By David Sillifant

TINTAGEL all-rounder Ryan Pooley is heading out to Australia this winter to fulfil a childhood dream.

The 20-year-old, who works at Delabole Slate Quarry, will head Down Under to play for Port Elliot Cricket Club near Adelaide from mid-September until early April in the Great Southern Cricket Association.

Pooley was signed up with cricket agent Kenny Statham who helped organise the trip.

Pooley explained: “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was younger. I was signed on with Kenny Statham’s agency as we used him to sign our overseas from last year, Nathan Lyon.

“Port Elliot were looking for a batsman. Kenny gave them three options and thankfully they picked me. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but I’m epileptic and I’ve had a few complications with that. However, last week the doctor gave me all the clear to go, so I can’t wait to get out there and meet everyone. They’re going to sort me out a job in a bar and restaurant, which I sometimes do here anyway at my mum and dad’s pub, and apparently it’s a bit like Tintagel so I’m sure I’ll soon feel at home.”

The last couple of years have seen Pooley start to fulfil his undoubted promise. Blessed with an ability to bowl at a good pace and hit the ball cleanly, Pooley has already picked up 31 league wickets in 2017, including 7-30 against Gorran seconds and four-fers against St Neot and Wadebridge seconds to go alongside 235 league runs at an average of just under 20.

However, despite enjoying an excellent campaign, the step up in class to A Grade or B Grade cricket from Division Three East will be vast, not that Pooley is phased.

Pooley said: “Although the conditions are going to be completely different to what I’m used to I believe that I’m good enough to go out there and do well.

“I just want to focus on enjoying myself and working on all aspects of my game. I believe that I’m a genuine all-rounder now. I used to be mainly a bowler who could bat but my batting has come on a lot over the last couple of years, so I want to continue to learn and improve so that I come back a better player than when I left.”

Tintagel are currently in a three-way battle with Tideford and Ladock for the two promotion slots, having gone unbeaten in winning Division Four East last year.

Despite being keen to play at a higher standard, the former Delabole youngster is keen to remain at Butts Field next summer if they go up.

Pooley added: “I turned down offers from a few clubs to stay at Tintagel as I’m loyal and I believed that we’d win promotion again.

“From now until the end of the season I’ll focus on that and then prepare for Australia. If we go up to Division Two (East) then there’s no reason to think about joining anyone else next year.”