While North County failed in their quest to gain promotion to the top flight of Leinster cricket, they did at least have the consolation of a trophy, winning the Irish National Cup.

There were quite a number of fine individual performances for the Balrothery side, who will no doubt reflect on what might have been had they been able to put out a full strength team on more occasions.

Overseas professional Malcolm Nofal enjoyed a fine all-round campaign and made 840 runs at just over 44, as well as taking 40 wickets - not a bad return.

Skipper Eddie Richardson hit 697 at exactly 41, while chipping in with 28 wickets at just over 17.

Jamie Grassi was injured for a portion of the campaign but still made 486 runs at over 30.

Others who topped over 300 runs were Niall McGovern (445 at 17.80), Andrew Sheridan (395 at 21.94), John Mooney (379 at 23.69), and Jonathan Andrews (338 at 19.88).

The bowling unit was impressive, and spearheaded not by the 'old reliables' of Richardson and Mooney, but by Abdul Ghaffar and Usman Azhar.

Ghaffar had the superb return of 54 wickets at 16.19, while Azhar claimed 44 scalps at 16.39.

As well as the aforementioned Nofal (40 wickets) and Richardson (28 wickets), John Mooney also took 28 wickets at 20.71, while Sean Sludds captured 20 wickets at 20.60.

No doubt North County won't be far away again in 2023 and will start as one of the front-runners for promotion.

NORTH COUNTY BATTING
Malcolm Nofal 840 runs at 44.21 (7 fifties/1 hundred)
Eddie Richardson 697 runs at 41.00 (5/1)
Jamie Grassi 486 runs at 30.37 (3/0)
Niall McGovern 445 runs at 17.80 (2/0)
Andrew Sheridaan 395 runs at 21.94 (1/1)
John Mooney 379 runs at 23.69 (2/0)
Jonathan Andrews 338 runs at 19.88 (3/0)

NORTH COUNTY BOWLING
Abdul Ghaffar 54 wickets at 16.19
Usman Azhar 44 wickets at 16.39
Malcolm Nofal 40 wickets at 15.95
Eddie Richardson 28 wickets at 17.07
John Mooney 28 wickets at 20.71
Sean Sludds 20 wickets at 20.60