Hyde cricketer signs for Lancashire Academy

Another starlet has rolled off the Hyde Cricket Club conveyor belt with 16-year-old Rian Maisuria signing for the Lancashire Boys' Academy.

Maisuria follows in the footsteps of teammates George Balderson, Charlie Barnard and Kesh Fonseka in joining the Red Rose set up. 

The youngster was a revelation on Werneth Low last season, averaging 45 with the bat as Hyde were denied the Cheshire County Cricket League title on the final afternoon by Nantwich. 

Rian has been around the club since the age of five, working his way up from the 4th XI to the first team in short order. 

The Loretto College student has also been on the Lancashire Talent Pathway since Under 10s level and thumped in a double century for a career-best knock in the Under 18s last summer. 

“This is a tremendous achievement and so richly deserved,” said a statement from Hyde CC. 

“Although at times he was somewhat hindered by conditions, especially our damp climate which made it difficult for him to get real power and timing into his stroke play, it was obvious to most onlookers that Rian would develop into a serious player. 

“Rian is a fantastic young man. Extremely modest, but of strong character and steely determination.” 

The club’s thoughts were echoed by Chris Benbow, Lancashire’s Head of Talent Pathway: “Congratulations to Luke [Hands, a fast bowler from Leyland CC] and Rian who have both marked the next steps in their journey as young cricketers by joining the Lancashire Boys' Academy ahead of the new season. 

“I wish them the best of luck for the years to come – and we look forward to watching them both progress alongside our older group of Academy players, who are staying with us for another summer.” 

Rian has been with the squad during indoor winter training before venturing back onto grass ahead of the Red Rose’s summer fixtures. 

Charlie Barnard and Kesh Fonseka both made their first team debuts for Lancs last season alongside fellow Academy players Josh Boyden, Harry Singh and Rocky Flintoff.