UNSWORTH’S talented young opener Andy Gregoriou is destined for a bright future in the game.

After returning from a toe operation that delayed his start to the season, he has since hit two half-centuries in three innings to help the Pole Laners on their way to fifth in the Central Lancashire League.

And his team-mate, wicketkeeper Steve Judge, is delighted with the form showed by the 18-year-old, who came through the youth team ranks at the club.

“Andy has come back strongly from his injury and he carried his bat when wickets were falling all around him against Walsden on Saturday,” said Judge.

“He scored 600 runs last season, so that shows what a talent he is. He has hit two 50s for us already this summer and also got a half-century in his only first appearance of the summer for Lancashire Under-19s.

“He has a very measured and solid style of play so I am sure he will have a good career, just like another of our young lads, Chris Long.

“Chris is away at University at the moment, but when he is around he opens the batting with Andy and they form a great partnership.”

Judge, who has been playing for Unsworth since 2004, is hoping the pair can contribute to some silverware this season after last year’s run to the Wood Cup final.

“We are aiming for a minimum of a top four finish,” said 35-year-old Judge. “If we can do that and win the Twenty20 competition it will have been a successful season.

“I am enjoying playing down here. I open the batting when Chris is away and keep wicket. It is pretty demanding at my age but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”