2012 will go down as a season in which Derriaghy managed to cement their place in Section One with no real relegation alarms.
The Queensway side won 7 times, had a remarkable tie against Donaghcloney, and lost 10 games to finish 6th in the ten team league on 30 points.
This was some way behind their second place finish to Lurgan in 2011, and there was little joy for the club in the various cups with heavy defeats to CSN in both the Irish Senior and NCU competitions, while they also lost to Strabane in the Ulster Cup despite posting a challenging total.
Craig Lewis topped the batting stakes with a respectable 539 runs at an average of 30, while Andy Kenny was second with 445 runs at 29 - his highest score being an unbeaten 79.
Ricky Hewitt managed the highest score in the senior ranks - his 84 not out helped him total 355 runs at 23. Andrew Kerr was the other batter of note as he made 345 run at 19, with one half century - not a great return for a player brought to the club as their overseas player.
Craig Lewis made it a welcome double as he topped the bowling as well, taking 30 wickets at 19, with a best bowling return of 4 for 26. He also took the only hat-trick at the club during their match with Downpatrick.
Kenny Gilliland impressed as his 24 wickets came at just 10 apiece, with a five wicket haul amongst that.
Others worthy of mention are Wayne Hughes who claimed 18 wickets at 25, Matthew Jennings took 17 at 27, while Scott Hughes chipped in with 16 wickets at 21. A special mention to to Ricky Hewitt who took 5 for 18 in the Irish Senior Cup victory in Cork.
Derriaghy are a friendly club with a healthy emphasis on their youth policy and I'm sure this will benefit them in the coming seasons as they continue to do well in the second flight of senior cricket.
BATTING
Craig Lewis 539 runs @ 30 – High Score 82
Andy Kenny 445 runs @ 29 – High Score 79 Not Out
Ricky Hewitt 355 runs @ 23 – High Score 84 Not Out
Andrew Kerr 345 runs @ 19 – High Score 50
BOWLING
Craig Lewis 30 wickets @ 19 – Best 4-26
Kenny Gilliland 24 wickets @ 10 – Best 5-21
Wayne Hughes 18 wickets @ 25 – Best 3-15
Matthew Jennings 17 wickets @ 27 – Best 2-21
Scott Hughes 16 wickets @ 21 – Best 3-27
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Craig Lewis – Hat Trick versus Downpatrick 08.09.12 – 4 for 32
Ricky Hewitt – 5 for 18 in Irish Senior Cup game away to Cork County CC
