Lurgan suffer promotion heartbreak despite magnificent Doddrell campaign

Lurgan were left reflecting on what might have been after narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premiership following a thrilling final night of high drama in Section One. It was a cruel conclusion to an outstanding campaign for the Pollock Park side, who had pushed their promotion rivals all the way, only to fall agonisingly short of a return to the top flight.

While the disappointment was understandably difficult to take, there were plenty of positives, not least the extraordinary performances of Liam Doddrell, who enjoyed a season that will live long in the memory.

The prolific overseas all-rounder was simply sensational, amassing a remarkable 1374 runs at an average of 72.32, including three centuries and nine half-centuries. His unbeaten 157 was the highlight of a campaign in which he struck 118 fours and an astonishing 55 sixes, scoring his runs at an impressive strike rate of 106.8.

If those figures weren't remarkable enough, Doddrell was equally destructive with the ball, claiming 49 wickets at just 14.67 apiece, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6 for 30. It was a truly exceptional all-round contribution and one of the outstanding individual campaigns in the competition.

He wasn't alone in producing the goods with the bat, however, as Jaydee Oliver also enjoyed a superb season.

Oliver accumulated 799 runs at 44.39, including two centuries and five fifties, with a highest score of 120. His aggressive batting provided Lurgan with another match-winner at the top of the order. Stephen Johnston chipped in with 495 runs, including three half-centuries, while Jack Maxwell contributed 361 and Stephen Chambers struck an unbeaten 109 among his 263 runs.

Lurgan's bowling attack also possessed considerable firepower. Darwish Nazari was a consistent performer with 32 wickets at 23.25, while Nithin Babu was particularly impressive, claiming 27 scalps at an excellent average of 15.37, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5 for 19.

Ivan Sinovich contributed 25 wickets, with John Guy taking 18 and Maxwell adding a further 12. There was certainly no shortage of individual quality, and Lurgan's ability to remain firmly in the promotion picture until the final evening demonstrated their credentials.

Ultimately, though, the margins between success and disappointment proved painfully fine. The challenge now is to turn that frustration into renewed determination. With such a formidable core of players, Lurgan will surely believe they have the ability to go one better next season and secure the Premiership place that narrowly eluded them.

Lurgan – Top 10 Batters

1. Liam Doddrell – 1374 runs at 72.32 (HS 157\*)
2. Jaydee Oliver – 799 runs at 44.39 (HS 120)
3. Stephen Johnston – 495 runs at 21.52 (HS 74)
4. Jack Maxwell – 361 runs at 24.07 (HS 57)
5. Stephen Chambers – 263 runs at 18.79 (HS 109\*)
6. Jack Harrison – 227 runs at 20.64 (HS 48)
7. Ivan Sinovich – 207 runs at 17.25 (HS 47)
8. John Guy – 175 runs at 29.17 (HS 43\*)
9. Callum Grieve – 113 runs at 10.27 (HS 31)
10. Iqbal Khan – 107 runs at 11.89 (HS 39\*)

Lurgan – Top 10 Bowlers

1. Liam Doddrell – 49 wickets at 14.67 (BB 6-30)
2. Darwish Nazari – 32 wickets at 23.25 (BB 4-22)
3. Nithin Babu – 27 wickets at 15.37 (BB 5-19)
4. Ivan Sinovich – 25 wickets at 23.96 (BB 3-15)
5. John Guy – 18 wickets at 20.89 (BB 3-10)
6. Jack Maxwell – 12 wickets at 27.83 (BB 2-19)
7. Iqbal Khan – 11 wickets at 21.82 (BB 3-20)
8. Brendon Schmidt – 7 wickets at 14.29 (BB 3-20)
9. Garry McClune – 6 wickets at 18.17 (BB 3-47)
10. Adam Johnson – 6 wickets at 44.83 (BB 1-14)