A TALENTED cricketer earned selection to a prestigious national programme for the upcoming season.

Owen Reilly, a Year 13 pupil at Rydal Penrhos in Colwyn Bay, has been named into the Wales U18 squads at one-day and longer format level.

The all-rounder made a huge impression at Bangor following his arrival from Pwllheli, opening the batting and bowling despite his tender age and helping them secure the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title.

He averaged 32.46 from 18 innings’ that included a season-best score of 64 not out against Denbigh. Reilly claimed 19 scalps at the expense of 22.58, which also saw the player claim his first-ever five-wicket haul (5-26) in their encounter against Gresford.

This fine form has also caught the attention of national selectors, with the Sixth Former part of the Wales U18 squad that participated in a series of T20 fixtures against English county opposition.

The first XI captain at Rydal Penrhos also earned a call-up to a Wales select XI that will test their skills against Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s later this year.

Senior School head Sally Ann Harding, said: “Owen is an enormously gifted cricketer who has a natural ability to rise to the big occasion.

“He has benefitted enormously from the cricket coaching we provide here at Rydal Penrhos, and Owen is thoroughly deserving of his selection to the Wales U18 squad.”