BUDDING cricketers at Taunton School were inspired by Somerset spin bowler Jack Leach last week.

The left arm orthodox spin bowler dropped in for a cricket master class, putting students through their paces and offering them tips on how to improve their game alongside his own childhood hero Marcus Trescothick, head of cricket development at Taunton School.

Head of cricket Pete Sanderson, who has recently joined Taunton School from Somerset County Cricket Club, completed the elite coaching trio.

Leach, who took 65 wickets in the County Championship last season, said: "It's great to come down and help young players get better.

"It takes you back to when you were at the same age of development as them.

"I grew up in Taunton, watching a lot of Somerset - I'm a bit of a fan - and whenever I saw a Somerset player it felt very special.

"I watched Somerset and wanted to get out and play.

"Marcus was my hero growing up so to get some words of wisdom from him was very motivational and encouraging to me at that age, so to be here now coaching alongside him is great.

"I hope it will help the boys and girls with their development. These experiences are big inspirations."

Chard & Ilminster News:

INSPIRING: Left to right, Pete Sanderson, Max Fletcher, Daniel Furr, George Clark (in front), Billy Williams-Pritchard (behind), Jack Leach, Tom Newman, Rowan Keyte, Max Hole, Stewart Cooper, Archie Billings, Marcus Trescothick.

Bowler Archie Billings, who is in Year 8 in the Prep School, said he really enjoyed meeting Leach.

"Jack has taught me how to pitch the ball properly and also to find the right area to play the ball and confuse the batsman," he said. 

"It was really great having Jack here, he is giving us a lot of good tips."

Stewart Cooper, a left arm spinner in the L6, from Honiton, said: "Jack has given us tips on the variation of different types of balls and how to approach a batsman.

"He has given us lots of encouragement and told us not to be afraid to get hit for sixes but to keep positive and bowl your best ball."