"I've improved most since doing some individual coaching sessions with Wello and Chris Peploe. I'm sure my game will continue to improve with this training and can't wait for the summer season to start."

Louie Millman, Ealing Under 11s

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Interview with Ned Leonard

Ned Leonard made history this week by becoming the youngest ever cricketer to play in the hardball group on Coaching Cricket Excellence’s holiday course programme. Wello took the time to interview the young star and asked him for his extensive opinions on his love for the game and cricket in general.

How old are you now Ned?

I’m 5 years old.

How old were you when you started playing cricket?

I began when I was 4 hitting balls in my back garden but then I wanted to play some proper cricket and my Mum allowed me to come on your courses last year.

So she did. What type of cricketer are you?

I’m an allrounder and I like to bowl right arm fast.

Is cricket your favourite sport?

Oooh yes and I like rugby too.

How do you feel about becoming the youngest ever player in hardball?

Good. It’s really exciting. I love the bowling machine and nets with the big boys. I like ice pops too.

Yes I’ve seen that. Who are your coaches this week in junior hardball?

Tahir and Jonesy. They make it fun. My favourite is playing hardball matches.

Ned this is the fourth consecutive week you’ve attended our holiday courses, how often do you play cricket?

Every day at Ealing CC or in my garden and sometimes my house though I’m not allowed near the ornaments.

A sensible option having seen how far you hit the ball I think. Is it true you wore your batting pads and helmet around the house this Sunday because you were so excited to be playing hardball cricket?

Yes I did. I was looking forward to playing so much and wanted to get some practice in.

That’s an excellent philosophy. Do you watch cricket on TV?

Yes with my Mum and Dad when they let me especially the England v South Africa test matches which I really like.

Who is your current favourite cricketer?

I like James Anderson he’s great.

Ok Ned time to wrap up. You’re coming on leaps and bounds in your cricket. Do you have an ambition or aim for the future?

I would like to bowl in the Ashes really fast against the Australians. That would be great.

Thanks Ned. Good luck with the rest of the course. I hear it’s your birthday this Friday, what would you like for a present?

Can I have a new cricket bat please.

I shouldn’t have asked……

Wello interviewing Ned Leonard August 12th 2008