Somerset hand academy graduate Ned Leonard first professional deal: "This is a dream come true"

The England Under-19 international has signed a two-year deal at Taunton and has designs on establishing himself in the first team

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Ned Leonard has signed professional terms with Somerset, the Bob Willis Trophy finalists have confirmed.

The 18-year-old joined the academy in 2017 and has split his cricketing education between Taunton, Bridgwater CC and Millfield School.

Having now left school, Leonard has been rewarded for his progress with a two-year deal by the end of which the seamer wants to be a fully-fledged member of the first team.

"This is a dream come true," he said. "This is what I’ve wanted to do since I was eight years old and I’m delighted that I’ll be doing it with Somerset.

"I started this journey in London, but I’ve always had family in Somerset, so it feels very much like my home now.

"The goal is to be playing first-team cricket by the end of the two years. I’m going to enjoy learning from some of the best bowlers in the country. Hopefully, I can eventually break into the first XI and reach my aspirations of winning trophies with Somerset."

Director of cricket Andy Hurry added of the England Under-19 and Young Lions international: "Ned has been involved in the Pathway and with our Academy for a number of years and we have been impressed with his progression and development over this period. 

"We are excited that he now has the opportunity to continue that growth and we look forward to supporting his journey into the professional game."

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