Brand and Zimmermann locked together at summit of NCU bowling averages

Neil Brand has already been one of the standout batters in the NCU this season, but the Muckamore all-rounder is proving just as influential with the ball.

The latest bowling figures show Brand joint-top of the wicket-taking charts with 28 wickets from 14 matches, and his average of 12.54 is the best among the leading 20 bowlers. His economy rate of just 3.23 also underlines his value, with Brand not only taking wickets but applying constant pressure over long spells.

Sharing top spot on 28 wickets is North Down’s Harry Zimmermann, whose returns have been more explosive. Former Ardmore all-rounder Zimmermann has two five-wicket hauls already, including a best of 5 for 28, and a strike-rate of 16.07 — the sharpest among the frontrunners. His economy of 5.53 is higher than Brand’s, but he has been a consistent wicket-taking threat for North Down.

Instonians’ Cian Robertson is close behind with 27 wickets at 14.59, including a superb best of 5 for 8. Robertson’s accuracy is reflected in just four wides across 112.1 overs, a remarkable statistic at this stage of the campaign.

CI’s Jacob Mulder has also been outstanding, taking 26 wickets at 13.31, the second-best average in the top 20. His economy rate of 3.48 and best return of 4 for 9 point to a bowler who has offered control and penetration in equal measure.

Lisburn’s Neil Whitworth, another player featuring prominently with both bat and ball, has 26 wickets, although his average of 22.88 reflects a heavier workload and a more expensive role. Instonians’ Andrew White has 25 wickets at 16.36, while CSNI’s Harry Dyer also has 25, maintaining a steady presence across 110 overs.

Waringstown’s Greg Thompson has 24 wickets, highlighted by the best figures in the top 20 — a devastating 6 for 18. Clubmate Tom Mayes has also produced a six-wicket haul, taking 22 wickets in just 10 matches at 15.64.

Lisburn’s Jon Hinrichsen sits on 24 wickets, while Muckamore’s Jason van der Merwe has 23 at an excellent average of 15.70, including 5 for 29. CSNI’s James West also has 23 wickets, with a best of 5 for 35.

Further down, Shane Dadswell again shows his all-round class with 22 wickets for Instonians, while CSNI’s Jake Collingwood has matched that tally. Woodvale’s Evan Carlisle has 21 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, and team-mate Ruhan Pretorius has been one of the most efficient bowlers on the list, taking 20 wickets at 14.45 with a best of 6 for 23.

Babar Khan, Adam Leckey and Ben Walsh have also reached the 20-wicket mark, while Woodvale’s Ludwig Kaestner completes the top 20 with 19 wickets at 17.89.

With wickets tightly bunched at the top, the second half of the season promises a fascinating battle. Brand has the average, Zimmermann has the strike-rate, and a hungry chasing pack is close enough to make the race far from settled.

NCU BOWLING AGGREGATES