Young Cricketers have counties in their sights

Date released: 20 August 2008

As the 2008 season draws to a close, the MCC Young Cricketers are out to impress the First Class counties in the hope of securing professional contracts.

Kyle Hodnett in action
With wicket-keeper Jon Simpson having joined Middlesex in June, his former team-mates have been piling on runs and collecting wickets to try to follow in his footsteps.

Robert Woodman, Jonathan Miles, Kyle Hodnett and Lee Hodgson have been playing with Hampshire, Durham, Nottinghamshire and Surrey respectively.

The Second XI Championship has seen several strong performances. Woodman scored his first century for the Young Cricketers, making 111* against Nottinghamshire. He was ably supported by Ian Cockbain who made 76* and shared in an unbeaten stand on 183.

Faisal Shahid just missed out on his maiden YCs ton against Kent, scoring 92. Against a strong Essex bowling attack, Hodnett scored 94* and Simpson’s replacement as wicket-keeper, Michael Richardson, scored 79.

Michael is following in the footsteps of his father David, who kept wicket for South Africa in 42 Tests.

Will to win

With the ball, Miles swung his way to 6-115 against Durham, Luke Beaven took 5-41 against Kent and Hodnett evidently impressed Nottinghamshire with his 5-54 against them, because they have taken him on trial.

Under the tutelage of MCC Head Coach Clive Radley and assistant coach Mark Wright, the Young Cricketers have gone from strength to strength, especially in the Second Eleven Trophy where they have won four matches in their zone. The highlight has been the two victories they have recorded over Surrey.

Clive Radley MBE said: “As the season has progressed the Young Cricketers have become a strong unit who play hard for each other, which is great to see.

"They have consistently shown a real will to win and competed hard in every match they’ve played, even when up against strong First-Class players in the Second XI.

“Now with just a few games left, we are aiming to get a couple more signed up as pros, to finish off a good season.

"Every time they go out to bat and ball they know they have the potential to force their way into county squads – it’s a great incentive.”