A PROMISING teenager from Netherfield Cricket Club has been selected to play in a prestigious tournament in Dubai.

Dylan Hoyle, who is only 15 but plays for the Parkside Road club's second team, will travel to Sharjah with his u16 Durham County Cricket Club teammates for the Gulf Cup, which runs from New Year's Eve until January 10.

Standing at 6ft 4" tall, all-rounder Hoyle was scouted by coaches in Durham and even gave up playing football for Kendal United to fully dedicate his time to cricket.

"It was an easy decision to make but one that I wish I didn't have to make," said the year 10 student from Queen Katherine School, who also plays for Cumbria.

"I am training three or four days a week and working on my strength and conditioning so don't have the time for both.

"When I found out I was selected and I was shell-shocked. I know I still have a long way to go but I have all the basic attributes needed to be a good cricketer.

"It will be a completely new experience and a challenging one but one that I hope I am going to enjoy."

Several organisations have donated cash to help Hoyle pay for the trip including Gilkes, Graham Patten from Lakeland Trials and also Netherfield Cricket Club.

"I am really grateful for the opportunity and all the coaches that have invested time in me, especially Ian Heath and Mike Dugdale," he said, "but a massive thanks to my grandad who has carted me all around the north England for my county games and I wouldn't have got where I am today without him, and also my parents."