SOMERSET'S young pacemen Alfie Ogborne has signed a two year contract with the club after grabbing his opportunity during this summer’s Royal London One Day Cup competition.

The 19 year old started out on his cricketing journey at the age of eight playing for his local village team since when he has had an interesting journey which in the end has been rewarded with a contract.

“It’s a dream come true for me and to be a part of the playing staff at Somerset, the club I have supported all my life, is just amazing

“My journey is very different to a lot of the other players because after coming through the system I got told last year that I wasn’t quite good enough and quite far away from the standard. I went away and after working really hard and playing at Bridgwater this year and going out to Australia it has all come together for me.”

Alfie talked about his journey: “I started playing with my Dad at Sparkford Cricket Club in the Somerset League, and then when I was 15 went to North Perrott who were a brilliant club and very supportive. They really opened my eyes to just how wholesome cricket could be and they took a lot of pressure off my shoulders and provided me with amazing opportunities in the National Village Cup and playing in WEPL Premier Two.

“Then this year I joined Bridgwater who are Prem One club and that club has transformed me. After a tough end to last season Bridgwater made me feel really welcome and special and that brought my love for cricket back to life, which I believe has led me to having the season that I did.

“Bridgwater was exactly what I needed as an individual feeling like people wanted to watch me play cricket- even the Seconds are getting 250 to 300 people to watch you play on a Saturday afternoon- its a special club and I don’t think that there is anywhere else quite like it.

“Bridgwater brought me in to be their opening bowler and it is really impressive just how supportive they were towards me this year. Halfway through the season I had to leave, but they didn’t try to hold me back they said to go and do what was best for me, which I really appreciated.

“I cant thank Bridgwater, North Perrrott and Sparkford enough for everything that they have done for me to help me on my journey.

“Being from a state school I haven’t had as much training compared to a lot of other lads here so its just exciting what awaits for me this winter working with some of the best coaches in the country trying to help me to become a better player- I have never had that before.

Twelve months ago Alfie was working on a building site- so lot has happened since then

"If someone had told me back then that I would have my One Day cap handed to me by Peter Siddle and then sign a two year contract I'd say no chance!. I wasn’t even going to play cricket at the start of the season so to be where I am now to me personally and to play for Somerset as well is really exciting."

What lies ahead for Alfie?

“I am still quite young and two years is a long time so physically Im going to develop a lot and over the next two years I’d like to be breaking into the first team and performing at that level. I feel that I have shown glimpses that I can compete at first team level and I just want to be the best I can be and the best for the club for the club.”