Highly-rated batsman Ryan Lockley has scooped a top Shropshire award as Ludlow Cricket Club’s youth policy begins to reap rich rewards.
The 14-year-old opener is one of several emerging cricketers at the Burway to make their mark in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League last season.
And Lockley’s consistent efforts were hailed this week as the teenager landed the Radio Shropshire Young Player of the Season award – the first time the club have received the accolade.
The youngster marked his first full season in the senior team with 422 runs at an average of 28, with a top score of 68 not out – one of two half centuries.
Will Sparrow was also in the frame along with Tim Goldthorp, with medium pacer Sparrow finishing fourth in the league bowling averages after taking 37 wickets at an average of 11.76.
Their efforts helped Ludlow to a creditable fourth place finish in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League last term – and underlined the club’s commitment to young players.
“We had eight under-21s in the side last season, and to give youngsters their chance is our policy at the club,” said spokesman Alex Robinson this week.
Fantastic
“I think it is the first time that a player from club has won this award, which is a real coup, and shows we are commitment to our youth policy. It shows we are doing something right
“It was Ryan’s first full season and he had a fantastic year. He was the second team player of the season the year before and was our first team player this year (See Page 46 of the South Shropshire Shropshire Journal, October 31, 2008).
“Now, to get this award is a fantastic achievement for him and for the club. “He has shown a lot of commitment and dedication.”
Lockley is a member of the Shropshire junior squad, while he is trialling with the Worcester Academy this winter.
Ludlow expect to hang on to their rising stars for next season, but admit a number of them could be heading to bigger clubs in the future as they further their careers.
Pakistani Ali Raza, meanwhile, had an excellent first season for the team, taking 37 wickets to finish fourth in the bowling averages.
