After a shared title in 2009 and an outright win a year later, Strabane went into the season just ended as favourites to make it three on the bounce.

The personnel hadn't changed much; indeed despite losing Ryan Gallagher to Phoenix the two players coming into the squad, Niall McDonnell and Mark Roulston gave the champions an even more compact look. Unfortunately however, despite boasting a top six that on paper looked the pick of the division, there were concerns below the surface.

Martin Deans and Phil Eaglestone picked up injuries at the start of the season and from an early stage the attack looked very vulnerable.

Worse was to follow as with the strike pair back in tandem it became clear that neither Peter Gillespie nor professional Jonathan Beukes were ready to bowl. The South African's total overs for the summer was a mere 46, Gillespie's not even anywhere near that and with all-rounder Mark Gillespie struggling as well a great big void was exposed.

Strabane's vulnerability with the ball was typified by their galling defeats by Donemana and Fox Lodge and despite managing to stay in the title picture until near the end, they were always up against it.

Skipper Beukes led the run tally with over 1000 runs at 55 a time while Niall McDonnell was inches short of 800 for an average of close to 42. Mark Gillespie's 822 worked out at just over 37 every time he batted while Kevin Martin went over 500 at around 27. Peter Gillespie's indifferent season yielded just 367 runs but the former Ireland International will have better years again than this.

Those deficiencies in attack are there for all to see; Phil Eaglestone's 32 wickets at 21 runs each by some way the best although Martin Deans (22 wickets), Mark Gillespie (21) and Tommy Barr (20) made things look a bit tidier.

Mark Roulston can be very pleased with his season's work in Strabane colours as well, 330 runs and 17 wickets a good start to life in the top flight. Next season could well be a defining one for the Red Caps and there appears to be mixed feelings about whether or not Jonathan Beukes will be back for another stint.

The same debate seems to rage every year of course but if Strabane are to regain their crown in 2012 you would think a seamer and a spinner will be high on the Christmas wish list.

BATTING

J Beukes 1046-22-55.05-best 157
N McDonnell 797-19-41.94-best 106
M Gillespie 822-22-37.6-best 106
K Martin 509-19-26.78-best 106

BOWLING

P Eaglestone 141-12-671-32-20.96
M Gillespie 104-9-550-21-26.19
M Deans 137-9-642-22-29.18
T Barr 140-7-643-20-32.15