Liebenberg leads the way as Armagh ace tops Section One bowling charts
Luan Liebenberg has emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the NCU Section One bowling averages, with the Armagh 1st XI bowler setting the standard in a highly competitive campaign.
Liebenberg heads the list with 32 wickets from 80 overs at an outstanding average of 11.28, conceding just 361 runs. His economy rate of 4.51 and strike-rate of 15.0 underline both his accuracy and potency, while his best figures of 5 for 39 give him one five-wicket haul for the season. With 14 maidens, he has also proved one of the most difficult bowlers in the division to get away.
Lurgan all-rounder Liam Doddrell is close behind in second place, continuing a superb individual season. Doddrell has taken 29 wickets from 97.3 overs at 16.17, with best figures of 6 for 30. He has bowled 13 maidens and maintained an economy of 4.81, giving Lurgan a reliable attacking option across long spells.
Saintfield’s Ethan Hanna completes the top three, and his figures show remarkable consistency. Hanna has claimed 26 wickets at 16.88 from 102.2 overs, with an excellent economy rate of 4.29. His best return of 5 for 14 is one of two five-wicket hauls, making him the only bowler in the top five to achieve that feat twice.
Bangor are strongly represented in the upper reaches of the table, with Christopher Pyper fourth, Angus Farrell seventh, George Prince eighth and Brodie Harrison ninth. Pyper has 24 wickets at 18.92, including superb best figures of 6 for 24, while Farrell has been Bangor’s most economical regular, taking 21 wickets at 19.95 and conceding just 4.16 runs per over. Prince has 20 wickets, highlighted by a devastating 6 for 20, while Harrison has also chipped in with 20 wickets from 104 overs.
Carrickfergus’ Atish Varape sits fifth with 23 wickets at 16.70, maintaining a strike-rate of 19.2 and best figures of 4 for 21. His team-mate CJ Van der Walt has also made a major contribution, taking 19 wickets at 19.47, including a five-wicket return of 5 for 23.
Saintfield have had further support from Brijesh Krishali and Werner Brand. Krishali has taken 22 wickets at 18.32, while Brand, better known for his batting exploits, has added 17 wickets, although at a higher average of 32.41.
Lurgan’s strength in depth is clear. Alongside Doddrell, Nithin Babu has been hugely effective with 18 wickets at just 12.83, the second-best average among the leading bowlers. His 5 for 29 and 10 maidens from only 48.4 overs point to a bowler who has made every spell count. Darwish Nazari has also taken 18 wickets, while Ivan Sinovich and John Guy have added 17 and 15 respectively.
Cregagh’s Danny Cooper deserves special mention for his control. Cooper has 16 wickets at 14.50, with an outstanding economy rate of 3.88, the best among the top 21. His best figures of 5 for 12 are one of two five-wicket hauls, matching Hanna’s tally.
Templepatrick have been led by Ben Cave and Shane Henderson. Cave has 17 wickets at 19.24, including 5 for 24, while Henderson has 16 wickets at 22.25 and a tidy economy of 4.24.
Armagh’s Samuel Wilson rounds out the list with 15 wickets from only 33.5 overs. His economy rate of 9.19 is high, but a strike-rate of 13.5 shows his knack for taking wickets quickly.
With Liebenberg out in front, Doddrell close behind and several clubs boasting multiple wicket-taking options, the Section One bowling race has been every bit as compelling as the batting charts.
SECTION ONE BOWLING
Name
Club
Wickets
Average
Luan Liebenberg Armagh 32 11.28 Liam Doddrell Lurgan 29 16.17 Ethan Hanna Saintfield 26 16.88 Christopher Pyper Bangor 24 18.92 Atish Varape Carrickfergus 23 16.70 Brijesh Krishali Saintfield 22 18.32 Angus Farrell Bangor 21 19.95 George Prince Bangor 20 20.15 Brodie Harrison Bangor 20 23.65 CJ Van der Walt Carrickfergus 19 19.47 Alex Ogle Donacloney Mill 19 20.47 Nithin Babu Lurgan 18 12.83 Darwish Nazari Lurgan 18 26.44 Ben Cave Templepatrick 17 19.24 Ivan Sinovich Lurgan 17 19.41 Werner Brand Saintfield 17 32.41 Danny Cooper Cregagh 16 14.50 Shane Henderson Templepatrick 16 22.25 Alastair Watt Cregagh 16 28.00 John Guy Lurgan 15 16.60 Samuel Wilson Armagh 15 20.73
