LECHLADE Cricket Club’s decision to focus on youth has hit a rich seam.

After promoting Freddie Martin to captain in the close season with Oli Thornley his vice captain, the natural extension was to build a young side around the two 21-year-olds which would hopefully nurture team spirit on and of the field.

The policy is already paying dividends with the team challenging at the top of the West of England Premier Two Glos/Wilts division.

Lechlade have now reduced the average age still further with the introduction of the exceptionally talented 14-year-old Harvey Jupp to the side.

Harvey claimed his first WEPL wicket in the recent win over Chippenham when trapping opener Oliver Jones just as he was beginning to settle in.

Jupp is the youngest player to turn out for Lechlade in a WEPL fixture, and possibly the youngest ever to play in that league.

The youngster from Poulton seems to be more than holding his own in a side that features former Wiltshire captain Joe Breet and the prolific Brad Dial, who helped South Africa to win the U19 World Cup.

Having played for Poulton CC from the age of six, where he got a wonderful grounding in the game, Harvey was invited to join the higher-ranked Lechlade for winter nets by captain Martin and first team coach, Ryan Higgins the former Zimbabwe international.

The teenager made such an impression that he was offered a place in Lechlade’s WEPL squad.

And captain Martin is in little doubt about Jupp’s contribution. “From my point of view, we wanted to sign Harvey because simply we feel that he has the attributes to succeed at our level,” he said.

“Being able to spin the ball both ways with great deception, I think that Harvey can have a very good season for us.

“Harvey fits right into the mould of player I wanted to try and get on board after I took over the captaincy, a youngster that is good enough to play first team cricket and willing to learn and improve their game.

“Being 14 it’s impressive how quickly he’s slid into first team life, his attitude has been brilliant and he’s always keen to learn – which as a 14-year-old I feel is the most important thing he can do to try and further his development.

“I think that if Harvey keeps trying to soak up as much information as he can, and learn his trade through bowling in tough situations, he has the ability to play whatever level of cricket he wishes.”

Young Jupp is already on the radar of Gloucestershire cricket having played for county age group sides in more than 50 games over the last five seasons, taking more than 70 wickets.

He has also inevitably cut a dash in schools cricket, initially being the mainstay of the Hatherop Castle Prep School team which enjoyed great success in the independent school sector.

For the last two years he has attended Abingdon School, captaining the U15s this campaign and leading the side on a successful two-week tour of Sri Lanka over Easter.

Under Harvey’s stewardship Abingdon have had their most successful season, getting to the regional finals of the English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA) national T20 finals. He finished top wicket taker in the competition. He has also been selected to play for the school’s firsts (U18s).

“Harvey has grown into a very talented all-rounder,” said Abingdon’s cricket coach Tom Donnelly. “With the bat it has been pleasing to see that he now knows his strengths, and has adapted his game to them, contributing regularly this year.

“You always know that as soon as Harvey comes on to bowl, the game is going to come to life, and his consistency, pace, and ability to beat the bat have undoubtedly improved.

“I have been impressed with the manner in which Harvey has managed the side, and his understanding of the game is developing. His call-up to the 1st XI bodes well for the future.”