Following a successful 2005 season that saw him register half-centuries for the Winchester District and County U10s teams, the start of the 2006 cricket season could not come quickly enough for eleven-year-old James Sennett.

The St Cross captain and opening batsman started his run account with a solid 51 not out against the Winchester District team.

Three days later James (pictured right) was busy making another unbeaten fifty when skippering his Twyford School side away at West Hill Park.

More recently, he was in form once again, opening the batting for Twyford against their local rivals, Pilgrims. James batted for 75 minutes and hit 20 boundaries on his way to scoring his first ever century. He retired on 102 not out and was given a wonderful ovation by his team-mates and, very sportingly, by the opposition players.

This tremendous achievement is a testimony to all the hard training and commitment James put in throughout last winter. His aim, to emulate his idol, Ricky Ponting, is a strong driving force.

"The Australian captain is tough and always steps up to the challenge," says James.

This is met by a swift reply from his father: "Hmm, Michael Vaughan did pretty well last year though, don't you think?"