It would be fair to say that Ardmore’s 2026 campaign will not rank among the more memorable seasons in the club’s proud 147-year history.

The Bleachgreen side endured a frustrating NW Championship campaign in which their batting, in particular, too often failed to provide the platform required to mount a sustained challenge.

There was certainly no shortage of talent in the line-up, but patience and application were frequently in short supply. Too many batters struggled to occupy the crease for long periods, with the technique and temperament needed to build an innings proving elusive on a number of occasions.

One notable exception was overseas professional Kasun Aberaytne, who enjoyed a strongindividual season. He amassed 823 runs at an average of 41.15, including three centuries and four half-centuries, comfortably finishing as Ardmore’s leading run-scorer, although he did tail off in the latter half of the campaign.

Bobby Brolly offered another glimpse of his considerable potential, scoring 315 runs in only nine innings, including a superb 156, while Adam Chester made a major impact during his limited availability. Chester plundered 256 runs in just five innings at an average of 51.20, highlighted by a brilliant 151.

Ardmore were considerably more competitive in the knockout competitions and came agonisingly close to reaching a second National Cup final before losing a high-scoring semi-final against Glendermott.

Their season was not helped by a constant battle with injuries and player availability. No fewer than 24 players were used during the campaign, making it difficult to establish the consistency and settled combinations needed to challenge at the top end of the Championship.

The bowling unit generally fared better. Edrees Kharotai led the way with 33 wickets at 19.97, while Conor Brolly claimed 27 at an excellent average of 17.11. Sadiq Safi collected 22 wickets and Conor King and Matt Cuffe took 19 apiece.

The standout individual bowling performance came from Sabin Babu, whose 7 for 22 helped him finish with 14 wickets at an exceptional average of 9.50.

Attention will now turn to 2027, when Ardmore will hope for considerably better fortune with injuries and availability. Having Ireland Under-19 international Bobby Brolly available for a full campaign would significantly strengthen the batting, while the return of hard-hitting Chester for an entire season would add much-needed firepower. They have lost former skipper Rachit Gaur who has switched to Bonds Glen, but on the plus side they are hopeful that Ryan Brolly will be back from Australia.

If they can keep their strongest side on the field and develop greater discipline with the bat, there is enough talent at the Bleachgreen to ensure 2027 provides far more memorable moments.

ARDMORE – TOP 10 BATTERS

1. Kasun Aberaytne – 823 runs, average 41.15, HS 110, 3 hundreds, 4 fifties  
2. Bobby Brolly – 315 runs, average 35.00, HS 156, 1 hundred, 1 fifty  
3. Edrees Kharotai – 296 runs, average 14.10, HS 50, 1 fifty  
4. Sadiq Safi – 296 runs, average 16.44, HS 45  
5. Aneesh Anilkumar – 284 runs, average 13.52, HS 70, 1 fifty  
6. Adam Chester – 256 runs, average 51.20, HS 151, 1 hundred, 1 fifty  
7. Vivek Sheoran – 247 runs, average 17.64, HS 64, 1 fifty  
8. Mark Chambers – 231 runs, average 25.67, HS 46  
9. Sabin Babu – 207 runs, average 17.25, HS 86, 1 fifty  
10. Matt Cuffe – 196 runs, average 16.33, HS 56*, 1 fifty  

ARDMORE – TOP 10 BOWLERS

1. Edrees Kharotai – 33 wickets, average 19.97, BBI 5-67  
2. Conor Brolly – 27 wickets, average 17.11, BBI 5-34  
3. Sadiq Safi – 22 wickets, average 21.73, BBI 3-24  
4. Conor King – 19 wickets, average 20.47, BBI 3-14  
5. Matt Cuffe – 19 wickets, average 24.21, BBI 2-4  
6. Sabin Babu – 14 wickets, average 9.50, BBI 7-22  
7. Mujeeb Rahman – 9 wickets, average 39.33, BBI 3-19  
8. Vimal Dwivedi – 6 wickets, average 16.33, BBI 2-13  
9. Bobby Brolly – 6 wickets, average 36.83, BBI 3-30  
10. David Bezzant – 4 wickets, average 23.50, BBI 3-66