SOMERSET have signed batsman Eddie Byrom on a scholarship contract until the end of the 2017 season.
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Although the 19-year-old was born in Zimbabwe and has represented them at Under-17 level, he holds an Irish passport.
Byrom scored runs heavily while he was at King’s College, Taunton and graduated from the Somerset Academy at the end of the summer. He plays his club cricket for WEPL Premier One side Taunton St Andrews.
The hard-hitting left handed opener made his debut for the Second XI in 2015 and last season he scored 478 runs in the longer form of the game with a best of 154 to end with an average of 28.12.
After signing his contract Byrom said: “It’s an honour to have been awarded a scholarship contract by the club and this is the next stepping stone to fulfilling my dream of becoming a professional cricketer. It gives me a great opportunity to develop myself as a player so I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead. The academy has been a great driver of my development as a person and as a cricketer. It’s a great feeder of professional cricketers to the club due to its professionalism. It’s a great club atmosphere to be around and I can’t wait to get started.”
Director of Cricket Matt Maynard said: “Eddie is an exciting young batsman who has scored runs at every level he has played. He is a real talent and we are delighted to sign him on a Somerset Scholarship. He will be going out to New Zealand this winter as part of our exchange programme with Canterbury Cricket and we are hoping Eddie will further develop his skills and return a more mature cricketer. I’m hoping he’ll push for a First XI spot next season.”
