FREDDIE CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

This week has seen the youth interprovincial series continue throughout Ireland with both the U17 Boys and Girls taking centre stage. One new feature has been the inclusion of a Cricket Ireland Invitational squad in the boys event.

One familiar name in their line-up is Freddie Ogilby, son of former Irish international Stephen, who played club cricket in the North West with Fox Lodge and Bready, winning 15 caps in two periods – 1995 and 2004 – before the emergence of Niall O’Brien and Gary Wilson signalled the end of his time in the shamrock sweater.

Based in Cheshire, his 16-year-old son Freddie has made quite the impact in cricket in the region, both with the bat and the gloves. A wicket-keeper batsman, who prefers to bat near the top of the order, he attends Shrewsbury School.

Last year, he played around 25 matches including both 1st XI and various age groups. He first represented the 1st XI four years early. Freddie was part of the U19 national championship last year. His highest score in that success was an unbeaten 125 off 75 balls, and was the top scorer for Shrewsbury with over 700 runs and an average of 42, as well as having 25 victims with the clubs.

Like his father, Freddie plays his club cricket with Chester Boughton Hall, and on his return there from school last season scored over 400 runs at an average of 52, that included three half centuries. He also had 16 scalps in the 15 games he featured behind the stumps.

The teenager has also featured prominently for Cheshire U15’s at county level, last season taking 16 catches and stumpings. The squad in Ireland this week features three wicket-keepers with the Irish selectors keeping a watchful eye on possible candidates strengthening the position.

Given Ogilby’s pedigree, it may not be too long before he follows in his father’s footsteps.