It wasn't the greatest surprise in the world that Pembroke collected more silverware in 2025 given the depth of quality at their disposal. The Sydney Parade side are similar to English Premiership teams in that they could field two sides with little trouble.

They don't take their success for granted, and when they had to dig deep for wins they did so. It's also to their credit that they didn't moan when the bizarre scheduling of Irish Cup dates coincided with the barren international fixtures schedule.

Skipper Paul Lawson led the squad well, and once again in 2026 they will be the team to beat, although with their internationals likely to miss many games, their depth will be tested again.

Blake MacDonald topped the run aggregates - helped by his record score of 263 not out - on his way to 817 at 48.06, while Andrew Balbirnie plundered 811 at 90.11 in an exceptional season. JJ Garth  (574), Tim Tector (560), and Jack Tector (534) all passed the 500-run mark too.

Gavin Hoey topped the bowling having an impressive three five-wicket hauls on his way to 41 wickets at 16.66, proving himself a real match-winner at times.

Skipper Paul Lawson also enjoyed a fruitful campaign as he claimed 33 wickets at 21.54, while Byron McDonough didn't always feature but still took 25 wickets at 16.24.

Mark Berry had a five wicket haul in the Irish Senior Cup that saw him take 17 wickets at 32.56, while Andrew Boulton (16) and Harry Tector (15) were alson in the wickets at times.

All in all, another excellent season for Pembroke, who will be the side to emulate in 2026.

PEMBROKE TOP RUNS

  • Blake MacDonald 817 runs at 48.06 (2 hundreds/2 50s)
  • Andrew Balbirnie 811 runs at 90.11 (3 hundreds/4 fifties)
  • JJ Garth 574 runs at  30.21 (2 fifties)
  • Tim Tector 560 runs at 29.47 (5 fifties)
  • Jack Tector 534 runs at 33.38 (1 hundred/2 fifties)
  • Harry Tector 348 runs at 29.00 (3 fifties)
  • Lorcan Tucker 314 runs at 31.40 (1 fifty)
  • Gavin Hoey 304 runs at 27.64 (3 fifties)

TOP WICKET TAKERS

  • Gavin Hoey 41 wickets at 16.66 (3 five-wicket hauls)
  • Paul Lawson 33 wickets at 21.54
  • Byron McDonough 25 wickets at 16.24
  • Mark Berry 18 wickets at 32.56 (1 five-wicket haul)
  • Andrew Boulton 16 wickets at 25.06
  • Harry Tector 15 wickets at 30.27