TWO eleven year-olds were the pick of the bunch after being selected to play for the Lancashire Schools County Cricket XI.

Ameer Mirza and Jack Kennedy were among a talented fourteen from around the region who came through a series of trials in the spring. Ameer who attends St Lukes and St Philip's Primary School and Jack who attends Moorhead Primary were also the only two boys from Blackburn to be picked. Nine-year old Joe Bolton was another Cherry Tree regular who attended the trials but was not selected.

They play their first league match on June 17th against Durham and then later in the summer they travel to Somerset to play in an annual week long Cricket festival.

Ameer is a keen leg spinner and Jack much more of an all-rounder.

Ameer's father, Tariq Mahmood Mirza said, "Ameer's been attending coaching sessions at Cherry Tree Cricket Club for over two years. There were a lot of kids at the trials but Ameer must have impressed them with his bowling.

"I'm very proud of him. He's done really well"

Mr Mirza of Grant Street, Blackburn added, "Stage coach Preston have kindly sponsored Ameer and will pay for all his expenses whilst he playing for Lancashire."

Lee Kennedy, Jack's father, himself a first team player for Cherry Tree CC said Jack was looking forward to playing for Lancashire and had gone one step further than he ever did. "I must admit it brought a tear to my eye when we got the letter saying he'd got selected. He's far better than I ever was when I was his age."

"Jack's been attending the coaching sessions ever since he could pick up a bat and it's great he's playing for Lancashire this summer."

"Ameer is a good leg spinner and Jack much more of an all-rounder. I think they'll bring a lot to the side."