TWO young cricketers are bowled over after being invited to train with other elite players.
Barnard Castle Preparatory School pupils Rory Blain and Ellis Smith have been selected to join the U10 Durham County Cricket Pathway after being scouted by its coaches.
The young players have been training every week at Willington and were spotted for their growing talents for batting and bowling.
Rory, 10, of Gainford, has been playing the game since he was five and is a member of Raby Castle Club.
Ellis, 10, of Hurworth, first took up cricket when he was nine and also plays a number of other sports.
“We were so pleased to be selected,” said Rory, who plays rugby for Barnard Castle and is also a talented swimmer.
“It’s great fun and you get to mix with other people. You feel fitter and I love being outside.”
Ellis added: “I was at Middlesbrough Football Academy but gave it up to concentrate on other sports. I now play for Mowden Rugby Club. I love rugby and want to be a scrum half one day. I also play U16 hockey for Darlington and enjoy cross country. Sport is great for making you feel energised and I am very competitive.”
Prep School head of sport Martin Burgess said: “Both boys have done extremely well in being selected for this pathway when the competition for places is so fierce. They live and breathe sport and this passion comes through well in their performances.”
