The St Philomena’s student was one of only three players from Central North selected for the under 13s Northern Riptides squad recently.

The squad is made up of 13 of the best young cricketers from Central North and North Coast zones.

Ed was chosen for the Northern Riptides squad at a selection trial between Central North and North Coast at Varley Oval in Inverell on Sunday, November 26.

Prior to that he was selected to represent Central North during a match in Tamworth during the October long weekend as a part of the under 13s Northern Inland squad.

Ed will now go on to play in the Country Cricket NSW under 13s State Challenge in Dubbo from January 22 to 25.

Four country and four city teams, made up of the best young cricketers in NSW, will compete in the state challenge, with the opportunity to further progress to the NSW Country/ACT team.

This is the first time Ed has made it this far with his cricket outside of school, as last year he wasn’t old enough.

He said he was thrilled to be selected for the Northern team and is looking forward to the state challenge next month.

“I’m keen to go,” he said.

“I’ve been training up for it. I’ve been going to training sessions in Narrabri for Northern Inland and they’ve really helped; it helped me get into Central North and now Northern.”

Ed plans to train with his older brothers Jack and Paddy – both also talented cricketers – in the lead up to the state challenge, and while he said he would love to progress to the next level, he’s not getting his hopes up.

“It’s pretty advanced,” he said. “Hopefully I can go back next year for the under 14s.”

Zac Craig from Cobbidah, formerly Garah, was also selected for the Northern Riptides squad.