HALVERSTOWN 2: 2024 IN STATISTICS

Inch by inch we improve our position year on year, even if it was in Division 20 in 2024 rather than Division 19 the previous year. The juggling of teams in the lower divisions was a disaster ending up with 6 teams and giving us just 10 games. The games were skewed heavily to early and late season, which was not helpful. Still we finished 3rd, above halfway - though everyone knows how annoyed I was that Merrion 7 finished above us. We should have beaten them to claim runners-up. In further rejigging we now end up in Division 19 again for 2025, but no medals! We used 34 players in 2024, 3 more than 2023. Looking at our Achilles heel first, batting, with a minimum of 3 innings for inclusion. 

A glance at the chart illustrates our weakness in batting. Last year our top 9 batsmen were in double figures, this year just 4. Our heavy reliance on Junaid and Chaitan is obvious. Junaid’s 101 not out against Terenure 5 (out of 128 for 2) was the highlight of an excellent if brief season for him. Similarly Chaitan only managed 4 games but made quite an impact. Mushin's contribution was appreciated also but for the rest only David was over the 10 runs average though Matt was close. Avtar hit a half century but one innings doesn’t get you on the chart! Our top 10 average score was 163, +3% on last year; however top scoring batsmen 3 to 10 scored 40% less than 2024. Work needed. 

As usual our bowling performances were very satisfactory. Matt passed me out this season to claim top spot, though he did bowl almost twice as many overs! He had an excellent season with the ball, thoroughly deserving No.1. Junaid showed that he can bowl as well as bat (note his maidens) and had we had Sam for a few more games he might have been challenging them both. Junaid took 6 for 11 against Merrion (and we still lost!) whilst Matt had a “fifer” against Terenure. As with batting innings the low number of overs bowled generally shows how we struggled to have a settled team.  

As mentioned previously, this stat can favour those who bowl least! However, Junaid tops it comfortably despite a good amount of overs. After that there are our less regular bowlers before we get to some of the heavy lifters! As well as number of overs bowled you need to look at economy rates also for a full picture. Matt’s figures are again worth noting. 

Though higher than last year (influenced by some big defeats to Longford, unsurprisingly) our economy rates were fair. Again I have taken a tough line and only shown those conceding under 5 per over, since this represents an opponent’s score of 200, which is high enough! Only 8 were under 5 and this is a natural break since there is a gap of 1 run per over between 8th and 9th.  

This season I realised how Cricket Leinster works this out, since they added a final column of R*W to explain it. This is runs multiplied by wickets. Simple! It is an interesting chart since, other than the obvious ones of Junaid, Matt and Chaitan, some of the other names and positions are a surprise. Again note our reliance on a few outstanding performers.

6. CATCHES and STUMPINGS

We are good in the field! Our field catching rate has improved yet again with 2.9 catches per game, not including keepers’ catches. Chaitan and Ahsan were top with 4 apiece; there were 2 catches for Brian, Arun B, David, Matt, Kevin Hodson, Junaid and myself. There were a number with 1 catch including Brandon and Pushn. Hubert had one game behind the stumps and took an impressive 3 wickets - 2 catches and a stumping.

What are the lessons for 2025? The progress we made with our batting last season dissipated, which is a concern. Our bowling is good and we are always in with a chance because of that. We are often critical of ourselves in the field but there is steady progress being made. Thanks to Cecil who has been Vice Captain to me for more years than he or I care to remember. His advice has always been valued. I have enjoyed my time as captain and wish Jim all the very best of luck as the new Captain of H2. Thanks for the support and trust you have all given me and I hope that Jim enjoys the same.

Des Drumm 12/3/25