Adams and Smyth lead the way as Templepatrick finish sixth

Templepatrick enjoyed a solid if somewhat inconsistent campaign in Section One of the NCU, collecting nine victories on their way to a sixth-place finish, with several standout individual performances providing plenty of encouragement for the future.

The Ballyclare Road side showed they could compete with the best on their day, although a lack of consistency ultimately prevented them from mounting a sustained challenge towards the top of the table.

Jancan Adams was undoubtedly one of the stars of the season, making a significant impact with both bat and ball. The overseas pro finished second in the batting averages with 385 runs at 35, including four half-centuries and a highest score of 73 not out. However, it was with the ball that Adams really excelled, claiming 28 wickets at the remarkable average of just 12.21, with best figures of 5 for 12. His economy rate of 3.64 underlined his control and importance to the attack.

Jack Smyth topped the run-scoring charts with 390 at 32.50, including three fifties and the side's only century, an unbeaten 111. Nik Kane contributed 289 runs, just one ahead of Mark Thompson, while Ben Cave supplied valuable middle-order firepower with 264 runs at a strike rate of 106.5. Cave's 21 sixes were the most by any Templepatrick batter, while Curtley Deelman was another who caught the eye with 244 runs from just eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 112.4.

Shane Henderson was another outstanding all-round contributor, scoring 250 runs while sharing the bowling honours with Adams on 28 wickets. Henderson was the attack's workhorse, sending down 163 overs and conceding just 3.58 runs per over. His consistency was a major asset throughout the campaign. Ben Cave also impressed with the ball, collecting 18 wickets, including a five-wicket haul of 5 for 24. Michael Stewart took 17 wickets at 16.88, while Connor Courtney chipped in with 16.

Bryn McCallan produced the outstanding individual bowling performance of the season, returning magnificent figures of 6 for 12 on his way to 13 wickets. John Busby also deserves recognition for his economical bowling, taking 10 wickets at 13.70.

Ultimately, sixth place represented a respectable return, but Templepatrick will feel there is scope for improvement. With a strong collection of all-rounders and proven match-winners, they have the foundations to challenge higher up the table next season.

Templepatrick – Top 10 Batters

1. Jack Smyth – 390 runs at 32.50 (HS 111\*)
2. Jancan Adams – 385 runs at 35.00 (HS 73\*)
3. Nik Kane – 289 runs at 20.64 (HS 63)
4. Mark Thompson – 288 runs at 15.16 (HS 60)
5. Ben Cave – 264 runs at 16.50 (HS 92)
6. Shane Henderson – 250 runs at 11.90 (HS 41)
7. Curtley Deelman – 244 runs at 30.50 (HS 56)
8. Levi Cave – 231 runs at 17.77 (HS 82)
9. Jack Morrow – 221 runs at 13.81 (HS 38\*)
10. Michael Stewart – 154 runs at 12.83 (HS 33)

Templepatrick – Top 10 Bowlers

1. Jancan Adams – 28 wickets at 12.21 (Best 5-12)
2. Shane Henderson – 28 wickets at 20.86 (Best 4-12)
3. Ben Cave – 18 wickets at 23.06 (Best 5-24)
4. Michael Stewart – 17 wickets at 16.88 (Best 2-13)
5. Connor Courtney – 16 wickets at 17.69 (Best 3-35)
6. Bryn McCallan – 13 wickets at 16.46 (Best 6-12)
7. Fintan McCarthy – 11 wickets at 40.64 (Best 2-13)
8. John Busby – 10 wickets at 13.70 (Best 4-14)
9. Curtley Deelman – 10 wickets at 16.50 (Best 3-7)
10. Andrew Greer – 9 wickets at 16.78 (Best 3-10)