IT was just another Saturday last weekend for cricketing prodigy James Beaumont. The 15-year-old Ian Ramsey School pupil shared 17 wickets with his brother Lee as Hartlepool were restricted to 157 for nine from their 50 overs.

Then, picking up the bat, he struck six fours in an unbeaten 57 as Middlesbrough romped home in their NYSD League encounter.

Beaumont averages around 40 this term and is the youngest opening batsman in the Premier League, collecting more than 600 runs along the way for Middlesbrough and County England Schoolboys.

His tricky off-spinners have also accounted for 50 victims in an astounding season for one of England's biggest cricketing talents.

But that's not the end of his sporting prowess as James has been selected to play for England Under-15s - at football!

He explains: "I played for the Under-14s last year and was then selected at Under-15s.

"But Howard Wilkinson said I wouldn't be picked as I wasn't registered with any side. I've played for Manchester United, Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa at Under-15 level but I don't want to be tied down to one club.

"He wants everyone registered with an academy within an hour and a half from your home but I didn't fancy Sunderland or Middlesbrough,

"There's no rule that says if you're not registered you cannot be selected. He's overruled that and is bullying everyone."

The Stockton lad is 16 next January and realises decisions will have to be made then, but maintains: "I still want to play both sports.

"My 16th birthday is when it gets more serious, that's when I'll have to sign with a football club, but I still want to play cricket.

"I'd like to think I can do both - I wouldn't like to play cricket or football all year round."

Dad Nigel says: "He's outstanding in the centre of midfield but we haven't registered him with a club as he's a bright lad intellectually - he's not ready for that yet.

"He doesn't want to be tied down and his reward for that is Wilkinson has said he won't pick him - he's over every single thing and it just isn't fair."