Eglinton recover from slow start to finish season with silverware

Eglinton’s return to Championship surroundings took longer than they would have liked, and in the end that sluggish opening proved costly as a strong second half was not quite enough to force them into the promotion places.

There were, however, plenty of positives for the village club, not least silverware in the new T20 competition and the successful introduction of younger players who should benefit considerably from the experience.

Their batting was spearheaded by Dunith Jayathunga, who enjoyed an outstanding season with 976 runs at an average of 54.22. The Sri Lankan professional struck four centuries and four half-centuries, with a highest score of 129, and was a model of consistency throughout the campaign.

Andy Millar also had an excellent year, scoring 769 runs at 38.45, while brother Jamie produced some extraordinary numbers in a more limited number of appearances. He amassed 762 runs in just 14 innings at an average of 84.67 and a strike-rate of 143.5, including two hundreds, six fifties and 58 sixes.

Andrew Lucas added 425 runs and Ian Young 294, giving Eglinton enough batting depth to put pressure on most attacks once their campaign gathered momentum.

The bowling was led by Robbie Millar, who claimed 32 wickets at 17.25, including a five-wicket haul. Ian Young took 22 wickets, while Kyle Moore added 17 and Jack Martin 12. There was also valuable exposure for emerging players, something that could prove every bit as important as the final league position.

The T20 success ensured the season contained a trophy, although a botched presentation by the North West governing body took some of the shine off what should have been a straightforward celebration of Eglinton’s achievement. That disappointment should not obscure the wider picture.

Once Eglinton adapted to Championship cricket, they looked increasingly like one of the strongest sides in the division. The frustration will be that their best form arrived too late to mount a sustained promotion push.

Looking ahead, they should begin 2027 among the clear frontrunners. With a powerful top order, a useful bowling core and several younger players now better acquainted with senior cricket, the foundations are firmly in place. If they can avoid another hesitant start and hit the ground running, Eglinton should be well equipped to turn this season’s recovery into a genuine promotion challenge.

EGLINTON – TOP 10 BATTERS

1. Dunith Jayathunga – 976 runs, average 54.22, HS 129, 4 hundreds, 4 fifties  
2. Andy Millar – 769 runs, average 38.45, HS 131, 1 hundred, 4 fifties  
3. Jamie Millar – 762 runs, average 84.67, HS 114*, 2 hundreds, 6 fifties  
4. Andrew Lucas – 425 runs, average 26.56, HS 68*, 2 fifties  
5. Ian Young – 294 runs, average 22.62, HS 72*, 2 fifties  
6. Robbie Millar – 258 runs, average 23.45, HS 45  
7. Charlie Gault – 127 runs, average 11.55, HS 61, 1 fifty  
8. Christopher Pierce – 113 runs, average 22.60, HS 44  
9. Jack Martin – 98 runs, average 12.25, HS 31*  
10. Dylan McElhatton – 59 runs, average 11.80, HS 26*  

EGLINTON – TOP 10 BOWLERS

1. Robbie Millar – 32 wickets, average 17.25, BBI 5-84  
2. Ian Young – 22 wickets, average 25.27, BBI 6-32  
3. Kyle Moore – 17 wickets, average 27.82, BBI 4-20  
4. Jack Martin – 12 wickets, average 32.25, BBI 4-16  
5. Andrew Lucas – 11 wickets, average 24.18, BBI 3-22  
6. Tom Spratt – 8 wickets, average 37.25, BBI 2-16  
7. Dunith Jayathunga – 7 wickets, average 49.29, BBI 3-40  
8. Dylan McElhatton – 5 wickets, average 30.80, BBI 3-62  
9. Jamie Millar – 5 wickets, average 45.40, BBI 2-5  
10. Andy Millar – 5 wickets, average 55.80, BBI 3-18