The Hills storm to First Team League title and secure Premiership return

The Hills will be back where they believe they belong in 2027 after sweeping all before them to claim the Leinster First Team League title in emphatic fashion.

The Milverton side were a class apart for much of the campaign, combining formidable batting firepower with a disciplined and varied bowling attack to secure promotion back to the Premiership at a canter.

It was a season packed with outstanding individual performances, although the strength of The Hills was undoubtedly their ability to produce match-winners throughout the side.

Leading the charge with the bat was Liam Blackford, who enjoyed a magnificent campaign, accumulating 703 runs in just 12 innings at a remarkable average of 70.30. His tally included three centuries and two half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 162. He struck 86 boundaries and 16 sixes, providing the backbone of several commanding totals.

Yaseen Sherzad was another major influence, scoring 613 runs at 34.06, including a century and four fifties, while also proving invaluable with the ball. Nathan Rooney provided plenty of fireworks, amassing 528 runs at 35.20, including a century and two half-centuries. His tally of 33 sixes was the highest in the squad, underlining his attacking approach.

Muzamil Sherzad contributed 455 runs, while Joe Fletcher was another model of consistency, compiling 451 runs at 34.69, including four half-centuries. That depth ensured opposition bowlers rarely enjoyed much respite.

The bowling figures were equally impressive, with Tomas Rooney Murphy and Yaseen Sherzad sharing the honours as leading wicket-takers with 32 apiece. Rooney Murphy was particularly economical, conceding just 3.91 runs per over while taking his wickets at an average of 16.75.

Sherzad's 32 wickets at 18.41 completed an outstanding all-round campaign, while Killian McGrane provided excellent support with 21 scalps. Febin Manoj also made a significant impact, claiming 20 wickets at an outstanding average of 14.60, including the season's best figures of 6 for 41. Cian Nulty chipped in with 17 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, highlighting the quality and variety at the team's disposal.

The challenge will undoubtedly become tougher in the Premiership, where greater consistency and quality will be demanded against Leinster's leading clubs. However, with such a potent combination of experience, attacking batting and wicket-taking options, The Hills have every reason to approach their return to the top flight with confidence.

For now, though, the Milverton faithful can celebrate a thoroughly deserved title triumph and a swift return to the big time.

The Hills – Top 10 Batters

1. Liam Blackford – 703 runs at 70.30 (HS 162\*)
2. Yaseen Sherzad – 613 runs at 34.06 (HS 105)
3. Nathan Rooney – 528 runs at 35.20 (HS 101)
4. Muzamil Sherzad – 455 runs at 25.28 (HS 61)
5. Joe Fletcher – 451 runs at 34.69 (HS 79)
6. Andrew Kavanagh – 274 runs at 27.40 (HS 63)
7. Max Robertson – 199 runs at 33.17 (HS 60)
8. Joseph Russell – 110 runs at 13.75 (HS 35\*)
9. Febin Manoj – 85 runs at 28.33 (HS 43)
10. Tomas Rooney Murphy – 85 runs at 12.14 (HS 28)

The Hills – Top 10 Bowlers

1. Tomas Rooney Murphy – 32 wickets at 16.75 (BB 4-19)
2. Yaseen Sherzad – 32 wickets at 18.41 (BB 4-39)
3. Killian McGrane – 21 wickets at 24.00 (BB 3-24)
4. Febin Manoj – 20 wickets at 14.60 (BB 6-41)
5. Cian Nulty – 17 wickets at 22.88 (BB 5-39)
6. Roxton Payne – 10 wickets at 20.60 (BB 4-34)
7. Matthew Weldon – 9 wickets at 35.44 (BB 2-26)
8. Muzamil Sherzad – 8 wickets at 24.38 (BB 3-24)
9. Stefano Di Bartolomeo – 7 wickets at 30.57 (BB 2-33)
10. Andrew Kavanagh – 5 wickets at 41.20 (BB 3-26)