AN up-and-coming cricket star has hit his first century at the age of just 14.
Lanercost’s Jack Mitchelson scored 118 not out while playing in a senior Sunday League fixture against Caldbeck’s colts. The innings included 10 sixes and six fours - Jack reaching his century with a six so well hit it reached the garage door of a neighbouring property.
“We batted first. I went in at number four and just kept on hitting it. It felt amazing,” said Jack, who then went on to take a wicket when he was bowling later on.
Jack, who lives in Brampton, is the grandson of Lanercost chairman Mike Mitchelson and son of treasurer Chris Mitchelson.
His dad said: “It was just his day. He had an eye for the ball and everything went right for him. To get 10 sixes and six fours is fantastic.
“There was a buzz. When you get to 50, you get a round of applause. As time went on, we thought he must be getting near 100. We went to check with the scorers and it was 91, but Jack didn’t know this.
“We were more nervous watching. It crept up and he was on 99 for a little while, then he smacked it clean out of the ground to get 105. Everyone clapped and cheered.”
Jack’s previous highest score was 32 - though in the junior game players are limited to an innings with a maximum score of 30.
His grandfather said cricket is in the blood. “The Mitchelson name has been associated with Lanercost since its formation in 1947, when my father founded the club,” said Mike.
“It’s a major feat for a 14-year-old to score a century. It was an amazing innings. He hit it out of the ground a few times and completed his 100 with a six. He ran out of overs otherwise he’d have kept hitting them I think. It was a privilege to be there to watch him. I played for 40 years and never got a 100.”
Jack, who also plays cricket for William Howard School, has been playing for Lanercost since he was nine. He started in the junior sides and is currently captain of the Under-15s, as well as playing in senior games. He said he loves cricket and wants to go as far as he can in the game. The Eden Valley Cricket League match finished as a draw.
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