2012 will not go down as one of the finest in the annals of North Down history.

The trophy cabinet was unexpectedly barren, with the club experiencing problems with their professional, and skipper Peter Shields handing over the reins following a comprehensive cup final defeat to Instonians.

The side finished third in the Premier League, winning 8 and losing 6 of their matches, while there was a semi-final defeat in the Ulster Cup, and yet again a poor showing in the Irish Senior Cup with a second round exit.

It wasn't all doom and gloom though as the emergence of teenager Peter Eakin as a genuine force in senior cricket must be a source of pride at the club. Ryan Haire enjoyed a prolific campaign with both bat and ball, Johnny Terrett sparkled briefly and Peter Shields was his usual reliable self with the gloves.

Ryan Haire topped the batting with 954 at 47.70, scoring 6 of the 15 half centuries recorded by the club, and two of the four hundreds. He finished 3rd in the overall NCU batting aggregates, while his 156 against Ballymena was also the 3rd highest score in the region.

Andrew Sutherland's 709 runs at 33.76 (3 x 50, 1 x 100) placed him 9th spot in the NCU, while 17 year old Peter Eakin's 529 at 33.06 ( 4 fifties) was good enough to earn him 13th spot.

Johnny Terrett sneaked into the top 20 at 19th with his 457 at 28.56, while others worthy of a mention are Peter Shields with 364 at 36.40 and Neil Russell who managed 394 at 20.74.

Gayan Wijekoon came late and left early through injury, and it has to be said found the going tough, particularly in the batting stakes. He did manage an unbeaten 131 against Limavady, but added just another 129 runs in his other 11 innings, while his 15 wickets came at a cost of 29.87.

Haire topped the bowling stakes with 28 wickets at 24.46, ahead of Peter Eakin who captured 24 at 24.42.

David Kennedy chipped in with 22 at 26.86, while Marty Moreland won't be happy with his 20 wickets which came at a whopping 41.15!
Gavin McKenna, now off to the RAF, took 19 at 27.68, while Wijekoon's replacement, Yorkshire 2nd XI player Danny Evans struggled to make any sort of serious impact.

Peter Shields had 29 dismissals, putting hin 2nd overall in the NCU keeping stakes behind Goodall, while Ryan Haire's 10 catches placed in in joint 3rd.

You write off North Down at your peril and I fully expect them to bounce back in 2013. I'm sure plans are already well advanced to strengthen their squad for next season, with a quality professional top of their Christmas wishes from Santa.

Batting
Ryan Haire 954 @ 47.70
Andrew Sutherland 709 @ 33.76
Peter Eakin 529 at 33.06
Johnny Terrett 457 @ 28.56
Neil Russell 394 at 20.74
Peter Shields 364 at 36.40

Bowling
Ryan Haire 28 @ 24.46
Peter Eakin 24 @ 24.42
David Kennedy 22 @ 26.86
Martin Moreland 20 @ 41.15
Gavin McKenna 19 @ 27.68