Lancs stump up pro contract for Hyde cricketer

Hyde Cricket Club’s England Under-19s bowler, Charlie Barnard, has signed his first pro deal with Lancashire.

19-year-old Charlie featured for the Young Lions at the Under-19s World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, taking two wickets on the way to the Super Six stage, where they lost to eventual champions Australia. 

He also took two wickets in England’s victorious 2nd test against Sri Lanka at Cheltenham, alongside fellow new Red Rose signing Rocky Flintoff. 

The left-arm spinner has played five first team games for Lancashire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup since making his debut against Durham last month, taking four wickets and impressing enough to secure a contract. 

Barnard, who is also a regular at Hyde United games, told LancsTV: “It is unbelievable feeling to sign my first professional contract with Lancashire. This is something I've been working towards for the last three years since joining the Academy. 

“I was really excited when the opportunity came around. I found out a couple of weeks ago when I was away with England Under-19s - it was a really proud moment for me and for my family. 

“It was unbelievable to make my first team debut last month. It was a bit unexpected. I didn't think I was going to start in the first couple of games, but Benky [Dale Benkenstein], gave me the opportunity, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far and I’m looking forward to kicking on.” 

“I would like to congratulate Charlie and his family on achieving this milestone of signing a first professional contract,” said Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance. 

“It is a reward for all the hard work and dedication up to this point and Charlie will now take the next steps in his cricketing journey with all the support from everyone here at Lancashire. 

“We have been really impressed with Charlie’s first steps into first team cricket so far this summer and we are looking forward to watching him progress with us throughout the years ahead.” 

Hyde currently top the Cheshire County Cricket League, chasing their first title since winning two on the bounce in 2014 and 2015.