Isaac Dilkes joins Kent Cricket Academy for 2016/17
Monday 14th November 2016
There is only one new face in the Kent Cricket Academy squad for 2016/17 as coaches keep faith with the potential of last year’s intake.
Isaac Dilkes, a 15-year-old batsman from Margate, joins the squad with Tunbridge Wells all-rounderMarcus O’Riordanleaving the squad to play club cricket in Australia this winter.
Dilkes, pictured above right, is delighted to join the 11-strong squad and have the opportunity of working with the Kent coaches more closely.
The right-hander scored his maiden senior century aged just 14 for Broadstairs in May 2015 and was a regular in the Kent Under-15 squad this year.
He joins wicketkeepersOliver Robinson,Sam SmithandJordan Cox, Tunbridge Wells all-roundersJulian O'RiordanandCharlie Russell-Vick, The Mote left-arm seamerOliver Hills, Folkestone bowlersTom DavisandJan Gray, batsmenJoe Gordon(Canterbury) andAlex Moen(Bickley Park).
The squad received national recognition with Robinson representing London & East in the England Development Programme and Cox, Davis and O'Riordan were selected to play at the Bunbury Festival.
High performance manager Jason Weaver, pictured above left, said: “There are always opportunities for talented homegrown players and we have had a track record of producing first-class cricketers since the Academy was set up in 2003.
“We try to prepare the scholars for all aspects of a career in the game. Aside from the tactical and technical demands, we work with a sports psychologist and our science and medicine team.
“The scholars receive expert support and coaching to achieve their potential but there are no guarantees and it requires commitment and hard work to become a professional.”
Pictured above: Kent Cricket high performance manager Jason Weaver welcomes Isaac Dilkes (Photo: Anthony Roberts)
Kent Reliance is the proud sponsor of the Kent Cricket Academy programme