Chorley cricket club young guns Johnson and Dobson are ones to watch

Chorley cricket duo Louis Johnson, 13, finished 104 not out while Alfie Dobson, 12, scored 89

Johnson, 13 and Dobson, 12 played key roles in Chorley third team’s 157-run win over Wrea Green’s second team.

Johnson hit his first senior century, notching 104, while Dobson hit 89 as Chorley posted 324-3 batting first.

That mammoth total gave Wrea Green no chance as they finished on 167-6.

Chorley Cricket Club committee member Oliver Smith expects the duo, who have both already represented Lancashire in their age groups, to rise through to the first team.

He said: “I have no doubt they are both destined to go on and play for the first team in the coming years probably sooner rather than later.

“They have both come through the junior set-up at the club which is thriving.

“Last year Louis made his senior debut for the thirds and went on to play a few second team games at the back end of the season.

“He has progressed on that this year.

“Alfie is only 12 and you have to be 13 to play senior cricket but if you play for your county you are allowed to play at 12 because you have got the ability.

“This is his first season in senior cricket.

“It is only his fourth game for the thirds so for him to have an immediate impact is very pleasing for the club and the two lads as well.

“They have got a lot talent. Playing senior cricket at this age is only going to help them develop.

“They are going to be playing against men who have played the sport for 25-plus years.

“They have both got bags of ability and they are certainly two to watch.”

The duo are not the only youngsters making waves at Chorley with first team bowler Ed Moulton yet to hit his 20s and a number of other promising players littered through the senior sides.

And Smith says it is something the club is proud of.

He said: “The junior scene at the club is thriving.

“From Saturday’s third team there are only four players over the age of 19.

“That shows how promising it is that you have got people of all ages ranging from 19 to 12 all playing and making up a key part of our team.

“In the twos and ones there are players that have developed too with some still  under 19.

“It is what the club prides itself on really.

“It’s about giving them the right chances in the relevant team but not rushing them.”

“They have all had the right experience at the right team and gone up.

“Each time they do go up they progress.”