Three players from Taunton St Andrews have represented England under-19s against Australia earlier this week.

Saints new signing Jack Harding was among the wickets on his debut for England against Australia.

The left-arm seamer, who came through the youth system at Congresbury, took 3- 76 from his 19 overs and is one of several new signings for the Saints. 

 

These include Will Christophers from Bovey Tracey, Toby Pattemore from North Perrott and Gabriel Gallmann-Findlay from Shapwick and after finishing  a very creditable sixth on their return to the top flight in the West of England Premier Cricket League in 2022 and will  be looking to improve on that during the coming season.

 

In addition to this Somerset and England batsman Tom Banton will be re-joining the Saints for the coming campaign.

 

James Regan, who is the First XI captain for the upcoming season, said: “Jack Harding is a left-arm seamer who played for Somerset in several Royal London games last summer for Somerset and is currently out in Australia with the England under-19s along with his great friends James Rew and George Thomas. 

 

“Will Christophers is an exciting young leg spinner from Bovey Tracey, who played for Devon in their one day game against Somerset last year.

 

“Toby Pattemore is a young seamer who plays for Dorset and knows Rewy and George quite well, and Gabriel Gallman-Findlay is a 21-year-old keeper-batter who played for Shapwick last year and is also a Scottish under-19 international. He is currently out in South Africa at the Gary Kirsten Academy.

 

“Plus of course we have got Banton back which is a great signing for us, he brings so much to the club.

 

“The key word for me is exciting and all of these players are a good age to be joining us. Its really pleasing and flattering as well to have people who are interested in joining our club. 

 

“There is a really good feel about the club which is why players want to join us and we are prepared to give young players their opportunity to play in the first team.

 

 Regan added: “The Saints Indoor nets have already started at King’s College Indoor Cricket Centre getting underway at 10am and will carry on until we start our pre season matches with an away fixture against North Devon on April 8.”