2012 was another successful year for Instonians cementing their place as one of the top teams not only in the NCU but also Ireland, as they collected the NCU Senior Cup and gained a runners up slot in the Premier League.

Things could have been even better had Irish passport holder Mick Delaney not suffered a serious shoulder injury early in the season after he had made 120 runs at 40 and taken 9 wickets at just over 15.

The Aussie speedster is certainly on the Irish selectirs radar and if he recuperates sufficiently may appear in Irish colours in the not too distant future given the retirement of Boyd Rankin and the fact that Trent Johnston is in the autumn of his magnificent career.

In James Shannon they have one of the most talented players in Ireland, who deservedly gained senior international recognition in the course of the season.

Shannon scored 746 runs at 62.17 making 8 of the 17 half centuries scored by the Shaw's Bridge club during the campaign. Nobody at the club managed a hundred, but Shannon came within inches of doing so during his memorable unbeaten 99 in the cup final romp against North Down at Comber. His memorable season also included taking 11 catches - the second highest in the region, while for good measure he took 13 wickets at 19.08.

Andrew White made 509 runs at a very healthy 46.27, while Rory McCann contributed 466 at 38.83 and John Stevenson chipped in with 430 at 26.88.

The big bonus for Instonians was the bowling of Zac Rushe who topped the NCU wickets aggregate capturing 31 at 14.19.

Eugene Moleon made it a one-two for Instonians with his 30 at a miserly 12.33 - the best average in the NCU. Moleon impressed observers with his shrewd captaincy and coupled with his hostile bowling was undoubtedly one of the success stories of the season. He had the best bowling return at the club, taking 6 for 29 against champions CIYMS.

Andrew White capped a satisfactory all-round season with 21 wickets at 20.29 and 10 catches - 4th overall.

Teenagers Ben Wylie and Sam Shannon both claimed 15 wickets apiece, so the future looks bright for Instonians.

With the bulk of the squad intact and the addition of an overseas player, one can't help but expect more honours to adorn the trophy cabinet in the season ahead.

Batting
James Shannon 746 @ 62.17
Andrew White 509 @ 46.27
Rory McCann 466 @ 38.83
John Stevenson 430 @ 26.88

Bowling
Zac Rushe 31 @ 14.19
Eugene Moleon 30 @ 12.33
Andrew White 21 @ 20.29
Ben Wylie 15 @ 25.73
Sam Shannon 15 @ 28.13