What a difference a year makes! Following the stigma of relegation in 2008, Armagh bounced back by capturing the Section Two title in some style. What made it even more special was the fact that the club were celebrating their 150th anniversary, and it was perhaps fitting that the club with one of the most picturesque grounds in Ireland should have a trophy to celebrate with.

Looking at the statistics, it's thanks primarily to the efforts of their bowlers that the league was won, and it's there that we will start. Indian professional Charudatta Kulkarni topped the averages with 35 wickets at just 9, and coupled with an economy rate of just 2.41, it really was a magnificent effort. Kulkarni will be known to NW readers from his time with Creevedonnell in 2005, and his training there at altitude clearly has helped his cricket. Not sure if he plays in Nepal in the off season as well.

He had plenty of support from his fellow bowlers, as six took double figures. David Bullick managed 27 at just 10.6, while Stuart Lester went one better, managing 28 at 13.28. Mark Stinson impressed by capturing 22 at 15.32, while Reggie Stinson took 15 at 15. Harry Doyle - 11 at 21.45 - completes an excellent all round display by the bowlers.

Onto the batting, and it's clearl that the bowlers didn't leave them many to chase, as only three players made it past 200 runs - quite remarkable in a title winning team, no matter what the division.

Colin Russell led the way, as his 506 runs at 42.20 was a super effort. Kulkarni chipped in with 370 runs at 46.25, while Michael Villiers made 231 at 17.80.

Others worthy of a mention are Philip Doyle with 181 at 20.10, David Bullick, 175 at exactly 25, and Matthew Steenson whose 142 runs came at a healthy 20.30.

Onto the fielding and a word of special praise for a superb campaign by wicket-keeper Garteh McCarter. He supported his bowlers magnificently by snaffling no fewer than 26 catches and also picked up 5 stumpings, to finish with a combined total of 31 dismissals. Kulkarni's safe paws saw him complete a super all-round season by taking 11 catches, while Lloyd Hamilton, Colin Russell and Michael Villiers all took 5 each.

2010 brings new challenges, and being up a division will require a huge effort from all within the club if a 'snakes-and-ladders' type scenario doesn't start to occur. I believe they have the capability and ambition to have a happy if not exactly prosperous sojurn in Section One.