A Nelson and Colne College student is hoping to follow in the footsteps of another famous Lancastrian cricketer after being selected for a Lancashire youth team for the sixth year in a row.
A Level student Harrison, who has been inspired by James Anderson’s recent record breaking achievement, combines his studies with playing for Nelson Cricket Club’s first team and Lancashire’s under 17 squad. Harrison, an off spin bowler and middle order batsman, is aiming to emulate some of James’ success by breaking into Lancashire’s senior team in the next few years.
He recently played for the Lancashire Academy against Durham Academy at the Riverside Ground.
“We’re delighted that after working hard in training with Lancashire over the winter Harrison has been reselected for the Lancashire under 17 squad this summer,” said dad, Marcus Phelan, a former Nelson player himself. “He has played for Lancashire youth teams every year since he was 11 and was captain of the under 16 squad last season. A successful season this year would be a big step towards Harrison achieving his ambition of being awarded a contract with Lancashire’s Academy.
“He has been part of their Emerging Players Programme for the past two years and was selected for three days of talent tests at Loughborough University with the ECB last season. He has benefitted from the extra training from these programmes, so we are looking forward to watching him develop further this year.
“His mum and I watch him in all of his games for Nelson and Lancashire, wherever they are in the country, and we would love to watch him play for the Lancashire senior team in a few years’ time.”
“We are all really proud of Harrison’s achievements on the cricket pitch, added Catherine Stanworth, Harrison’s A Level PE tutor. “Not only is he committed to his academic studies, he successfully combines his college work with a busy schedule of training with both Nelson and Lancashire. Harrison is very modest about his cricket talent but we are very excited about his future potential.”
Harrison’s success falls ahead of the College’s launch of a Cricket Academy with Nelson Cricket Club in September 2015.
