YOUNG cricketing sensation Josh Bohannon has become the country’s top run scorer at county under-17 level after scoring 950 runs in 14 games.

Scoring almost double the second best batter, Farnworth Social Circle’s Bohannon helped Lancashire under-17s clinch the Royal London Cup against Wales last weekend.

He was also influential in the semi-final against Staffordshire where he scored a double-hundred.

The Farnworth-born cricketer first got into cricket when he went to train with his brother at Kearsley and a lot has changed as he now sets sights on the big time.

“I started playing when my brother took me along to one of his training games with Kearsley when I was nine years old and I was allowed to join in,” he said.

“I went to Farnworth with a coach called Simon Booth and he coached me over the winter which is when I got offered a trial with Lancashire under-10s.

“I had a trial and got to play for them in the under-11 category.

“My aim for the future is to become a pro but looking at the bigger picture I would love to become an international cricketer.”

Lancashire’s Academy Director John Stanworth has also heaped praise on the youngster after an unbelievable season.

“He’s looked as good as most people in that side, and that side is as good a side as I’ve run at age-group level. There are lads there who’ve played at international level, and he’s looked the equal of those players.”

Bohannon’s superb form has also continued with his local side Social Circle where he has scored more than 650 runs already this season. Bohannon broke into the first team when he was just 15 and victories over Heaton (today) and Astley Bridge (tomorrow) this weekend would secure them the Bolton League title, but it will not be an easy task on such a tricky wicket.

“We need seven points from each game and to clinch the title this weekend which would be brilliant,” Bohannon said.

“I go away to Switzerland with work so will miss the final two games of the season next weekend so it would make it extra special to win it when I am here.

“Obviously, Heaton have got a couple of good players so it is going to be difficult.

“If we bat first and get 220 or 230 we will have a good chance of winning but it is not the best wicket at Heaton.”