St Johnston ended the season strongly, saving their best to last beating Ardmore in the play-off to ensure top flight cricket at the Boathole in 2026.
Sometimes statistics don't tell the full story and this is the case with the Saints as no batsman passed 400 runs which usually indicates a season of struggle.
They rarely got their full-strength line-up out, hampered by injuries and availabilty, but did when it matered most.
Michael Rankin topped the batting (and indeed the bowling) with 387 runs at 19.35, just ahead of Graeme McCarter, who scored 368 at 36.80.
Jack Macbeth's serious injury meant he missed half the season, but still managed 285 runs at 21.92, while Barry Scott (280 at 17.50), David Lapsley (249 at 12.45) and David Anthony (242 at 16.13) all chipped in.
The bowlers fared better with three passing the 20-wicket mark, led by Rankin who claimed 31 wickets at 16.90.
Skipper Anthony weighed in with 26 wickets at exactly 16, while Nathan Cole contributed 24 wickets at 17.54.
Others who passed double figures were Scott Devenney (17 at 25.29), Graeme McCarter (15 at 13.73), Ryan McAuley (13 at 30.46) and David Barnard (10 at 27.10).
St Johnston have made great strides at the Donegal venue, making improvements year on year at one of the country's most picturesque grounds.
There's no doubt they will enjoy their return to the top echelons of North West cricket, but will realise there is a need to strenghten if they aren't to drop down again immediately.
ST JOHNSTON BATTING
- Michael Rankin 387 runs at 19.25 (2 fifties)
- Graeme McCarter 368 runs at 36.80 (3 fifties)
- Jack Macbeth 285 runs at 21.92 (2 fifties)
- Barry Scott 280 runs at 17.50 (1 fifty)
- David Lapsley 249 runs at 12.45
- David Anthony 242 runs at 16.13
ST JOHNSTON BOWLING
- Michael Rankin 31 wickets at 16.90
- David Anthony 26 wickets at 16.00
- Nathan Cole 24 wickets at 17.54
- Scott Devenney 17 wickets at 15.29
- Graeme McCarter 15 wickets at 13.73
- Ryan McAuley 13 wickets at 30.46
- David Barnard 10 wickets at 27.10
