A Rydal Penrhos pupil and talented cricketer was rewarded for his outstanding progression with a national squad trial recently.

James Gilman, who is about to enter Year 11, has made considerable progress both in school, for Mochdre Cricket Club and following his selection to the North Wales youth squad following a successful assessment.

His progression through the Cricket Wales pathway has come with significant praise, with coaches putting James forward as one of three players from North Wales for national squad consideration this summer.

This saw James make the long trip to Port Talbot for two T20 trial games, where he was assessed for possible inclusion in the future.

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James had been part of the school’s first XI last summer, participating in a number of competitive fixtures and also representing Rydal Penrhos against the MCC during their prestigious annual fixture on New Field.

Nicky Head, who is Head of Physical Education at Rydal Penrhos: “Everyone would like to congratulate James on this latest accomplishment.

“One that he’s worked immensely hard to attain with sterling commitment to improving both in school and during his own time.

“This was another significant milestone for James to celebrate.

“We look forward to hearing about more accomplishments in the not-too-distant future.”