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Teenage all-rounder Jordan DeSilva scored his first century for Somerset and then set his sights on causing a few shocks with Bermuda's under-19 side.

DeSilva, batting down the order at eight, played a mature and patient innings to finish on 113 not out in the drawn match between Somerset and Somerset Bridge.

It was a big moment in the burgeoning career of the 17-year-old CedarBridge Academy student, who hopes to play a key role for Bermuda Under-19s, as they will make their 50-over Premier League debut this weekend.

"Anyone who saw my reaction could see how delighted I was. There was a big celebration.

"It took a lot out of me. I was on 98 for about four overs. I had a lot of nerves in the 90s but once I hit that boundary it all came out."

De Silva, who cites Sri Lankan left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas and batsman Kumar Sangakkara as his favourite players, said training with the under-19s since January had helped improve his game.

"I've been working with the national coaches and I feel my batting has improved tremendously. I've had some challenging training sessions at club level but it is more intense with the national team."

DeSilva added that he felt the under-19s, who play Flatts on Saturday and Cleveland on Sunday, had a strong enough squad to take on some of the Premier Division teams.

"I think we have a good balanced team. A lot of sides might take us for granted and think we are just a bunch of young guys. We could surprise a few teams.

"If we stay together and continue to train we should be one of the favourites to win the Americas' competition and qualify for the World Cup."

DeSilva started his cricket career as a wicket-keeper but a trip to a junior coaching camp at Somerset changed all that with Winston Reed turning him into an all-rounder.

"He saw me bowl and he told me 'I never want to see you in wicket-keeping gloves again'."

Now De Silva is hoping to get the same results with the ball as he managed with the bat and play his way into contention for a BCB scholarship and a place in the national team.

"I'll just try to do my best, whether its score runs or take wickets, I don't mind so long as the team does well."

But the youngster does have one eye on the future and said Bermuda's involvement in the World Cup was a great incentive.

"Just thinking you could play in the World Cup one day makes you want to work harder on your game and gives you something to strive for."[[In-content Ad]]

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