ROWDE teenager Tom Alsop has been awarded a development contract with first-class county Hampshire for the next two years.

The 18-year old wicketkeeper/batsman burst onto the scene last season when he was called upon to keep during Hampshire’s Yorkshire Bank 40 match against Lancashire at The Ageas Bowl after Adam Wheater suffered an injury during the warm-up.

Potterne player Alsop has since impressed in second team cricket for the county and said: “My aim at the start of the year was to earn myself a professional contract by the end of the season, so the fact I’ve done it in April is a great feeling.

"The club have shown a lot of faith in me by offering me a two-year contract so hopefully I can continue to impress and have a good season.

Alsop, also an England age-group hockey international, hit 150 against a Surrey 2nd XI in a pre-season friendly earlier this month.

he added: “Playing a key role in the Hampshire Second XI, averaging around 40, is what I’m aiming for now this season. My recent hundred against Surrey has given me a lot of confidence to hopefully try and push for a spot in the First Team.”

Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White said: “Tom is a real talent and his early season form has showed that he has the potential to play a big part in Hampshire’s future. This is just the start for Tom, and hopefully he can keep working hard to make sure he fulfils his potential.”

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