Wessex Cricket School Academy student, Rob Burfitt, has been called into the Somerset Under-17 side to play their Wiltshire counterparts today at Bath Cricket Club.

The Academy all-rounder, who averages 64.00 with the bat and takes wickets at 14.38, has been selected after a number of outstanding performances for the Budmouth Cricket Academy in Weymouth.

Academy director Simon Talbot said: "Rob has been absolutely fantastic this season, he has really come to the rescue for the Bears Academy side at Budmouth.

"Throughout the season we have had a number of injuries, in particular to our opening bowling attack and I asked him if he would be available to help us out, and help out he certainly has.

"In four games this season he has taken eight wickets and scored 128 runs at a very tidy average, his latest all-round performance coming against the Richard Hewish College at North Perrott Cricket Club in Somerset.

"The Somerset coaches must have liked what they saw as Rob contacted me and told me the news.

"We are all really pleased for Rob, as he has been working very hard this winter with his mentor/coach, David Trotter, on all aspects of his game, and this is on top of his excellent performances in Denmark last summer against their national teams which I think has led to this selection.

"Rob is a product of the development programme put in place by former North Dorset chairman, Owen Newton, who tells me that he first spotted Rob at a six-a-side tournament in Blandford."

The Wessex Cricket School Development Programme will be running courses throughout the Wessex Region over the summer holiday. There are still spaces available on the summer camps and one-to-one programmes.

For details contact Simon Talbot on 01300 320017 or 07786264697, or alternatively email, talby1@btinternet.com or logon to wessexcricketschoolacademy.co.uk