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DOWNATRICK’S second XI secured a richly deserved promotion to NCU Junior League Section 5 after ending their 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a comprehensive 131-run victory over Armagh’s third XI at The Mall on Saturday. Led by captain Jobin Jacob, with vice-captain Syam Rajmohan, Downpatrick produced an outstanding all-round performance when it mattered most, finishing as runners-up in NCU League Section 6 behind Dunmurry’s second XI. The promotion caps an excellent campaign in which Downpatrick recorded 10 victories and just four defeats from their 14 league matches, collecting 40 points. Armagh won the toss and elected to bowl, but Downpatrick’s batting line-up responded with an imposing 203 for seven from their 20 overs. Following some early wickets, Manish Kumar provided stability with an important 39 from 32 deliveries, giving the middle order a platform from which to launch the final assault. Lijo Sebastian then produced a superb attacking innings, smashing 53 from just 30 balls, including five fours and four sixes. His half-century came from only 28 deliveries. There was no let-up as Gokul Rajan joined the attack, blasting a magnificent 52 from 26 deliveries, with four fours and five sixes. His half-century arrived in just 24 balls. Jacob Vinod added a valuable quick-fire 22 from 14 balls to ensure Downpatrick finished with a formidable total. The 203-run target gave Downpatrick a strong platform, but the job was far from complete. Their bowlers then produced a disciplined and ruthless display to ensure there would be no late drama. Sarath Sathyan was outstanding with the new ball, ripping through the Armagh batting order and finishing with superb figures of three for 13 from four overs. Noah Densley maintained the pressure with two for 21, while Jacob Vinod delivered an excellent economical spell, taking two for just six from his two overs. Sagar Basheer was equally impressive, conceding only seven runs from three overs while claiming a wicket. The final wicket fittingly went to Manish Kumar, bringing the Armagh innings to an end in the 18th over. Armagh were bowled out for just 72 from 17.1 overs, handing Downpatrick a commanding 131-run victory. For the Downpatrick second XI, it was a fitting conclusion to a season which has seen them consistently compete at the top end of Junior League Section 6 table. The second XI will now take their place in NCU Junior League Section 5 in 2027, with their attention now turning to celebrating a season which also included a Lindsay Cup win