Circle delight with new bowling starlet

3:10pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

FARNWORTH Social Circle have unearthed a real gem in teenage bowler Adnan Ghaus, who took more than 70 wickets in his debut season.

The 17-year-old came from nowhere to force his way into the first team where he produced a string of remarkable performances that helped Circle turn around a disastrous start to the season.

Social Circle skipper Matt Parkinson was glowing in his praise for Ghaus.

He said: “Last season he was in the third team and this year was playing in the second when I broke my arm and he was given the chance to have a bowl.

“Adnan certainly took his chance. He bowled well and put the ball in the right areas and kept his place all season.

“He is a raw talent which is rare to find.

“There are not many bowlers who have such pace but still have the accuracy and he nips it either way. He has it all; he is a real find.”

Ghaus played cricket for Hayward School in Years 9 and 10 before he progressed to the town team. Coach Mike Fletcher took him to Circle where last year he played a couple of games in the second and third teams before concentrating on his school exams.

He kept practising in the nets with his elder brother Sabah, who was then a member at Deane and Derby, and with Circle’s under-18s squad.

Ghaus began the 2008 season in the second team team where he played three games and took eight wickets for 157 at an average of 19.6.

It was not long before he was given a first team opportunity and the youngster never looked back.

In his first game Ghaus finished with a superb 5-32 and went from strength to strength, the highlight of which was his magnificent seven-wicket haul against champions Walkden.

He finished with 32 first team wickets at 12.31 and also impressed in the Lancashire Knockout Trophy against top teams Bootle and New Brighton.

In a busy season he also performed well at U18s level, where he took 19 wickets for 159 at an average of eight. He also represented the Bolton League U18s, where he took a hat-trick against the Ribbesdale League.

Ghaus is just one of many talented youngsters that have forced their way into the first team from Circle’s junior production line.

He joins first team teenagers Scott Lees, Luke Perry and Chris Taylor, who all helped the Piggott Street club to the final of the Lancashire Knockout Trophy, which they lost to Bolton League champions Walkden.

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