Ross Hunter is leading the way in the North West Premiership wicket-taking charts, but the latest bowling figures underline just how competitive the race for top honours has become.
The Newbuildings seamer has claimed 24 wickets from 71.1 overs, the highest tally in the division, at an average of 16.92. His best return of 4 for 6 highlights his ability to take wickets, while seven maidens and a strike rate of 17.8 show that he has been both attacking and economical.
Brigade’s Trent McKeegan is close behind with 22 wickets and has arguably been the most consistent frontline performer. His average of 16.09 is better than Hunter’s, while his economy rate of 4.28 across 82.4 overs has given Brigade control as well as penetration. His best of 4 for 22 has helped keep Brigade firmly competitive.
Fox Lodge’s Levi Kerr is third on the wicket list with 20 scalps from 56 overs, and he has been among the most dangerous strike bowlers in the league. His strike rate of 16.8 is the best among the leading group, while his 5 for 41 remains one of only three five-wicket hauls listed.
Coleraine are particularly well represented, with Stephen Hutchinson, Scott Campbell and Gareth Burns all prominent. Hutchinson has taken 19 wickets at 19.47, while Campbell and Burns have 17 apiece. Burns has also produced a five-wicket return, with 5 for 41, underlining Coleraine’s depth in the bowling department.
St Johnston’s Nathan Cole has been one of the standout performers by average, taking 17 wickets at just 13.35. His economy rate of 4.09 and 10 maidens make him one of the most disciplined bowlers in the competition, while his best of 4 for 19 confirms his match-winning threat.
Donemana’s Melvin Devaraj has sent down the most overs among the top performers, with 91, taking 16 wickets at 23.19 and conceding just 4.08 per over. Strabane’s Vadivel Moorthy has also claimed 16 wickets, including 5 for 32.
Brigade’s Ryan Macbeth and Newbuildings’ Peat Salmon have both taken 15 wickets, with Salmon’s economy of 3.80 the best on the list. Bready’s Charlie Downey also has 15 wickets, though at a higher average of 33.27.
With Hunter ahead on wickets, Cole leading the averages, Salmon setting the economy standard and Kerr the quickest striker, the bowling race remains wide open.
BOWLING AVERAGES
Name
Club
Wickets
Average
Ross Hunter Newbuildings 24 16.92 Trent McKeegan Brigade 22 16.09 Levi Kerr Fox Lodge 20 16.75 Stephen Hutchinson Coleraine 19 19.47 Nathan Cole St Johnston 17 13.35 Scott Campbell Coleraine 17 21.53 Gareth Burns Coleraine 17 21.94 Melvin Devaraj Donemana 16 23.19 Vadivel Moorthy Strabane 16 23.25 Ryan Macbeth Brigade 15 20.60 Peat Salmon Newbuildings 15 21.73 Charlie Downey Bready 15 33.27
