THE son of an ex-Okehampton rugby player continues to shine in the cricket world. Two years ago the Times reported on Sam Hain's rise to the Australian U16s national side, and now he has established himself in its U19s cricket team, who are soon to play in the U19s cricket World Cup.

Sam, who was born in Hong Kong, but has been raised in Australia, is the son of Bryan Hain, who used to play rugby for Okehampton RFC and later went on to captain the Plymouth Albion. Bryan is the director of sport at The Southport School on the Gold Coast, in Queensland, where Sam attends, and plays cricket for the first team.

Sam, who will be 17 later this month, is a strong right-handed batsmen — a role he has fulfilled since he was very little, and is continuing to improve on his game.

The Australian side clinched victory in the last World Cup, and now the team hope to continue their form. What makes Sam's own personal accomplishment even more remarkable is he is the team's youngest player. This suggests a very bright future for this rising star. Sam, although an Australian citizen, still harbours thoughts of playing in England.

'He has been offered a two year contract with the Warwickshire Cricket Club,' said Sam's grandparents Ann and Eddie Hain from Okehampton are thrilled at their grandson's achievements.'

His arrival could mean a future tug-of-war between the Aussies and England for the services of the talented youngster.