Keighley first-teamers Freddie Pearson, Joe Stead and Jonny Wilkinson have been selected for the Yorkshire Schools’ Cricket Association senior side.

The trio have had to go through various trials, including a final one at Castleford’s Savile Park ground.

Opening batsman Pearson, wicketkeeper-batsman Wilkinson and left-arm pace bowler Stead will all be in action today for the schools’ side against the 40 Club, again at Savile Park.

Then there is a week-long festival next week at St Peter’s School, York, with the hope that they might also gain selection for Yorkshire under-19s.

Keighley team-mate Richard Robinson, whose idea it was to put the trio forward and who has coached them for the past three years, said: “I am delighted they have all got through – it would have been awful if none of them had – but the good thing is that they all work at their game.

“It is not only great for the lads themselves but great for the club.

“All three also went on the Yorkshire Cricket Board’s Under-17 Pathway to Excellence Scheme last winter, as did club-mate Jack Beetham.

“It hasn’t been an easy start this season for Freddie and Jonny, what with the weather, but they are now starting to score runs, and Joe has been taking wickets.”