NEIL BRAND sits proudly at the top of the NCU averages having plundered 530 runs at an incredible average of 106, helping his Muckamore side to second place in the Premiership.

“It's been a great start to the season for me,” said Brand. “The people that have welcomed me to the club have done a great job and helped me settle in.

“Having such a great bunch of team mates too has been a big contributing factor to that success. I've also got my wife Karen here with me which has also helped.”

The 30-year-old was a player in demand after previous stellar displays, but admits the decision to opt for Muckamore was a straightforward one.

“There was an offer from my previous club but the communication with Muckamore especially the President David Robinson led me to have a pretty easy option to sign for them.

“The location of the ground in the Antrim countryside was another factor. I love the area.”

Indeed, the South African international and his wife have ventured out into the country exploring the sights.

“I've gotten to see quite a bit of the North Coast. We were in David’s house in Portballintrae last week which was kind of him, and we also visited Portrush, Portstewart and the Giant's Causeway.

“The scenery is spectacular and really beautiful,” he added.

The keen golfer has immersed himself in the local environment, and admits to enjoying a Guinness, which is hard to get back home.

“I do enjoy my golf,” said Brand, who plays off a low single digit handicap.

“I've been very fortunate to have played a number of the top courses including Royal County Down which was amazing. I'd love to play Portrush and a few others too.”

He enjoys other sports too, not single-mindedly focused on just cricket.

“I play Padel back home, where the sport is really growing fast with loads of courts being built. There are also four indoor Padel courts at our club which is fantastic.

“I like darts too which is good fun, and I follow the URC in rugby. There are a lot of South Africans playing for Ulster and Leinster, so it's been good to keep track of them.”

He is no stranger to the UK, having studied and played in Cardiff.

“My dad always said you need to get an education and a degree just in case cricket didn't work out.

“He was working in London so the opportunity was there to study in Cardiff MCCU and also play cricket.”

Neil obtained a Business Management Degree with Finance and that's an avenue he would like to pursue once his career ends.

“When the day comes I would probably like to do something on the financial side of cricket in an off-field role.

“I think I'd quite enjoy managing a team or something in that capacity.”

The opportunity came to not only play, but captain his country, which he did in two Tests in New Zealand.

“It was obviously a huge honour to play for South Africa and lead them.

“Hopefully that's not my last Test. I'd love to get back into the team, but I've just got to keep putting runs on the board and taking wickets I guess.”

Closer to home, it’s a huge weekend for Muckamore who face Instonians in the Premiership, followed by Cliftonville Academy in the Senior Challenge Cup.

“Hopefully the bad weather stays away first and foremost.

“It's going to be a tough challenge for us but we have been playing great cricket in the league. Hopefully we can put them under pressure and come away with a win.

“Shane Dadswell is obviously a very good player, and in the Ireland mix now.

“It should be a good challenge to play against him. They've got some very top quality players like Neil Rock and Cade Carmichael. It should be a very tough game for us.”

Muckamore has been far from a one-man team, and Brand has received lots of support from his colleagues.

“We have a very strong team. Jason van der Merwe has impressed me a lot with his all-round batting and bowling ability, plus he's obviously a fantastic fielder. I'm quite surprised he's not in the regional set-up - he's clearly a very under-rated player.

“We've got a really good side that covers all bases. We have fast bowlers in Allen Coulter, Aditya Adey and Neil Gill, as well as youngsters like Luka Bates coming through.

“Myself and Jason van der Merwe can bowl spin in the middle overs. We have plenty of batting and Marko Bates is also doing well in the Ireland U19 set-up.

“I think it's just about the group believing that they can do it. That's been my goal with the squad, getting them to increase their confidence and self-belief.”

Two wins this weekend and Muckamore will be right in the frame for more silverware.