Lewis leads by example (From Western Telegraph)

Lewis leads by example

12:00pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Sport

LEWIS Hough is 11 years of age and has already represented Wales in his age group as a very promising cricketer who opens the bowling and bats in the middle order for Narberth Juniors, and the County under-11s, whom he captains.

He began playing cricket when he lived in the Haverfordwest area and played for the Hook junior team which was coached by Jamie Phelps.

When the family moved house he joined Narberth and has been coached there by Huw Simkins.

He also plays for Narberth CP School and is looking forward to continuing his development when he starts soon at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland.

Outside of his cricket, Lewis is a keen Manchester United fan and plays football regularly for Narberth AFC at under-11 level.

His brother Olly (6) is also keen on sport, as are his parents, Ian and Catherine, who are kept busy taxiing Lewis around for trials, training and matches, but really enjoy it! Lewis has already achieved his Dragon Four award under the county's coaching set-up and is working towards his Dragon Five as a measurement of his excellent progress.

He plays for the County under-11s, under the watchful eye of Jamie Phelps, and was invited last season to attend Welsh squad trials and then training sessions at the Neath Indoor School throughout the winter.

It demands real commitment from the whole family but Lewis's reward for his of endeavours came when he was selected for the Welsh under-11s team.

He was understandably thrilled, as were his parents and brother, although, as Ian told us: "We were extremely proud of him before that!" Lewis started his Welsh career with a match against Somerset Schools, followed by a short tour where they played London Schools first, followed by Surrey and Kent, where he bowled really well and showed his capabilities with the bat.

He is still playing for Pembrokeshire as well, and recently claimed a five-wicket haul for them - and after having several scores of 20+ to his name is aiming to work on his consistency with the bat.

The Western Telegraph is confident that if a willingness to learn, harnessed natural skills, and commitment are key factors in success, then we could be hearing a great deal more in cricket about Lewis Hough in years to come.