Merv Hughes' son signs up

Skegness Cricket Club are hopeful that the signing of Tim Hughes, son of one of Australia's legendary bowlers, will inject new life into their senior side.
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The teenaged big-hitting all-rounder is the eldest offspring of ‘Swerving’ Mervyn Hughes, who took 212 wickets from 53 test matches in the late 1980s and early 90s.

Hughes junior will join the seasiders as an amateur overseas player on his first tour abroad in April.

And officials at the Richmond Drive outfit expect his inclusion in their South Lincs and Border League squad to generate much interest within the local cricket scene.

Dad Mervyn will be over with the Australian touring party this summer so there’s also a chance that the big man with the big moustache will be gracing the Richmond Drive track at some point in July or August.

Teenaged Hughes is expected to have an impact on the young players of the area, going into local schools to coach during term time, coaching the youngsters at Richmond Drive and regularly attending junior matches.

The club is excited about their future, with in excess of 50 young cricketers involved.

Club chairman Reece Brant said: “We have a healthy cohort of juniors with 50 or 60 attending regularly so the future looks bright, but it’s the here and now that we need to boost.”

And they have called upon a youngster who is not afraid of controversy to help in their cause.

Yes, Hughes, only a few months ago, became embroiled in a Mankad incident during a Premier Cricket fixture in Australia.

Named after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad, the practice of mankading allows the bowler to run out the non-striking batsman if he leaves his ground before the ball has been bowled.

The season at Skegness starts the week after Easter with a friendly on April 7, but the first league action will be witnessed away at Freiston seven days later.

Indoor winter nets are scheduled at Skegness Academy between 2pm and 3.30pm on Sundays February 11 and 25, March 4 and 18 and April 1.

Anyone wishing to give it a go with Brant, Hughes and Co should contact the seasiders’ chairman on 07773 571443.

“We want to here from any players who feel they can strengthen our squad for the coming season,” said Brant.

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