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Moonraker wins England chance

Laura Kenny
19/ 7/2007

A TALENTED YOUNG cricketer described as "A bit of a Freddy Flintoff" has been picked to play in a prestigious national tournament, writes Laura Kenny.

Middleton Cricket Club all-rounder Grant Jones was bowled over after being selected for the North of England under 15s squad for the Bunbury Festival.

Next week's Festival pits the four England and Wales Cricket Board regions of North, South, Midlands and West against each other, with the star performers picked for England under 15s.

The cricket-mad teenager, from Alkrington, already plays for Middleton's first team and Lancashire youth.

His selection follows trials recently held in Leeds.

A delighted Grant, 15, said: "It's great. There are going to be a lot of people watching and looking to the future, so I want to do my best.

"I started playing cricket with my older brother and his friends so I had to get to their standard pretty quickly. Everyone is really pleased for me and have been very supportive."

Proud dad Neil said: "We are delighted. It is a fantastic achievement, and we are very proud of him."

Gordon Howarth, chairman of Middleton Cricket Club's junior section, added: "We are very proud. It is a tremendous achievement and we have very high hopes for him.

"He is only young, and there is a long way to go, but it is fantastic both for the lad and his family."