International Junior Player of the Year nominees announced

Peter Eakin, Tyrone Kane and Jack Tector are the three players short-listed in the International Junior Player of the Year category for the inaugural RSA Cricket Ireland Awards, being held at The Round Room, Mansion House in Dublin next month.

The players were selected for performances at international and representative level by a judging panel made up of international and representative youth coaches as well as Performance Director Richard Holdsworth.

Under-15 captain Tector was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC European Championships in Guernsey where he scored 126 runs at an average of 42, top scoring with 80 against the hosts, and took seven wickets at a miserly average of just 6.57, with a best bowling return of 5 for 26 versus Scotland. Although it didn'tcount towards the nomination, the YMCA youngster also recorded the best bowling analysis in the Leinster Senior League - taking an amazing eight-wicket haul against Clontarf.

North Down all-rounder Peter Eakin starred for Ireland at Under 17 level, turning in a number of eye catching performances in the ICC European Regional U/17 Challenge Series. He top scored with 74 and took two wickets as Ireland won the first challenge match against The Netherlands, while he made 65 and took two wickets as Ireland won both their games at home to Jersey.

Merrion all-rounder Tyrone Kane enhanced his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the country following a successful ICC Under 19 World Cup in Australia. He was Ireland's leading run scorer in the campaign, totalling 197 runs at a healthy average of 49.25, and also picked up five wickets at 26.00.

Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth said: "Each of these players has had an outstanding season at youth level for Ireland and in some case for their provincial union youth teams. The panel considered many other players who have made significant contributions at youth level, but these three players stood out above the rest.

"There were also junior players who have contributed successfully at senior club level, but that was not part of the criteria. Such performances bode well for the future of Irish cricket, and we hope to see them all progress further up the player pathway to greater things."

For further information about the RSA Cricket Ireland Awards on 16th November 2012, visit www.cricketireland.ie/awards