14-year-old Callum Gaffney is one to watch after 2,500 runs this season, something which has not been seen at his school for more than 20 years.
Callum has been impressing his coaches who haven’t seen talent such as his at the school since the likes of Mike Roseberry, Phillip Weston, and Gordon Muchall – who all excelled in first class cricket.
This cricket season has been a busy one for Callum; he represented Durham County Cricket Club U14, U15 and U17, played for Durham Academy and was on the Durham School’s first team.
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Callum said: “My proudest achievement over this season would be playing for the Durham Academy U19 team against Scotland U19 World Cup side and scoring 71 batting with an up and coming star known as Harry Crawshaw which was a great experience that I won't forget.”
Callum’s club team, Durham City, has had a lot of success in the U15 team. Not only did they win the overall league but they also won the Ken Ferguson Cup and placed top 16 in the country in the ECB Vitality Blast.
Playing for Durham School, Callum’s highest score was 148 against Newcastle School for Boys and for Durham City Cricket Club 2nd XI, Callum scored 167 which was his personal best of the season.
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Head of Cricket at Durham School, Mr Fishwick said, “Callum has made over 2500 runs now and for an U14 that is an outstanding season. His ball striking is exceptional for such a young boy and he has done well every time he has been challenged. It’s exciting as a coach to see any cricketer do well but to see a young player with the potential to play at the highest level is what we are always trying to achieve. The last players from Durham School to achieve these numbers were Mike Roseberry OD, Phillip Weston OD, and Gordon Muchall OD – who all went on to play first class cricket! If Callum keeps his passion and work ethic for the game he has a great chance.”
Over the next couple of years, Callum hopes to sign a contract with the Durham Academy and he aspires to make it to the Bunbury Cup. For now, he is enjoying playing cricket at Durham County Cricket Club and Durham School.
Callum said, “My favourite thing about playing for school is being able to play against schools around the country and most importantly representing the school badge.”
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