Neil Whitworth has been the player of the season leading his Lisburn side to pole position in the NCU Premiership and this weekend they will be vying for a place in the quarter-finals of the Irish Senior Cup.

The 31-year-old tops the batting averages with his 328 runs coming at exactly 82, while he has also taken 15 wickets with his off-spin. He’s proven very much a finisher, scoring four half centuries in his last five innings – three of them unbeaten.

The Durham-born all-rounder has cited the confidence gained from a pre-season Ulster Grasshoppers tour, plus hard work in the nets for his prolific form.

“I’ve been working very hard over the winter on my batting with Uel Graham and a bit with Mark Adair as well,” said Whitworth.

“That coupled with the trip to South Africa definitely helped as well with my confidence. It was an experience of a lifetime for me, really brilliant and so much fun on and off the field. It was superbly organised with brilliant people.

“I just try to be consistent in the number four position and read the game as I see it. I’m very fortunate in that there are a number of power hitters in the ranks that take the pressure off. Having the likes of Nigel Jones, James Hunter and Ross Adair lets me play my own game.

It’s been a great time for Sunderland fan Whitworth, who is in his second season as captain and enjoying leading a side packed with internationals.

“I think it’s important that everyone knows their role in the team. The good thing for me in having so many high-profile players in there is that you’re never short of anyone to turn to for advice.

“Nigel Jones in particular has so much experience over here and has such a high stature in the game, and of course Faiz Fazal our overseas professional.”

The one gap in Lisburn’s honours CV is the Irish Senior Cup, although the Wallace Park side did taste success in the All-Ireland T20 competition last season.

“That T20 win will stand us in good stead. We have a home draw against fellow NCU opposition CSNI to look forward to. We had a very tough game against them earlier in the season so it will be a hard test without a doubt.”

Lisburn will be without their trio of Irish internationals for the weekend, but Whitworth isn’t angry at their absence, indeed far from it.

“We should embrace the fact that the club has three internationals and celebrate it. It’s just one of those things and we have a good deal of depth and quality in our squad to cope with it.”

Lisburn have never been a club to rest on their laurels, always looking for the next signing to build for the future.

“That’s the structure of the club, where we have some very important key heads behind the scenes,” added Whitworth, who lives close to Wallace Park. “They are all very future focused on where they want to be, and that’s very beneficial to have.”

There’s a feeling 2025 could be a really special season for Lisburn, and Whitworth agrees.

“It potentially could be. We have got a very strong squad, and there’s not much Irish international cricket this summer so we have got plenty to look forward to.”

Other northern sides in action on Sunday are CIYMS – who entertain Railway Union – while Instonians travel to Pembroke. Flying the flag for the North-West are Coleraine, who take on five-times winners North County, while Donemana travel to two-times winners Merrion.

Saturday’s Premiership action has leaders Lisburn hosting North Down, while Instonians will look to keep the pressure on as they visit troubled Muckamore. Templepatrick entertain Cliftonville Academy, with both sides desperate for points, while CIYMS are home to Woodvale, and Waringstown face CSNI, knowing even at this early stage, a win is vital for their Premiership title ambitions.