The 2017 season at Armagh Cricket Club was one of unprecedented success as the 1st XI won a league and cup double, in doing so marking their first return to the top level of NCU Cricket in 60 years. It might not have looked as bright at the start of the season as a late technicality with visa regulations meant that the Northern Cricket Union refused the registration of overseas player Indrajeet Kamtekar despite their earlier assurances. While this was undoubtedly a sad end to a legendary career in local cricket, Kamtekar was still to play an integral role through the season as a mentor for the team providing expert advice and opinion to players right through the club.

Undeterred, Armagh began the season in stunning fashion with a remarkable away win at Derriaghy led by 140 not out by Neil Gelston then backed by a superb bowling and fielding effort. Academy were dispatched on the Mall thanks to a solid half century from captain Matthew Steenson and a five wicket haul from the returning Alan Whitcroft. An under-par performance led to defeat at Lisburn in the AJG Challenge Cup before a comfortable win against Lurgan in the T20 Trophy. More controversy followed as Cliftonville beat Armagh at Mallusk thanks to a century from current Irish international Paul Stirling before Armagh lost a closely contested game at early pacesetters Woodvale despite great batting from Jarred Barnes and Andrew Hoey.

At this point Armagh’s season could have been at a crossroads but there followed a set of impressive victories through June. Bangor were well beaten on the Mall as Colin Russell scored 74 before the bowlers led by Harry Doyle and Ben Mackey skittled them for 70. Lurgan were turned over at Pollock Park despite 88 from their overseas player Dandekar as Mackey and Gelston took three wickets each before a great partnership of 152 between Gelston and Russell gave Armagh an eight wicket win. The same combination were too much for Holywood on the Mall as Gelston scored 89 and Russell 71 not out in a wonderful Armagh score of 269-6. In reply Holywood were never in contention all out for 80 as teenage bowling sensation Ben Mackey took a brilliant 6-21 and in a sign of things to come, Jarred Barnes took 3 wickets in his first bowl. Armagh romped into the LVS T20 Trophy final with comfortable home wins against Cliftonville and Bangor respectively.

A setback followed at Donaghcloney Mill as a poor performance with bat and ball was capitalised upon excellently by the strong home team but any doubts were answered with another strong home win against Derriaghy. Tough conditions meant that Armagh had to dig in and post a competitive score with Michael Hoey leading the way with 54 then the bowling of Mackey and Doyle ensured the points stayed at the Mall. Academy were smashed again as dogged batting from Gelston and Hoey got Armagh up to a decent target between the showers before Barnes and Whitcroft ensured Academy wouldn’t get close as they were dismissed for a mere 27.

The following day saw Armagh travel to The Lawn Waringstown to play Woodvale in the LVS T20 Trophy final. A super following from the city supported the team who put in a wonderful performance with the ball and in the field to restrict Woodvale to 91 in their 20 overs. Neil Gelston got Armagh off to a great start and Man of the Match Jarred Barnes saw the team to the target to seal the trophy for a delighted Armagh.
Back to business in the Gardiner Brothers League with another Home win against Cliftonville who struggled to 121 which was knocked off comfortably for a six wicket win. The following day Armagh managed to beat Downpatrick and more importantly the elements as the rain threatened to intervene as a strong score led by 70 from Colin Russell was backed by some brilliant fielding and bowling led by Barnes.

The next home game against Woodvale was billed as a title decider by the Ulster Cricket media and they weren’t to be disappointed in a thrilling game. Armagh struggled to 96-7 but a fantastic fighting partnership between Samuel Wilson and Gareth McCarter saw Armagh to a competitive 180. Woodvale were reduced to 28-4 in reply with Mackey again causing damage but a brilliant fightback from Irwin and Gibson put the Belfast side in pole position. Armagh’s attitude came out on top and inspired bowling and fielding saw the pendulum swing in their favour as Alan Whitcroft took the crucial final wicket and the team celebrated wildly knowing what the win meant against their nearest rivals.
This was backed up with another strong win against Bangor with Barnes and Michael Hoey scoring important runs before the big South African bowled with pace and skill to destroy the Home batting for a mere 75. A dogged Donaghcloney Mill provides stern opposition on the Mall, posting a competitive score despite early wickets from Mackey and Barnes. A determined half century from Russell was enough to lead the Armagh chase.
The final game of the season turned out to be at Downpatrick. Inclement Autumn weather led to a green wicket but Armagh knuckled down to post a score, helped by a Gelston half-century to take him past 600 league runs for the summer. In response Downpatrick couldn’t compete as Ben Mackey and Barnes got Armagh off to the usual great start. When Gelston bowled Magowan to seal the Armagh win the team could celebrate knowing that a remarkable league triumph had been sealed. A tremendous source of pride for Armagh captain Matthew Steenson was that he led a team that all contributed and had someone to stand up and do the business when required. When the team was met with difficulties and setbacks they generally bounced back when they needed to.

The Premier League will present huge challenges both on and off the field but they are ones that Armagh will hope to embrace with the support of everyone in the club and the city.