.2, best 5-30, 1 five-wicket haul, 10 maidens.
3. Andrew Mullen – 23 wickets, average 26.57, economy 4.51, strike rate 35.3, best 4-36, 10 maidens.
4. Vadivel Moorthy – 20 wickets, average 23.30, economy 5.68, strike rate 24.6, best 5-32, 1 five-wicket haul, 5 maidens.
5. Manav Aggarwal – 12 wickets, average 39.42, economy 5.03, strike rate 47.0, best 2-25, 7 maidens.
6. Rhys Logue – 12 wickets, average 44.50, economy 6.51, strike rate 41.0, best 3-42, 1 maiden.
7. Himanshu Khurana – 5 wickets, average 39.80, economy 6.86, strike rate 34.8, best 2-25.
8. John Mooney – 1 wicket, average 58.00, economy 5.80, strike rate 60.0, best 1-58, 1 maiden.
9. Reshwanth Kanala – 1 wicket, average 62.00, economy 9.07, strike rate 41.0, best 1-23.
10. Sikender Shah – 1 wicket, average 97.00, economy 5.39, strike rate 108.0, best 1-49, 2 maidens.