CRICKET: Rising stars invited to trials

3:52pm Friday 10th October 2008

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Talented Oxfordshire youngsters who are dreaming of making a living from the game are being invited to attend trials for Gary Palmer's cricket academy on Sunday, November 9.

The CCM Academy has proved a springboard for youngsters from the Minor Counties over the last few years, with a number securing places in first-class county age groups and academies.

In 2007, Benny Howell, a product of the CCM Academy, earned a professional contract, while this year, David Murphy landed a deal with Northants.

Smith's of Bletchingdon have supported CCM for a number of years, offering scholarships to Oxfordshire-based players.

The winter programme is delivered by a team of high-profile coaches, who are some of the best in the country.

Every year, the academy takes 40 players split into two groups, delivering a 15-day coaching programme, followed by ten matches against first-class academy teams.

Some of the coaches used by CCM academy include former West Indies captain Alvin Kallicharran, Surrey and former England batsman Mark Ramprakash, and present star Owais Shah.

Many other high-profile cricketers have also assisted in the coaching scheme, including ex-England and Middlesex spinner John Emburey and England coach Peter Moores.

For more information about the CCM Academy and the trials, contact head coach Gary Palmer via the CCM academy website at www. ccmacademy.co.uk