Denbigh star all-rounder set for Wales cricket debut this weekend
On-fire Denbigh captain Harrison Jones looks set to make his Wales NC senior debut on Sunday at Slough against Buckinghamshire as the curtain comes down on the NCCA One Day Trophy group stage.
Jones, a regular for Wales NC North, has been outstanding with bat and ball since his club’s return to the North Wales League Premier Division this season.
The 29-year-old has notched 350 league runs this term, including two 50’s and one ton, with a highest score of 120 and an average of 50, as well as 20 Premier wickets.
The former Colwyn Bay and Northop Hall all-rounder has also chalked up seven wickets and scored a fifty for Wales NC North.
St Asaph skipper Will Ryan, who made his Wales debut last weekend, keeps his place.
Wales, seeking a third successive quarter final will be scratching their heads as to how they remain winless in the competition after three attempts this season after being in strong positions every round.
A disappointing collapse chasing 180 against Staffordshire was followed up by a narrow loss to Wiltshire in the final over, and another debacle with less than 50 runs needed against Dorset on the weekend sealed Wales’ fate.
Had they managed to squeeze out a result at Panteg last Sunday they would have headed to Bucks will it all to play for after Bucks beat Staffs by 9 wickets on Duckworth/Lewis.
As it happens though, Sam Pearce will be looking for his side to register a win to close out the campaign, with the batters specifically owing the excellent bowling group some assistance.
With half an eye on the three-day championship (due to start on 9th July) and the 2024 white ball season, Sunday represents an opportunity for the Wales management to see what some of the players on the periphery have to offer.
Ryan, drafted in for a debut at late notice last weekend to cover for Will Smale retains his place in the side and will be joined by fellow North Walian Jones.
The left-arm spinning all-rounder has been a mainstay of Wales NC North – the feeder side to the senior team – and also featured in the winter with Wales NC, more recently turning out for a Cricket Wales Select XI who played the MCC earlier this month.
This came off the back of a scintillating unbeaten 163* against Northop in the Welsh Cup.
Play at Slough commences from 11am with live stream capability expected.
Wales NC from:
SJ Pearce* (Lansdown)
HLR Friend (Newport)
CH Hemp (Swansea)
SH Roberts (Swansea)
WL Ryan (St Asaph),
CL Herring
HG Jones (Denbigh)
TD Phillips (Cardiff)
ED Edwards (Neath)
JC Harding (Taunton St Andrews)
SBS Jaspal (Ammanford)
O Rayner (Chepstow).