THREE young players who graduated from the Somerset Academy this summer – Ollie Sale, Tim Rouse and Sam Wyatt-Haines – have all been offered a SCCC Scholarship.

Andy Hurry the departing director of high performance at Somerset, said: “This is fantastic news for the three individuals and also for the club, continuing with the development pathway from the Academy and onto the professional staff.

“Sam Wyatt-Haines is going to be around for the majority of the winter and will be available for the whole of the 2015 season, while Tim Rouse and Ollie Sale are both going to be at university and will be available from mid June.”

Fast bowler Sale said: “I am delighted to be awarded a scholarship by Somerset while I am at university in Newcastle. It’s something I have worked for very hard on the academy for the last two years.

“Obviously this is only the primary step in my journey to becoming a First Class cricketer, and hopefully through the relationships I have already made at Somerset I can fulfill my potential – whatever that may be.”

Tim Rouse, who is a top order batsman and off spinner, said: “I was so pleased to sign a scholarship at Somerset, as having played through the age groups and spending three years on the Academy, this is where I have always wanted to play professional cricket.

“Getting a degree is very important to me, and to have the support of Somerset during my studies and playing at university will no doubt be vital to my development.

“I can’t wait to get involved with training and being a part of the set-up with the other staff players who I have looked up to for so many years.

Sam Wyatt-Haines who is a batsman who also bowls said: “The scholarship is an incredible honour and I am looking forward to further increasing my involvement with SCCC.

“My experience with the Academy over the past year has been brilliant, and it has developed my game significantly giving me the chance to be considered for and offered this scholarship.”

Andy Hurry added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for them and a reward for all of the hard work that they have put in over the time that they have been involved with the Somerset Academy.

“It’s great to see three local boys from the West-Country get this chance to further develop their careers.”