Shane Dadswell has set the pace in the NCU batting charts, with the Instonians powerhouse sitting proudly at the top of the run aggregates after a blistering opening half of the season.

Across all matches and grades up to July 5th, Dadswell has amassed 821 runs in 16 matches, underlining both his consistency and his ability to dominate attacks. His highest score of 183 is one of two centuries, while five further half-centuries point to a player rarely missing out once he gets in. What really catches the eye, however, is his strike-rate of 178.48 and 80 sixes — a remarkable return that confirms his status as the most destructive batter in the competition.

Muckamore’s Neil Brand is his closest challenger, with 737 runs at an excellent average of 67. Brand has combined power and reliability, hitting two centuries and four fifties, with 78 fours and 33 sixes showing his ability to score all around the ground.

North Down’s Mike Erlank is third on 646 runs, and no one in the top 20 has more centuries than his three. His average of 64.60 and high score of 178 have made him a central figure in North Down’s campaign, while Waringstown’s Steve Stolk is only five runs further back on 641. Stolk has been the most explosive of the front-runners, scoring at 184.20 and clearing the ropes 58 times.

Chris Dougherty continues to be one of CI’s great constants, fifth on 593 runs. His strike-rate may be more measured than some around him, but an average of 53.91, one century and five half-centuries show the value of his experience and dependability.

Lisburn’s Neil Whitworth has also enjoyed a fine summer, making 562 runs at 56.20, just ahead of Instonians’ Sully Gould, whose 558 runs have come at a stunning strike-rate of 187.88. Gould has two centuries and two fifties, further strengthening a formidable Instonians batting unit.

Woodvale have two players inside the top ten, with Ludwig Kaestner on 555 and Ruhan Pretorius on 546. Both have passed three figures and both have given Woodvale important solidity, while Cliftonville Academy’s CP Klijnhans has impressed with 550 runs, including a best of 165.

Waringstown’s depth is reflected by the presence of James McCollum and Morgan Topping at 11 and 12. McCollum has 468 runs at 58.50, while Topping’s 465 runs have come at 66.43 and include a remarkable 104 boundaries.

Further down, Mohamed Aahill, Abhishek Hebbar, Ben Calitz and Marc Ellison have all made centuries, with Calitz’s 439 runs at an average of 109.75 particularly eye-catching from just seven innings.

Harry Dyer, Harry Warke, Matthew McCord and Andrew White complete the top 20, all making telling contributions for their clubs.

With the season only just past its midway mark, Dadswell has opened a clear lead, but the chasing pack is packed with quality. If the weather holds and the pitches stay true, the race to top 1,000 runs could yet become one of the stories of the NCU summer.

NCU BATTING