KIERON Womble has received a massive vote of confidence from second team skipper John Ryan after being promoted to the first XI for tomorrow’s Dorset Premier League clash at Stalbridge (1.30pm).

Paul Payne has called up the 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman after a finger injury to Jim Ryall, who is still fit enough to feature at the top of the Seasiders’ order but will not be able to don the gloves.

And Ryan, who has used Womble as an opener and his keeper this season, has even compared him to Ryall, the man to be replaced behind the stumps by the teenager in North Dorset.

Ryan said: “Kieron has come up through the ranks of the thirds and seconds and had a dabble in the firsts last year but came back down to regroup.

“He keeps progressing each time and is more and more confident in himself.

“If he can make his mark he will keep his place and he’s there to put pressure on the other batsmen.

“As well as that, he is a very good wicketkeeper. If he can follow in the footsteps of Jim Ryall, the sky’s the limit for him.

“It’s not going to be easy for him but he’s young and fearless. I’ve never seen him fear anything and he’ll take on any challenge.

“Like Jim Ryall, he is quite an aggressive batsman and scores his run quickly if he stays in for a long time.

“I have no worries about him going up and I hope he can retain his place.

“When Jim is fit to take the gloves again then I’m sure Kieron can remain as a batsman in the team – he’s a very competent deputy for Jim.”

With Ben Lawes absent, no-one will be forced to drop out to accommodate Womble and Ryan believes both Lawes and Womble could operate in the same team when the former returns the following week.

“Kieron will be given plenty of time to get it right,” said Ryan. “I know Payner is not a big fan of calling someone up for just one game.

“If he’s going to take someone up it will be for a few games.”

Weymouth: Payne, Ryall, Womble, Janaway, J Armfield, McKay, M Lawes, Ulhaq, Falloon, Whyte, Hutchens.