Missed opportunities as Glendermott fall just short in centenary year

Glendermott’s centenary season ultimately became one of near misses, with the Rectory side going close on three fronts without managing to turn a promising campaign into the silverware they craved.

There was plenty to admire. They reached the National Cup final, remained in the Championship promotion race until the closing stages and then had another opportunity to reach the Premiership through the play-off. Yet each route ended in disappointment for the Waterside side.

Their National Cup run was perhaps the biggest frustration. Glendermott had produced some excellent cricket on the way to the final but simply failed to turn up on the day against fellow North West side Ballyspallen, leaving a large travelling support with the feeling that a major opportunity had been allowed to slip away. Hindsight is 20:20 but opting to field first never looked a wise decision.

The Championship brought similar emotions. Glendermott were always in contention but were eventually pipped by Bonds Glen before losing the promotion play-off against Coleraine.

Craig Averill was outstanding throughout, scoring 1,023 runs at an average of 73.07, including two centuries, while also taking 36 wickets at just 11.11. Few players in the division could match his all-round influence.

Ben Mills was another major figure, making 842 runs and claiming 35 wickets, while South African Blayde Capell was devastating before returning home early. Capell amassed 902 runs at 56.38, striking at 142.7 and clearing the ropes 54 times. That trio gave Glendermott one of the most dangerous top orders in the competition.

The problem came below them. Ted Britton contributed strongly when fit, but thereafter the batting returns dropped away dramatically. Too often a formidable start was followed by a softer middle order, an imbalance which was exposed at crucial stages.

The bowling had far greater depth and indeed variety.

Six players passed 20 wickets, with skipper Britton taking 31 at 12.97 despite missing a sizeable chunk of the campaign through injury. Alex Boyd and Alan Johnson collected 29 apiece, while Jayjay O’Brien added 21.

That strength kept Glendermott competitive even when the batting faltered.

There is enough quality at the Rectory to suggest the disappointment will not linger. With their large support behind them, Glendermott should again be among the promotion favourites in 2027.

GLENDERMOTT – TOP 10 BATTERS

1. Craig Averill – 1,023 runs, average 73.07, HS 153*, 2 hundreds, 3 fifties  
2. Blayde Capell – 902 runs, average 56.38, HS 113, 2 hundreds, 5 fifties  
3. Ben Mills – 842 runs, average 40.10, HS 128, 1 hundred, 7 fifties  
4. Ted Britton – 295 runs, average 49.17, HS 52*, 2 fifties  
5. Alan Johnson – 241 runs, average 17.21, HS 56*, 1 fifty  
6. Jake Montgomery – 173 runs, average 9.61, HS 34  
7. Alan Lynch – 106 runs, average 8.83, HS 36*  
8. Jason Lynch – 103 runs, average 14.71, HS 32  
9. Lewis Pearson – 88 runs, average 9.78, HS 30  
10. Harry Boyd – 39 runs, average 7.80, HS 13  

GLENDERMOTT – TOP 10 BOWLERS

1. Craig Averill – 36 wickets, average 11.11, BBI 4-10  
2. Ben Mills – 35 wickets, average 21.43, BBI 3-21  
3. Ted Britton – 31 wickets, average 12.97, BBI 5-28  
4. Alex Boyd – 29 wickets, average 20.45, BBI 5-21  
5. Alan Johnson – 29 wickets, average 27.07, BBI 4-40  
6. Jayjay O’Brien – 21 wickets, average 20.00, BBI 3-11  
7. Lewis Pearson – 16 wickets, average 26.19, BBI 4-31  
8. Harry Boyd – 15 wickets, average 30.60, BBI 3-11  
9. Curtis Ross – 10 wickets, average 14.10, BBI 3-14  
10. Jake Montgomery – 1 wicket, average 39.00, BBI 1-14