Northop CC teenager Romano Franco makes Wales squad – Grassroots North Wales | Promote local sport | Dave Jones, sports writer

Romano Franco, youngster from Northop CC will do his National counties debut for Wales this weekend as they conclude their 50-over trophy campaign in Hertfordshire.

The 17-year-old left-arm spinner has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past 12 months where, as recently as last season, he was regularly keeping wicket at club level.

Fast forward to now and the Northop youngster has his place in the Glamorgan Academymade his debut for Glamorgan's 2nd XI and is likely to become one of the youngest players from the region to play National Counties cricket – all without gloves!

Originally a product of Buckley Cricket ClubFranco has really started to make his mark with the ball in the Premier Division with new side Northop this season, taking 16 wickets at 11.31 apiece with a best of 3-17 against Brymbo on May 25.

His club captain, Bart Ryan-Beswicksaid: “Absolutely delighted for him. I think he deserves this opportunity and it’s great to see South Wales looking north!

In previous seasons, Franco made regular appearances for Hawarden Park And Buckley 1st XIwhile he also represented Wales NC North Under 19taking 2-37 against Shrewsbury School.

A more than competent batsman, he has a senior century to his name, scoring 116 runs without outs for Buckley's opening seconds against Mynydd Isa and Maeshafn two years ago.

He also posted two half-centuries in 2023 for Hawarden.

Notable names from North Wales such as David Lloyd (debut in 2010 at age 18), Dewi Penrhyn Jones (debut in 2012 at age 18), Will Owen (debut in 2007 at age 18) And Josh Andrady (debut in 2019 at age 18) were all older than Franco and potentially the youngest in history.

Romano also becomes the sixth North Walian to represent the senior national team in the last three years after Jason Foulkes, Will Ryan, Harrison Jones, Matty Ryan And Owen Reilly.

Reading from Hitchin begins at 11am on Sunday with free entry and live streaming expected.

Wales NC from: HLR Friend (Newport), CR Nicholls (St Fagans), SH Roberts (Swansea), HE Hurle (Cardiff), BL Wadlan (Swansea), CL Herring*+ (Pontarddulais), MC Ayres (Bedminster), TH Moses (Cowbridge) , A Hameed (Swansea), BJ Morris (Pontarddulais), RCM Franco (Northop).