CHURCH all-rounder Levi Wolfenden has enjoyed a trial with Kevin Pietersen’s Surrey following a run-laden winter Down Under.

The Church batsman piled on 774 runs last term as Church finished in fifth spot in 2014.

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That attracted the attention of Aussie talent scouts and Wolfenden signed on the dotted line for Melbourne outfit Merlynston Hadfield – where he finished the campaign as the league’s second highest scorer.

“I really enjoyed batting on the hard tracks out there, it was a real adventure to play in Australia against fresh opposition and I came back in decent nick,” said the Church vice-captain.

Wolfenden has taken his excellent form with the bat and ball into the new campaign and a 4 for 37 burst against Rishton last weekend saw Church climb up to fourth place courtesy of a six-wicket win.

“When I got back to England at the end of April I was invited down to Surrey for a trial game at Charterhouse School and I really enjoyed it.

“You just need to try and keep yourself in the shop window because you never know what might happen in the future.”

Wolfenden, who landed junior honours with Lancashire, also turned out for Minor Counties side Staffordshire last month as his reputation continues to grow.

He added: “It was against Lancashire seconds who had Jordan Clark and Karl Brown in their line-up, and they were playing for their first X1 against Surrey at the Oval this week.

“That 50-over game put me in against players with plenty of first-class experience and it was a bit of an eye opener.

“I’m only 22, and I’d love to play professionally one day.

“The competition is fierce but you never give up on it.”

Sunday’s Lancashire League fixtures: Accrington v Church, Bacup v Rawtenstall, Haslingden v Ramsbottom, Lowerhouse v Colne, Nelson v Burnley, Rishton v East Lancs, Todmorden v Enfield.