Allrounder's record-breaking form

ON THE DRIVE: Jamie Holmes on his way to 49 for Carrickfergus in the National Cup final against Killyclooney late last month and (inset) bowling for Lansdowne in a Wairarapa club match.

Wairarapa all-rounder Jamie Holmes has been in a record-breaking form for one of Ireland's high-profile cricket clubs, Carrickfergus.

Based just out of Belfast and contesting the Northern Cricket Union competitions, Carrickfergus has had numerous gun players represent them over the years, including outstanding South African batsman AB de Villiers who appeared for them on 10 occasions in 2004 before being required to return home for international duty.

Former Black Cap Andre Adams was part of their line-up in 1995 and another leading South African Davey Jacobs likewise in 2005 and 2007. Irish internationals Ryan Eagleston and Paul Stirling have also played there.

But despite that glittering talent no batsman had ever made 1000 runs in the one season for Carrickfergus before Holmes achieved the feat last weekend.

With just one match remaining to complete the season, he sits on 1079 runs at an average of 49, and that does not include the 122 runs he has made in four Twenty20 games, scores from which are not given "official" recognition.

Among Holmes's many fine innings have been two centuries, 147 and 130, and he has demonstrated his all-round qualities by spinning his way to 29 wickets at an average of 21.66.

With Holmes invariably leading the way, Carrickfergus have had their best season ever, winning all four trophies up for grabs this year, and he has also served them well off the field of play, being their youth development coach and guiding their under-15 team to victory in their league. This is Holmes's third season with Carrickfergus and he made a big impact with the bat in the other two as well.

In 2011, he made 468 runs at an average of 31 and, in 2012, he reached 731 runs at an average of 43.