Kentish Express Ashford & District
Three added to academy roster
Kent Cricket Academy has welcomed three new scholars to make a nine-strong group for 2014/15.
Folkestone CC leg-spinner Jan Gray, 15, at pupil at Simon Langton Grammar School in Canterbury, is joined in the ranks by Sidcup CC wicketkeeper Oliver Robinson and Bexley seamer Ben Stock, both 16.
Wicketkeeper Ryan Davies and paceman Sam Weller became the latest Academy graduates to earn pro deals with the club at the end of last season after impressing during the summer.
Among the coaches who will work with the 12th year of Academy prospects are former England players Mark Ealham, Martin Saggers and Min Patel, with sessions held at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence and Polo Farm in Canterbury and at new facilities at the County Ground, Beckenham.
High performance director Simon Willis oversees the programme with first team coaches and said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the players to learn from professional coaches and continue their development. It is a challenge to combine cricket with their studies but they will have plenty of support from the staff to fulfil the promise they have shown so far.” Former world speedway champion Barry Briggs will be in Folkestone this weekend. The New Zealand veteran, who turns 80 on New Year’s Eve, will be talking about his career which also included grasstrack and long track racing. He will also take part in a question and answer session. The evening takes place on Saturday at the Southcliff Hotel on The Leas, starting at 7pm and some tickets are still available. Anyone interested should contact organiser Graham Hurry on 07500 939122. Briggs will also be taking part in a charity bike ride from Lenham to Folkestone today (Thursday), with both events being staged to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. and Dormansland), with Ashford’s John Livingstone third on 582. Ashford’s Anthony Rowlinson finished runner-up in C class (580), six shots behind winner John Twyford (Uckfield Home Guard), while Biddenden RC shooter Scott Clark 553) was third in D class, behind winner Abi Raynor (Lingfield and Dormansland) and Richard Hickley, of St Nicholas RC from Chislehurst. Shooters from Essex, East and West Sussex, and London all took part, with the entry including five past and present home country international shooters. The host club also fielded a strong contingent.