A TALENTED young cricketer has been rewarded for his outstanding recent form with a regional squad selection.

Matthew Johnson, a Year 7 pupil at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, was recently put forward for trails to the North East Wales squad by coaches at Carmel and District, which is his local club.

The enthusiastic individual took part in a testing 11-week trial with other hopefuls, and he impressed considerably throughout to secure a place within the U12 Cricket Academy.

This will see the 12-year-old take part in a series of eye-catching fixtures during the summer against the likes of Eryri, Herefordshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire, with the group also set to embark on a tour of South Wales to further boost their experience in a competitive environment.

Matthew has integrated himself superbly throughout his first year of Senior School life at Rydal Penrhos, progressing well academically and thriving in other areas such as swimming and music.

Allen Boyd, director of sport at Rydal Penrhos, said: “Matthew has an infectious personality that plays a leading role in the way he has developed all areas of his game both at club level and with our coaching staff.

“He is extremely adaptable and determined to reach the lofty goals that he continues to set himself, and Matthew is thoroughly deserving of a place in the North East Wales U12 Cricket Academy.”