Alfie Ogborne sets some big goals for his cricket career

The left arm seamer who is 18 year old has played up through the Somerset age groups and until last season was part of the Potential Somerset Player Programme. He went to Ansford Academy School before moving to Richard Huish College and began his cricket playing for his local club Sparkford before going onto North Perrott and this season has joined Bridgwater.

In the Northants first innings Alfie was the pick of the bowlers claiming three for 37 from his 12 overs, three of which were maidens.

Athough he didnt make it onto the Academy, the tall left armer has played for Dorset, who in fact has asked him to play for them this week- but he preferred to turn out for Somerset Seconds.

“Things have gone really well for me so far this year and Im just enjoying my cricket. I’m not working at the moment, but I was previously working as a labourer at The Newt In Somerset.

“However playing cricket is what I want to be doing- its my dream lifestyle and something that everyone who plays cricket wants to do.Im performing quite well at the moment and getting these opportunities.

“I went to Ansford Academy School which is a state school but didn’t play any cricket there- all the cricket I played was with my club Sparkford on a Saturday where I started when I was about eight years old and then for Somerset on a Sunday. My Dads a very keen cricketer and has always encouraged me.

“I started to play more and more for Somerset and when I finished at Ansford I went to Richard Huish and got on the Emerging Player Programme with the county and then the PSPP.

He went on: “I am playing cricket for Bridgwater and I have got 30 wicket so far this season. Its the most fun I have had playing cricket, which is what I needed especially after things didn’t got to plan with Somerset at the end of the year.

“Bridgwater is a great club to play for, there is no pressure and everyone is constantly backing you which brought everything back to life for me. This weekend we have got a big game against Potterne at home in the National Club Cup.”

Regarding playing for Somerset he said: “I made two Second XI appearances back to back last year and in the second one away at Middlesex I was more relaxed and got three wickets for 20 off 15 overs, but then I go injured and dint play any more cricket which was a shame.

“However I am now playing at Bridgwater and getting an opportunity like I am today. I got three wickets in the first innings which I am very happy about.

“Its nice to know that my performances in club cricket are still being noted and I am getting opportunities which Id like to think I deserve at this level. Id like to show people what Im about really and think I will be good enough to one day get a contract. If I keep working hard like I am and enjoying my cricket then hopefully that will come.

“I messaged Jake Lintott yesterday to congratulate him on his selection. What he has done is just so inspiring and there are so many other lads like me. Jake has never stopped working hard and now he has got his opportunity and I’m so happy for him.”

What would it mean to Alfie to be playing cricket professionally?

“It would mean everything- in fact its indescribable - I couldn’t imagine being one of the guys here at Somerset, being able to say that people like James Hildreth and Craig Overton who have been heroes of mine since I can remember- it would mean the world to me.

“It would also mean so much to my family as well, which is another reason why I keep going even on the odd occasion I don’t feel like playing , like we all do. I want to do this for my family name, and for my Mum and Dad for all the hours they have spent driving me to matches and all the money they have spent supporting me.”

He added: “At the end of it all what would mean most to me is making my family proud- I just want to be able to show them that I can do it. I don’t know when it will come, but I think it will happen.”