There are very few advantages to growing old, but one of them gaining wisdom from past mistakes.
About 20 years ago I made the mistake of dismissing Donemana's league chances in print, providing motivation for the Tyrone side who went on a late run to capture the crown.
Having watched Brigade lose again in early June, I was tempted to rip their side apart. Washed up, spineless, toothless etc were the words spinning around in my head. Experience though is the best teacher and I kept my powder dry.
Lucky me, as the Beechgrove side found their groove embarking on a nine-game winning streak to lift the Premiership as Donemana and Newbuildings faltered.
There's no doubt that their win at Donemana was the pivotal game in the title race as they chased nearly 300 and from that moment it was their title to lose.
They were helped by having a settled side which almost oicked itself. The quality shone through when the pressure was applied. Big players stood up in big games.
Scott Macbeth, Cameron Melly, DD Barr, Ifty Hussain and Adam McDaid were the bedrock of their batting, while skipper Andy Britton, Macbeth, Barr, Hussain, Ryan Barr, JP Millar and Josh Wilson provided quality and variety in their bowling unit.
There's no doubt they could do with a fresh injection of talent and it's always easier to do that from a position of strength. Whether that comes in the form of an overseas professional or someone more local remains to be seen over the winter months.
For now though, they can bask in the glow of a job well done.
BRIGADE BATTING
- Scott Macbeth 766 runs at 40.32. 8 x 50s.
- Cameron Melly 649 at 40.56. 5 x 50s and 1 hundred.
- Iftikhar Hussain 639 at 31.95. 2 x 50.
- Adam McDaid 591 at 31.10. 5 x 50s.
- DD Barr 589 at 29.45. 4 x 50s.
BRIGADE BOWLING
- Scott Macbeth 44 wickets at 13.29
- DD Barr 33 wickets at 16.54
- Ryan Barr 29 wickets at 21.28
- Ifty Hussain 26 wickets at 20.81
- Andy Britton 25 wickets at 16.24
- JP Millar 24 wickets at 18.21
- Josh Wilson 13 wickets at 40.46
