Cricket: Young Franco in the wickets as Wales win a high-scoring Championship battle

Teenage spinner Romano Franco enjoyed a winning experience on his championship debut for Wales this week.

The Glamorgan academy and Northop youngster had made two appearances for his country this year in the white ball format, but was in the XI for his red ball bow versus Dorset at Ebbw Vale on Sunday.

Franco took claimed four victims in the match as the Welsh triumphed by four wickets in the three-day NCCA Cricket Championship Western Division Two encounter.

Day One saw Dorset win the toss and choose to bat, making 374-9 off 80 overs.

Brad Wadlan claimed 3-75 for the hosts, while Franco’s 2-62 off 15 overs included the scalp of 123-run top-scorer Finn Gordon.

Wales edged into the lead in response, posting 376-9 off 90, skipper Cam Herring 111 not out and Callum Nicholls 106.

Dorset were all out for 273 in their second innings, Wadlan 3-63, Richard Edwards 3-67 and Franco picking up 2-45 off an impressive 18 overs.

Wales were left needing 272 to win and got there for the loss of six wickets, wicket-keeper Milo Ayers 80, Wadlan 71 and Herring 51. Franco was not required to bat in the match, but did plenty of good with ball in hand.