THE Bolton Cricket Association have named 15-years-old Clifton wicketkeeper Gareth Cross in their representative side.

He will line up in the side that defends the inter-league knockout in the first round match against the Saddleworth League at Flowery Field on Sunday week.

Gareth is the youngest player ever to have played in the competition but it holds no fears for the Moorside School pupil.

"I was stunned when I was told I'd been chosen but I'm just going to look at it as if it were any other match," he said.

Both the Association's team manager Derek Bannister and captain Tony Kelly have been impressed with the teenager's form.

"He played for the under 25s on Monday against the Ribblesdale League and did well," said Bannister. "He scored 46 not out against my own club Atherton on Saturday and followed it up with 68 the day after against Standish.

"He's a confident batsman and a good keeper. That's why we have chosen him."

Skipper Tony Kelly added: "He's a team-mate of mine at Clifton and I know what he can do. If he's good enough he's old enough as far as I am concerned and I know he won't let us down."

Gareth, who lives a six-hit away from the Clifton club, is currently studying for his GCSE exams but his dad Duncan, a former player with Prestwich, will allow him time off from his revision to play in the game.

"I don't think his mind will be on the exams on Sunday," he said. "He loves cricket and I think he only became a wicketlkeeper because he wanted to be part of the action all the time."