WELL-KNOWN York-area cricketer Des Wyrill reckons getting youngsters to enjoy the game is the best way to produce future talent.

And he will take this philosophy into his new post at Easingwold Cricket Club after being given the job of building the York and District Aenior League champions' new academy.

The 59-year-old former batting record-holder believes his vast playing experience stands him in good stead for the role.

He said: "I'm not like someone who's got all the certificates but has never played. I'm the opposite. You can't beat being out in the middle for learning the game and I've been fortunate to play against a lot of Test players and county players down the years.

"I love the game and that's important, and it's important the youngsters enjoy it too."

Those playing days began at Sheriff Hutton Bridge in the highly-rated York and District Senior League, then took in four years in the mid-1970s at county league side York, who he helped win the National Knockout Cup. He also topped the Yorkshire League batting averages during his time at Clifton Park, and did likewise while playing in the Bradford League.

He then returned to the York and District Senior League with Sheriff Hutton Bridge, then Heworth for a year and more latterly Thirsk, where he has been for 11 years. He has topped the York League batting averages six times.

Sessay-based Wyrill still plays in Thirsk's first team and indeed coaches two junior teams there - and laughed that divided loyalties might be an issue.

He said: "I'll probably finish my playing days at Thirsk and I coach the U14s and U15s there, and I'll continue that.

"The biggest problem we have though in producing players is the fact schools aren't playing enough cricket, or any sport."

Easingwold have an advantage in that Easingwold School have a strong cricket pedigree, with former PE teacher Bill Bell and current incumbent Jonathan Marwood both pro-cricket, the latter being a player at the club.

"They're fortunate at Easingwold and they're pretty successful. I'm hoping to keep this going and get the kids playing the game, whether it be for Easingwold, Thirsk or whoever.

"It's nice to see players coming through and Easingwold obviously want me to produce the best players for them and get them to play premier league cricket or better.

"The best thing is to start them aged about ten or 11, not wait until they're 14 or 15 and into other things. We'll do alright at Easingwold because they've got a big pool of players through the school.

He added: "This first year at Easingwold will be a bit of an experiment to find out what's what and get everything organised."

Easingwold chairman Keith Hollinrake was delighted with the appointment. "Des Wyrill has been an outstanding cricketer in the local leagues in Yorkshire," he said.

"He's coming to the end of his playing career but has enormous enthusiasm for the game and it's great that somebody of his calibre wants to put something back into the game."

Updated: 09:34 Tuesday, March 08, 2005