KIAN Roberts, who joined the staff after graduating from the Somerset Academy last summer, has made a good start to his first season as a professional cricketer.

The 18 year old right handed batter and right arm medium pace bowler, who hails from Cornwall and attended Taunton School, has played in two Second XI matches and enjoyed success with both bat and ball.

Against Cardiff UCCE at Abergavenny, Kian scored 55 off 84 balls with nine 4s in Somerset’s first innings and then took four for 56 and then against Glamorgan Seconds he took four for 26.

How has it felt to have spent a winter training alongside some of the first team squad?

“It’s been good to have been around the boys and train alongside them and hopefully this will be the first of many years to come for me.”

What does it feel like to think of playing cricket as a job? “It’s a bit strange but I have got used to it now and this is something I have wanted to do forever, so it’s a dream come true for me to be here playing cricket for Somerset.

“It feels amazing to think I have watched some of these players as I have been growing up and now to think I’m playing alongside them.

“It’s been nice to finally get out and bat and bowl on the grass and play in a match situation.”

What’s Kian hoping for this season? “My biggest goal would be to play in the first team, but being able to score runs and impact games with bat and ball, is what I’m looking to do this season.”

Kian added: “Hopefully I will also get a chance to play in the Metro Bank One Day Cup side again but I try to stay level headed and not focus too far down the line.”