It may be March, but Instonians wicket-keeper batsman Ollie Metcalfe has been in action this week as Durham UCCE took on Durham at the Riverside Stadium.

The former Irish Under 19 international scored 14 and 29 (including five boundaries) as the students held on for a draw against the county outfit.

The 21 year-old is in the second year of a Business Management Degree and has done remarkably well to make the first eleven in what is a very competitive environment.

"I am enjoying being part of the highly competitive Durham UCCE Programme," Metcalfe told CricketEurope.

"This gives me access to top training facilities and fantastic coaching, as well as great opportunities that are ideal for any aspiring cricketer. 

"We have just returned from a a pre-season tour to Cape Town, where we played against Northants, Yorkshire and Stellenbosch University in preparation for our 3-day matches against Durham and Derbyshire, as well as the upcoming BUCS season.

"Playing against Durham at the Riverside was a great experience. Competing against top first-class cricketers was a tough challenge but an excellent opportunity that has given me confidence for the season ahead."

He also has serious aspirations to break into Simon Johnston's Nothern Knights squad and is hoping his hard work pre-season pays dividends.

"I'm really looking ahead to the season at home, I hope to be involved with the Emerging Knights in the Future Series fixtures and that some good performances will make a case for me to be selected for the Knights in their Inter-provincial games.

"It will be an exciting year and I can’t wait for the season to be in full flight."