Talented club cricketers from South Herefordshire were part of a memorable pre-season tour to Sri Lanka.

Ross-on-Wye’s Adam Parkes, Brockhampton duo Richard Jones and Theo Mayell, and Wormelow pair Joe Jenkins and Freddy Harding all enjoyed Monmouth School for Boys’ trip.

Harry Friend, from Ross-on-Wye, who plays his club youth cricket at Monmouth, also showed maturity with the bat.

Monmouth School for Boys achieved three wins from six matches as 19 boys from last year’s successful Under-13 and Under-14 squads impressed in the challenging conditions.

Harry Friend hit 28 as the boys’ tour began in Kandy where stifling heat, fatigue from the long journey and accomplished opposition combined to inflict a 92-run loss.

After St Anne’s College, Kurunegala, had posted 157-3 from 25 overs, Monmouth were bowled out for 65 in which Harry Friend top scored.

Theo Mayell struck a mature 28 not out against Colombo International School at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium where Monmouth recorded an emphatic 118-run triumph.

In the penultimate match against St Thomas’ College, Matara, Harry Friend hit 29 as Monmouth were dismissed for 159 after they had contained the hosts to 190-7 from 30 overs.

Monmouth School for Boys rounded off the tour on a high, sealing a two-wicket win against Rahula College, Matara, to highlight just how much progress the boys had made since the opening match.

Adam Parkes (2-27) took the bowling honours in restricting Rahula to 174-7 from 30 overs. Harry Friend then made 39 in helping Monmouth to overhaul the total.

Reserve wicketkeeper Richard Jones worked hard with the bat and performed creditably with the gloves, achieving two smart stumpings.

Joe Jenkins and Freddy Harding both grew in confidence throughout the tour and bowled important spells in tough conditions. The experience will no doubt serve them well during the coming cricket season.

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