COLCHESTER and East Essex teenager Ben Allison’s hard work has paid off after he received South of England recognition.

Allison (pictured) has benefited from winter coaching at the PiriPiri development camp, fronted by fellow Colchester bowler Ben Stephens.

The Great Horkesley youngster was selected for the Essex Performance Squad and played for the London and South East team.

His form earned him a call-up to play for the South against the North and he impressed in that game too, claiming figures of 4-29.

Coach Stephens said: “I’m very proud of Ben and a lot of hard work that we’ve been doing as paid off.

“It’s been a big year for him and he’s really delivered and has done so well.

“He had a lot of coaching last winter and he’s come on leaps and bounds in a short space of time.

“He’s always been part of the Essex set-up and he’s making good progress.

“I played alongside Reece Topley when he was 14 or 15 and I see the same things in Ben.

“The next step for him will be to go on to under-17 level and you only have to look at someone like Reece to see that there is a pathway there right up to senior level.”

The opening term of this year’s PiriPiri Winter Development Programme gets under way at Holmwood House, on Saturday.

They specialise in coaching events for young players, helping them learn the key skills of the game in a fun and challenging environment.

“Cricket can be such a technical game,” added Stephens.

“You have to have the right technique and that has to happen in the off season, which is what we look to push in the winter.”

The PiriPiri Winter Development Programme sessions start on Saturday and then takes place over the next four weekends.

Places are still available – visit www.piripiricricket.com for more details.