Byrom joins Glamorgan in search of more first-team opportunities

SOMERSET’S Eddie Byrom has joined Glamorgan on loan for the remainder of the season, with a view to a permanent move.

The 24-year-old batsman, whose contract expires at the end of this year, graduated from the Somerset Academy in 2016.

He made his debut at Hampshire in the 2017 County Championship and since then he has gone on to feature in more than 50 matches, scoring over 1,500 runs across the three formats of the game.

Byrom, pictured, said: “I’ll be taking so many good memories with me. The club means the world to me. Somerset gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of being a professional cricketer and made that a reality.

“I’ll always remember the packed houses and the great support at Taunton. It’s been great to play for the club. I’m sad I’m leaving but it’s equally exciting to be taking up this opportunity.

“This move will give me the chance to experience a new environment and link up again with Matt Maynard, who I get on really well with. Glamorgan have a strong squad with some really good young players and hopefully I can help to take the club forward and help them to build on their recent success.”

Andy Hurry, Somerset’s director of cricket, said: “Regrettably, Eddie hasn’t been able to nail down regular first XI cricket this summer, and with the emergence of some really promising and high-potential batsman making their way through the system and demonstrating their talent when opportunities have presented themselves, we have had to make the difficult decision not to extend Eddie’s contract. Eddie has been totally committed to playing and training throughout his career with Somerset and his contributions on and off the field are a great credit to him.

“He has played a valuable part in the club’s recent progress on the field, been a really valuable member of the dressing room and we all wish him every success moving forward in this next chapter of his career.”

Meanwhile, Sam Young will leave Somerset at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old’s contract expires this winter and the club have taken the decision not to offer him an extension.

Young joined the Somerset Academy ahead of the 2017 season, after progressing through the Somerset emerging player programme and the Somerset age group pathway. He went on to sign his first professional contract in 2019.

The top-order batsman, who hails from Radstock and plays his club cricket for Bath, was educated at Millfield School and featured in eight matches for the County in this season’s Royal London Cup.

Hurry said: “Everyone connected with the club would like to thank Sam for his effort and commitment during his time with us. From his time on the pathway, through to the present day, Sam has been a real pleasure to work with.

“During a period where there is significant competition for places, first XI opportunities would be limited moving forward and we therefore wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

Young said: “The last two years have been a really good experience and I’ve learned a huge amount. I’ve been at the club since I was 10 and it’s been one of the best experiences of my life.

“The fans at Somerset are different to anywhere else in the country. The atmosphere at the ground is second to none, and no matter how I was playing, they were always supportive.”