We are delighted to see that Owen Smith has been selected for the England U19s invitational squad. We have long known the talent that he possesses, and we have regularly seen performances that makes it easy to see why Owen has been selected and this season he has hit the ground running and gone to the next level, which resulted in him scoring his maiden county second eleven century.

I personally have never seen a more talented batsmen at his stage of development.

Owen has been at the club since he was eight years old and under the early guidance of Phil and Roy Chapman through the juniors and then into senior cricket makes it all the more sweeter and the club all the more prouder.

The club is synonymous for players that have gone onto representative cricket, be that first class or international, and it is great that Owen can now join that illustrious list.

It should not be forgotten how much hard work Owen has put in to get here, and he has a thirst for learning and improving and takes advice well. We are privileged to have a great and long-standing relationship with Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), where the coaching system and approach has also benifitted Owen massively.

It would remiss of me to not mention the support Owen gets from his family, which has been brilliant.

Owen's selection is just another example that we as a club provide opportunities for young aspiring cricketers that is evidenced by the current crop of YCCC players that we have.

I am sure the whole club will be watching, monitoring and supporting Owen in the games coming up and of course we wish him all the best, and Owen knows what we think of him as a player and as a person.