Ben Simpson is the youngest in a family of distinguished York cricketers. But while he also may currently be the smallest, he is ten-year-old big Ben after a quite astounding bowling achievement.

The left-arm spinner proved to be one of the eighth wonders of local cricket when he took eight wickets for just one run in four overs, including four wickets in successive teasing deliveries.

Little wonder that Ben declared himself to 'be amazed' at his enthralling haul captured playing for York Cricket Club Under-11s against their York RI counterparts in a York junior cricket competition clash.

Said the Westfield Primary School pupil, who admits to being cricket-mad: "I felt amazed. It was the best bowling I have ever done.

"It was great getting a hat-trick, but even better to get four wickets in four balls."

Since taking up the game about four years ago the Acomb-based ace has always preferred the art of spin rather than most youngsters' wishes of becoming a speed demon.

His great-eight performance certainly had esteemed coach Bob Paddison purring.

Said Paddison: "You don't often see left-arm spin bowling now, especially in one so young. But this was cute and it was crafty."

Ben is just the latest of the Simpson clan to make his mark in York cricket.

Dad Steve Simpson excels for Hunters the estate agent York and District League premier division stalwarts Heworth, while Ben's grand-father, Tony Simpson, used to be a star performer with Woodhouse Grange.

Updated: 10:38 Thursday, May 19, 2005