TWO Forest youngsters have had their cricket skills recognised at the Gloucestershire Cricket Board annual junior awards evening.

Chloe Skelton from Newent was awarded Performance of the Year in the under-17 girls category.

Chloe’s coach, Neil Higginson said: “Chloe stepped up from the under-15s and showed an exceptional attitude and maturity beyond her years. This was typified away at Devon where, with wickets tumbling at the other end, she dug in for a score of 32 that demonstrated the fighting qualities needed at this level.”

Performance of the Year in the under-13s boys category went to Michael Burger from Parkend. Sam Bracey, who coaches Michael, said: “With the team under pressure, requiring six an over from the final 14 overs against London at Taunton, Michael played a fantastic counter-attacking innings to see the game home with four overs to spare, scoring 45 not out from only 36 balls including three enormous sixes into the trees.”

GCB head of performance, Tim Hancock said: “It has been another excellent season for Gloucestershire’s county age groups and the future looks very bright indeed.”