Carrickfergus make it back-to-back titles — and this time take the step up

Carrickfergus made absolutely sure there would be no debate about their Premiership credentials in 2026, winning NCU Section One for the second successive season and, this time, opting to take their place in the top flight.

After declining promotion following their 2025 title amid concerns over the impact of stepping up, the Middle Road club returned to the task and again finished on top, edging Bangor and Lurgan in a dramatic three-way race. Carrick eventually finished four points clear on 54, with 13 wins from 18 games. 

The title was secured in extraordinary circumstances, their final match against Lurgan ending in a DLS tie on the same night that Bangor and Saintfield also finished level. That left the table unchanged and confirmed Carrick as champions. 

Atish Varape was the outstanding individual performer and comfortably the division’s dominant all-rounder. He piled up 1,090 runs at an average of 77.86, including two centuries and eight fifties, before completing a remarkable double with 41 wickets at 18.29.

Captain CJ van der Walt also enjoyed an excellent campaign, scoring 614 runs at 36.12 and taking 34 wickets at 20.06. His unbeaten 115 against Saintfield featured in a 183-run stand with Iain Parkhill, who made 103, as Carrick crushed the visitors by 173 runs. 

Michael Gilmour brought real attacking intent with 550 runs at a strike-rate of 137.8, while Iain Parkhill contributed 489 and Alex Haggan 398. Jay Parkhill, Ben Martin and Eian Marillier also produced important innings, underlining the depth available.

The bowling unit had similar strength. Haggan claimed 27 wickets, Richard Hood 21 and Anthony Martin 16, while veteran former Ireland seamer Ryan Eagleson showed he could still make a major impact, taking 11 wickets at just 5.55 in limited appearances.

There were disappointments elsewhere. Carrick lost narrowly to Limerick in the National Cup and were beaten by Armagh in the T20 Trophy final after an otherwise strong run in the competition, their disappointment exacerbated by a serious injury to Ryan Eagleson.

But the league was the priority and Carrick delivered again. The significant difference this time is that the reward will be taken.

Having proved themselves the strongest side in Section One for two years running, Carrickfergus now return to the Premiership knowing the examination will become considerably tougher. The evidence of 2026, however, suggests they are far better prepared for that challenge than they were 12 months ago.

CARRICKFERGUS – TOP 10 BATTERS
1. Atish Varape – 1,090 runs, average 77.86, HS 104*, 2 hundreds, 8 fifties
2. Cornelius Johannes van der Walt – 614 runs, average 36.12, HS 115, 1 hundred, 3 fifties
3. Michael Gilmour – 550 runs, average 34.38, HS 67, 2 fifties
4. Iain Parkhill – 489 runs, average 30.56, HS 103, 1 hundred, 1 fifty
5. Alex Haggan – 398 runs, average 28.43, HS 79, 1 fifty
6. Jay Parkhill – 326 runs, average 23.29, HS 87*, 1 fifty
7. Ben Martin – 230 runs, average 28.75, HS 103, 1 hundred
8. Eian Marillier – 195 runs, average 32.50, HS 115, 1 hundred
9. Elliott Parkhill – 98 runs, average 9.80, HS 26
10. Richard Hood – 89 runs, average 14.83, HS 27*

CARRICKFERGUS – TOP 10 BOWLERS
1. Atish Varape – 41 wickets, average 18.29, BBI 5-48
2. Cornelius Johannes van der Walt – 34 wickets, average 20.06, BBI 5-23
3. Alex Haggan – 27 wickets, average 24.30, BBI 3-40
4. Richard Hood – 21 wickets, average 31.00, BBI 3-36
5. Anthony Martin – 16 wickets, average 27.25, BBI 3-28
6. Elliott Parkhill – 16 wickets, average 40.69, BBI 3-15
7. Ryan Eagleson – 11 wickets, average 5.55, BBI 5-13
8. Prince Sharma – 9 wickets, average 14.11, BBI 5-15
9. Luke Arbuthnot – 8 wickets, average 22.38, BBI 3-5
10. Ben Martin – 5 wickets, average 30.40, BBI 1-8