TALENTED club cricketers from across the county were part of a memorable pre-season tour to Sri Lanka.

Wormelow’s Joe Jenkins and Freddy Harding, Brockhampton duo Richard Jones and Theo Mayell, and Ross-on-Wye’s Adam Parkes all enjoyed Monmouth School for Boys’ successful trip.

Harry Friend, from Ross-on-Wye, who plays his club cricket at Monmouth, also showed maturity with the bat.

The team achieved three wins from six matches as 19 boys from last year’s successful Under-13 and Under-14 squads impressed in the challenging conditions.

Friend hit 28 as the boys’ tour began in Kandy where stifling heat, fatigue from the long journey and accomplished opposition combined to inflict a 92-run loss.

After St Anne’s College, Kurunegala, had posted 157-3 from 25 overs, Monmouth were bowled out for 65 in which Friend top scored.

Mayell struck a mature 28 not out against Colombo International School at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium where Monmouth recorded an emphatic 118-run triumph.

In the penultimate match against St Thomas’ College, Matara, Friend hit 29 as Monmouth were dismissed for 159 after they had contained the hosts to 190-7 from 30 overs.

Monmouth School for Boys rounded off the tour on a high, sealing a two-wicket win against Rahula College, Matara, to highlight just how much progress the boys had made since the opening match.

Parkes (2-27) took the bowling honours in restricting Rahula to 174-7 from 30 overs. Friend then made 39 in helping Monmouth to overhaul the total.

Reserve wicketkeeper Jones worked hard with the bat and performed creditably with the gloves, achieving two smart stumpings.

Jenkins and Harding both grew in confidence throughout the tour and bowled important spells in tough conditions.