The 22-year-old was named the region’s new community coach in February and has been working in local schools ahead of the new season which begins at the end of this month. But he admits he took an alternative route into the sport.

Rory said: “I only started playing for Selkirk at the age of 17 because they were short of a car to take players to away games and I was able to drive.

“I was only helping out at the time but now cricket is now a major part of my life.” Rory has been balancing his coaching with completing his sports science degree at Napier University and playing for Selkirk at rugby.

And he hopes his efforts will lead to more youngsters taking up cricket.

Rory said: “I am thoroughly enjoying it and the kids are as well. It has been a real positive experience. The key is to now get the kids to continue to play cricket at our clubs. You see the number of kids playing in the recent Selkirk Rhinos rugby tournament and if we could even a fraction of those numbers we would have lots of youngsters coming through.

“If we can encourage children and their parents to take part in cricket, the sport can have a bright future.” Selkirk, Gala, Kelso, Melrose, Hawick and St Boswells all signed up to support the community coach post, with a new under 14 league also set up this season.

Stevie Halls, chairman of the Scottish Borders Junior Cricket Development Group, added: “Rory has made a good impression in the schools he has visited so far and we hope he can help more Borders youngsters take their first step towards a life-long association with our clubs.” Rory hosts a free Easter cricket camp on Thursday, April 17 at Gala Cricket Club for children in primary four to seven. For more information, or general enquiries about getting involved in cricket, contact Rory (email roryb_7@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07557997594).