A BOLTON cricketer has just helped Lancashire Under-15s to the Royal London County Cup.

Bolton School pupil Dan Southworth was part of the triumphant side who defeated defending champions Surrey.

The youngster has had a good season so far and scored 343 runs and averaged 42 for the unbeaten county side this campaign.

Dad Alan Southworth said: "They are all really excited and delighted with how the season has gone.

"They won all their games and it is a very strong side.

"It is a fitting end to the season to beat Surrey and quite comfortably at it.

"Dan has not got many runs in the final few games but all his contributions were in the group stages.

"Against Nottingham in the first match he got 84 then against Cheshire he was not out on 89.

"He chipped in with a few 30s and 40s after that and done well.

"They are all just a fantastic team to be involved in and all pull together.

"If one of them is not performing as well then the others club together and someone else does it to ensure they win."

Southworth was one of seven Lancashire players to be selected for the English School's Bunbury Festival.

The event brings together some of the brightest young players from around the country to compete in a competition.

This year it was staged at Malvern College in Worcestershire over five days where the teams play a 50-over competition and a 20/20 competition playing against the Midlands, South/West and London/East Regions.

The North of England team enjoyed a successful week winning the 20/20 competition and finishing runners up in the 50 over competition.

But despite making an appearance in the tournament and helping the Red Rose side to the County Cup his dad admits it is still early in his cricket career.

Alan said: "He is still young and he has to keep his feet on the ground.

"It is about improving from here and working at your game.

"He has had a nice start and it is hard work begins now.

"Dan is playing first team cricket whether or not he makes it to the top we will have to wait and see."

Southworth is following in family tradition by playing for Rawtenstall CC in the Lancashire Cricket League – who his grandad used to play for.

Alan said: "He has had a 50 for the first team and also played a few good games.

"But the only problem is that they play on a Sunday which is also the same day as Lancashire U15s play.

"So it has meant he has not had as many games as he would have liked.

"Hopefully now until the end of the season he will be able to play a few times and get more experience as he opens the batting.

"Playing first team cricket is a good challenge for him.

"He has also played for Bolton School and had a couple of good scores and hit centuries in recent years."