Shropshire cricket duo sign for Pears
Talented Shropshire teenagers Ed Barnard and Joe Clarke have signed deals with county cricket club Worcestershire for the 2015 season.
Shrewsbury batsman Barnard and Wellington wicketkeeper Clarke, both 17, have impressed after progressing through the New Road academy.
They will serve the Pears on Summer Scholarships during the 2014 season before switching to full contracts 12 months later.
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Both Ed and Joe have tremendous potential to make a big impact here at New Road.
"We can proudly say they are products of our Academy system and are presently experiencing an England Under-19 batting camp in Sri Lanka.
"I am aware the England age group coaches also hold them both in high regard and they have bright futures ahead of them."
Both Barnard and Clarke have been named in the England squad for the Under-19 World Cup in Dubai in February.
