Armagh take T20 silverware after pushing at promotion fringes

Armagh ended the 2026 campaign with silverware to show for their efforts after lifting the T20 Trophy, while also spending much of the season on the fringes of the promotion race before eventually finishing fourth.

There was enough quality in the side to suggest a genuine challenge was possible, but they were unable to sustain the consistency required to force their way into the leading places over the full campaign.

Their batting was spearheaded by Sam Wilson, who enjoyed an excellent season with 805 runs at an average of 40.25. His seven half-centuries included a highest score of 97 and made him the leading local batter in the division, finishing fifth overall behind a quartet of overseas professionals.

South African overseas player Luan Liebenberg provided significant support with 575 runs at 31.94, while Jamie Rogers contributed 516 and Aaron Wright 445 at an impressive average of 49.44.

Harry Doyle, Matthew Steenson and Ben Mackey all made useful contributions, giving Armagh a batting line-up capable of posting competitive totals, although greater consistency from the middle order might have turned some tight contests in their favour.

If Wilson led the way with the bat, Liebenberg was unquestionably the headline act with the ball.

The South African topped the division’s bowling charts with a remarkable 54 wickets at just 12.44. At his best he was devastating, his pace and hostility producing a succession of fiery spells that regularly dismantled opposition batting orders. His haul included a five-wicket return and no fewer than 31 maidens, underlining both his wicket-taking threat and control.

Aaron Wright claimed 22 wickets, while Matthew Wilson took 21 at 17.90. Michael Hoey and Ben Mackey each finished with 19, ensuring Armagh were rarely short of bowling options.

The T20 Trophy provided the high point of the campaign and ensured a season which might otherwise have been remembered for a promotion challenge that faded away instead ended with something tangible. Fourth place represented a respectable finish, although Armagh will know they were close enough to the leading group to wonder what might have been with greater consistency.

With Wilson continuing to develop into a key figure and Liebenberg proving such a potent spearhead, there was plenty to build on. The task for 2027 will be turning that promise into a more sustained promotion push.

ARMAGH – TOP 10 BATTERS

1. Samuel Wilson – 805 runs, average 40.25, HS 97, 7 fifties  
2. Luan Liebenberg – 575 runs, average 31.94, HS 91*, 5 fifties  
3. Jamie Rogers – 516 runs, average 32.25, HS 87, 3 fifties  
4. Aaron Wright – 445 runs, average 49.44, HS 82*, 3 fifties  
5. Harry Doyle – 308 runs, average 19.25, HS 46  
6. Matthew Steenson – 264 runs, average 20.31, HS 52*, 1 fifty  
7. Ben Mackey – 197 runs, average 24.63, HS 49*  
8. Michael Villiers – 169 runs, average 16.90, HS 39*  
9. Oliver Mann – 114 runs, average 57.00, HS 51*, 1 fifty  
10. Harry Boyd – 104 runs, average 20.80, HS 74, 1 fifty  

ARMAGH – TOP 10 BOWLERS

1. Luan Liebenberg – 54 wickets, average 12.44, BBI 5-39  
2. Aaron Wright – 22 wickets, average 22.95, BBI 4-23  
3. Matthew Wilson – 21 wickets, average 17.90, BBI 4-33  
4. Michael Hoey – 19 wickets, average 20.63, BBI 4-18  
5. Ben Mackey – 19 wickets, average 25.53, BBI 4-51  
6. Matthew Wright – 16 wickets, average 33.38, BBI 3-30  
7. Samuel Wilson – 15 wickets, average 20.73, BBI 3-38  
8. Harry Doyle – 14 wickets, average 35.64, BBI 4-30  
9. Adam Woods – 3 wickets, average 14.67, BBI 3-25  
10. Josh Stoops – 3 wickets, average 40.33, BBI 1-8