After their awful season in the top flight in 2010 St Johnston seemed much more at home this time and although not involved in the latter stages of the promotion race, their Sperrin Springs Cup success will have been welcome compensation.

David MacBeth took over as skipper and despite retaining the backbone of his existing squad, some of the more experienced faces were replaced by some much fresher ones. Michael Rankin, David Lapsley and Ireland youngster Ryan MacBeth were all given their opportunities and all three did their skipper proud and look set to be a formidable trio at this level over the next few years.

While the teenagers performed admirably however the averages were dominated by those with a few more miles on the clock. The new skipper had an excellent season, topping the charts in both disciplines; 425 runs at an average of over 35 and 29 wickets at a really healthy 12 runs each.

MacBeth was followed in by Sachin Dixit in the batting stakes with 443 runs for an average of almost 30 while another old hand, Alan MacBeth made up the top three with a contribution of 367 at 26 and fractions.

Only Rammohan Goud with dead on 20 wickets at an impressive 13 runs each made the qualifying mark behind his captain, perhaps highlighting where the Donegal side's challenge faltered this season.

While probably not their best season in terms of trophies the Saints can be well pleased with how 2011 panned out and with those youngsters having the experience under their belts, they will be nobody's mugs again next time.

BATTING

D MacBeth 425-12-35.4
S Dixit 443-15-29.53
A MacBeth 367-14-26.21

BOWLING

D MacBeth 77-349-29-12.03
R Goud 51-266-20-13.3