Northop CC teenager Romano Franco makes Wales squad

Romano Franco is set to debut for Wales at the age of 17. Picture: NORTHOP CC – many thanks

Northop CC youngster Romano Franco is set to make his National Counties debut for Wales this weekend as they conclude their 50-over trophy campaign away at Hertfordshire.

The 17-year-old left-arm spinner has undergone a rapid rise in the past 12 months where, as recently as last season, he was keeping wicket regularly at club level.

Fast forward to now and the Northop youngster has a place in the Glamorgan Academy, has made his Glamorgan 2nd XI debut and is likely to become one of the youngest ever players from the region to play National Counties cricket – all without the gloves!

Originally a product of Buckley Cricket Club, Franco has really begun to make his mark with the ball in the Premier Division with new side Northop this season, taking 16 wickets at 11.31 apiece with a best of 3-17 against Brymbo on May 25.

His club captain, Bart Ryan-Beswick, said: “Absolutely delighted for him. I feel he deserves the opportunity and it’s great to see South Wales looking up north!”

In previous seasons, Franco made regular appearances for Hawarden Park and Buckley 1st XI’s, while he has also represented Wales NC North Under-19s, taking 2-37 against Shrewsbury School.

A more than capable batsman, he has a senior century to his name, scoring 116 not out for Buckley seconds opening against Mynydd Isa and Maeshafn two years ago.

He also posted two half-centuries in 2023 for Hawarden.

Notable names from North Wales such as David Lloyd (debut 2010 aged 18), Dewi Penrhyn Jones (debut 2012 aged 18), Will Owen (debut 2007 aged 18) and Josh Andrady (debut 2019 aged 18) were all older than Franco as potentially the youngest in history.

Romano will actually be the second youngest North Walian to represent Wales NC after Connor Davies, who played against Berkshire back in 2017 aged 16 years and three months.

Franco also becomes the sixth North Walian to represent the senior national side in the last three years following Jason Foulkes, Will Ryan, Harrison Jones, Matty Ryan and Owen Reilly.

Play from Hitchin commences from 11am on Sunday with admission free and live streaming to be expected.

Wales NC from: HLR Friend (Newport), CR Nicholls (St Fagans), SH Roberts (Swansea), HE Hurle (Cardiff), BL Wadlan (Swansea), CL Herring*+ (Pontarddulais), MC Ayres (Bedminster), TH Moses (Cowbridge), A Hameed (Swansea), BJ Morris (Pontarddulais), RCM Franco (Northop).